Stp 2010

[MM_QFC!]

Hey Jessica,
They're probably still using the E-1 parking lot and there are folks who camp there on Friday night so, no matter what time you get there, there will be plenty of activity. http://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/stp_startline.cfm

1-day riders start exiting the parking lot onto Montlake Blvd at 4:45, so if you come along Montlake Blvd after exiting hwy 520, you may well run into back-ups as cyclists cross to Pacific St. There will be tons o' cars with full bike racks inching along at every entrance to the parking lot, so just be patient as when you get in, it's a lot large enough for all, as it shouldn't take long at all to actually park. You may walk a ways to drop off gear bags at the truck (pick the correct truck! look for a sign with your overnight stop name) and porta potties, but it's a fun atmosphere.
The start line area has plenty of music and announcements and riders are released in waves every 10 minutes or so. Take care as you ride south as the start line adrenaline is known to last most of the way to the REI stop at mile 25! People are excited, nervous, squirrelly on their bikes, passing on the right, not holding their line, hitting potholes, rocking down Lake WA blvd, being surprised at the short hill at Seward Park and stalling with lots of riders behind them, getting used to all of the police help in waving them through intersections, so they continue to blow through stop lights and signs on their own...all of the usual stuff to stay clear of!
Have a great time!
Mary