Have fun, you guys! Looks like good weather for it, too.
Have fun, you guys! Looks like good weather for it, too.
"My predominant feeling is one of gratitude. I have loved and been loved;I have been given much and I have given something in return...Above all, I have been a sentient being, a thinking animal, on this beautiful planet, and that in itself has been an enormous privilege and an adventure." O. Sacks
Thank you everyone for the feedback, and good luck to everyone else riding this year!
Luckily, I don't have to worry about dropping off bags or anything. My friend that I'm riding with has a sister who is going to drive all of our stuff to Centralia and set up our tent, etc. So when we arrive, it will all be there for us! So, when I get to UW on Saturday, I just need to get all my stuff on, go potty, and start![]()
I hope the traffic won't be too bad, I have the directions for the detour, so we'll follow that. I was reading on the Cascade website and someone said in the 8 years they've done STP, they haven't had a problem with traffic. So that's promising.
I am a bit concerned about all the people on the road that may not be the most experienced. I plan to stay to myself, or with my friends, and perhaps meet up with a couple other people if I get separated from them. But, try to be cautious and keep a safe distance from others.
I feel prepared though. Those first 25 miles, are part of a route I do often, so I know to shift down right before that short but steep hill at Seward Park. I just hope I don't get tangled up in someone else's misjudgment![]()
As far as food goes, I can never eat anything too heavy while riding, so sandwiches are out of the question. In fact, when I did the Flying Wheels century this year I pretty much only ate what I had on me, plus 1/2 a plain bagel. I'm also vegan, so I don't expect most places to have anything for me, and plan accordingly. Plus, it's always risky to try something unfamiliar.
"Namaste, B*tches!"
Yeah, all sorts of shenanegins on that hill after Seward park. Be most alert for people who suddenly decide to bail out without pulling over, and, of course, all the wobblers...
Carrying your own food will actually save you a lot of time standing in line.
Rodriguez Adventure
Bacchetta Bellandare
HPV Gekko fx
Custom Rodriguez Tandem
2009 Specialized Tricross
2012 Trek Mamba
We usually leave from home, the mass start was too much for us. (we live in Seattle) another hint is to skip the first rest stop if you can, that will put you way out ahead of the masses. And start as early as you can; we know you're not going to sleep well anyway!
I like Bikes - Mimi
Watercolor Blog
Davidson Custom Bike - Cavaletta
Dahon 2009 Sport - Luna
Old Raleigh Mixte - Mitzi
I'm starting early and skipping the mass start (too crazy for me . . . I lived it and don't want to live it again! Almost got wiped out once). And good advice regarding skipping the first rest stop. You can lose a lot of time at the rest stops so mind your minutes when you do stop.
Look for me! I ride a black with gold script Specialized Ruby Expert. White saddle and sort of white bar tape.Needs to be cleaned. What was I thinking . . . white bar tape! It did look pretty on the first ride while it was still white.
I will be carrying my bright green Cycle the WAVE bag on my back, I'm debating whether to wear my 2010 STP jersey or something brighter. I'll probably go with the jersey. I love this year's colors and design. This is only the second stp jersey I've purchased. And I'll have my lucky ankle bracelet around my left ankle. I got it at Glacier National Park.
Say hi when you see me!![]()
Have a great ride, everyone!
2009 Lynskey R230 Houseblend - Brooks Team Pro
2007 Rivendell Bleriot - Rivet Pearl
I like Bikes - Mimi
Watercolor Blog
Davidson Custom Bike - Cavaletta
Dahon 2009 Sport - Luna
Old Raleigh Mixte - Mitzi