Tips for STP First Timer?

[MM_QFC!]

another multi-STP rider here, chiming in...actually, if you follow the link that Salsa posted about the mileage, you'll get lots of info on training, midpoint lodging, transport, etc...including the STP seminars mentioned here also. They have usually been held at the flagship REI in Seattle, plus a few other locations; they're all run by Cascade Bicycle Club. Also, you'll be able to catch a couple of sessions at the upcoming Bike Expo too, if you can get there.
Here's the link for you to explore: http://www.cascadebicycleclub.com/Ea...rainingsem.cfm

+ on getting some group riding experience; the Cascade Training Series (CTS) is run at several different levels so that you have a chance to get road experience, bike handling and incremental mileage...all geared to help you have a fun, safe STP.

Tailwinds!
Mary

[ttaylor508]

I will chime in here on leaving early. Yes, leave early, but please don't leave with the one day riders at 4:45 am. Having the one day riders start early was a good safety measure that Cascade put in place. Most of the one-day riders have a faster pace and ride in packs. It is better to let them get a head start so as not to cause congestion and excessive passing with varying speeds of riders. No matter what, you will encounter crowds in the first 30 or so miles, there is just no way to avoid it. Leave at 5:15 with the first wave of two day riders and just be prepared for a lot of riders. It will thin out once you get past the REI food stop.

[hayleymajayley]

Awesome! Thanks for all the great ideas :] I had looked into the Cycle U classes a few months ago and I think there was something wrong with their class calendar.. I'll have to give it another look, that's definitely something I'd want to do! Do the classes fill up? Should I sign up pretty far in advance?

And I did print out the STP suggest miles for training, I'm only almost 2 weeks behind, and the miles are less than what I was doing when I first started riding last summer, so I don't think I'll do too terribly!

Leaving early is definitely a good idea, I'll definitely aim for as early as possible!

Haha yeah I've never used chamois cream.... my boyfriend just explained to me about a month ago that you aren't supposed to wear underwear with bike shorts. That'll take some getting used to!

Luckily we started planning early and we got a hotel room at the midpoint, I'm sure I'll be dying for a nice long shower by the end of the day :]

[LilBolt]

It looks like the Cycle U classes start in April. When I took it, it did sell out, but I really don't remember how far in advance I registered.

[hayleymajayley]

Hehe yeah I figured better safe than sorry, so I registered my boyfriend and I for the class on april 4th :] Very exciting! Also next weekend Cascade is having a free clinic, so hopefully we'll go to that too :]