Frequently Asked Questions
STP and Events Message Board
This electronic bulletin board serves as a forum for Cascade events. It is for STP questions and commentary and also for other events. It is designed to put event questioners in contact with experienced event riders.
FAQ
Q: If I register to do the ride in two days but decide to do it one day what do I have to do?
A: All that you need to do is put your bags on the Portland truck at the start line instead of the mid-point trucks. Now you are committed and it is on to Portland.
Q: What do I do if I lost or never receive my STP registration confirmation email?
A: If you lose or misplace your registration confirmation email you can still pickup your packet at the packet pickup times listed with picture ID but you may encounter a line.
Q: Can a minor ride unaccompanied?
A: Cascade Bicycle Club and STP does not recommend that minors ride unaccompanied. A parent or supervising adult should ride the course as well Minors must have the, “Consent to Medical Care and Treatment of a Minor” form on the back of their number bib signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Q: When will I get my registration confirmation email?
A: Group Health STP registration confirmation emails will start to be mailed no later than June 15. You will need to bring this email to packet pickup. You can pick up packets for other people as long as you have their confirmation email.
Q: Can I get a refund after I register for Group Health STP?
A: No refunds are available for any reason, medical or otherwise. But you are permitted to sell or give your registration to another person. Instructions on how to transfer your registration are listed on the Group Health STP website.
Q: Can I pick up a packet for another person?
A: Yes, as long as you have their confirmation email.
Q: Is there a special rate for families?
A: Riders or passengers under the age of 5 are free and riders from the ages of 6-to-12 have a $40 registration fee, which includes the Group Health STP souvenirs. Age is determined based on the event date. A separate registration form must be completed for each person.
Q: Do Cascade Bicycle Club members get a discount?
A: Yes, members get a $10 discount.
Q: What is the registration fee for tandem riders?
A: Each rider must complete a registration form and pay the entry fee to get a registration packet, food at food stops, baggage services, souvenirs - the full STP package of services and support.
Q: Do I have to make my own arrangements for midpoint housing?
A: Yes, see the helpful information on the housing pages
Q: May I ride with one ear bud? Or two?
A: Cyclists must turn off and put away any headset or ear bud (s) connected to any electronic device capable of transmitting or playing a broadcast or recording. Distractions such as music players and radios are also not permitted. If necessary to check, use, or answer a cell phone or pager, the cyclist must first pull ofthe road or trail and stop.
Q: I would like to produce my own STP jerseys, T-shirts or other merchandise for my group, club or charity. Can you send me the event artwork?
A: Cascade logos and artwork may not be used on clothing other than that which is officially produced for the event. Official event merchandise is available for order and for purchase online or at the event finish line.
Q: I see riders with really low numbers. How can I get a number less than 100?
A: Volunteers who donate their time to STP can earn a free or discounted registration with a bib number of 100 or lower.
Q: Where can I get additional information about STP?
A: Email events@cascadebicycleclub.org or call the office at (206) 522-3222 or the web site www.cascade.org.
Q: Can I park my car or camper at the start line on Friday night?
A: Yes, you can park in the North end of the E-1 parking lot at the University of Washington. For Friday night parking you will need to buy a parking pass via the registration form or at packet pickup. Lot opens at 5 pm Friday night.
Q: How do I get my bags to the midpoint and then to the Finish line?
A: A maximum of two bags per rider will be transported from the start line to the listed mid-point locations or to the finish line (one day riders). Locations and times are listed under baggage services section. Your bib number comes with two bag tags that must be attached to your bags
Q: I am flying out of Portland after the ride, can you transport my bike box to Portland?
A: Yes, your bike box can be transported directly to the finish line on the Portland baggage truck. Make sure to put a bag tag on the box then put it on the Portland truck and it will be waiting for you when you arrive in either one or two days.
Q: How do I get back from Portland?
A: You may choose return transportation for you (by bus) and/or for your bike (by truck) for an additional fee. You must sign up for this service in advance at active.com (visit the STP registration page for details), by using the registration form or at packet pick-up.
Q: What if I can’t make it to Portland? Will STP support vehicles give me a ride home or to the finish line?
A: No, The support vehicles are on the road to provide emergency services to those riders in need. They will transport stranded riders to the nearest STP food stop or mini stop for mechanical or medical assistance. If the rider is unable to continue he or she will need to make their own arrangements to get to their final destination.
Q: What happens to my bags if I don’t make it to the finish line?
A: All unclaimed bags at the finish line will be brought back to the Cascade Bicycle Club offices in Seattle. See the lost and found section.
Q: Can I pick up my packet at the start line?
A: Yes you can, but it is not recommended due to the hectic nature of the starting line.
Q: How hilly is the route?
A: For 204 miles the route is pretty flat with the “Big Hill” coming at the 45-mile mark. It’s a mile long with about a 7 percent grade. The majority of the ride is on beautiful, rolling rural roads.
Q: What kind of food is served at the Official STP Food Stops?
A: The food that is served is high carbohydrate and high energy types of foods. The food is not meant to be a meal but is designed to keep you going. If you need a meal or have special dietary needs you should plan accordingly. Typical food at the stops include items like Clif bars, bagels, fruits, cookies, and small sandwiches or wraps.
Q: Will I have to pay for food on the ride?
A: At the Official STP Food Stops the food is part of your registration. These stops are located at Spanaway, Centralia (for one-day riders only), Lexington and St. Helens. There are many other Mini Stops that are fundraisers for local community groups that have food for sale.
Q: Why am I given numbers for the front of my bike and helmet?
A: The bike numbers and helmet numbers are used by the photographers to take event pictures. If these numbers are not visible they will not be able to match you with your picture. Proofs and an order form for these pictures will be mailed to riders shortly after the event.
Q: How can I locate another rider during the event?
A: With 10,000 riders on the road it is virtually impossible for Group Health STP staff to track down riders. We suggest that riders with these concerns carry cell phones or personal radios to keep in touch.
Q: Do the medical stations give out over the counter drugs? (Aspirin, ibuprofen, allergy medicine, etc.)
A: The aid stations provide basic first aid to get you back on the road and have limited medical supplies. Please carry your own medication to cover known conditions and plan ahead for common occurrences such as muscle fatigue, saddle sores, sun burn, and chapped lips.
Q: Where is packet pickup?
A: Packet pickup will be at REI in Seattle and in Portland. Please see the Packet Pickup section for details.
Q: Can I get my packet mailed to me?
A: Yes you can for an additional fee. See the registration form for details. Due to the volunteers needed to meet this demand, we ask you to use this option as a last resort.
Q: Is there a map of the route?
A: Yes, One will be included in your rider packet or you can download the pdf from the STP details page.
Lost and Found
Mark everything with your name, phone number, bib number and lodging for each night. Lost and found items will be taken to the Group Health STP information booth at the finish line. After the ride, all unclaimed items will be taken to the Cascade Bicycle Club offices at 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Building #30, Seattle, WA, where they will be available starting Tuesday, July 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and after that by special arrangement. Call (206) 522-3222 for information. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity after August 1. Bicycles unclaimed at the University of Washington may be retrieved during lost and found hours for a $10 storage and handling fee per day
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