Celebrating 43 Years of US-Canada Bicycling Culture on RSVP

The largest and oldest continuous group bike ride from the United States to Canada got underway at dawn on Aug. 23, when 1,300 people departed Seattle and pedaled toward Vancouver, B.C., to start their two-day, 190-mile bicycling journey known as RSVP. 

First held in 1980, the Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party supported by Western WA Honda Dealers (RSVP for short) is a celebration of Pacific Northwest bicycling culture and cross-border friendship.

Image

“RSVP is a unique cycling event with a historic past that highlights how the Pacific Northwest is the most bike-friendly region of North America,” says Cascade Bicycle Club Executive Director Lee Lambert. “RSVP is a ride not a race. The goal is to unite people from different backgrounds and different nations to participate as one in a shared adventure.”

From Seattle, one of the most bike-friendly American big cities, located in the No. 1 most bike-friendly state, the RSVP route takes riders northward 107 miles to the cycling haven of Bellingham, Wash., on Day One.

Image

On Day Two, riders depart Bellingham and pedal to the border at Lynden, Wash., where Cascade works with Canada Border Services to provide expedited passport checks and a prompt crossing into Canada. RSVP riders pass through in large groups–skipping the long automobile lines.

After being welcomed to Canada, riders pedal the remaining 55 miles into Vancouver. Like Seattle, Vancouver is a bike-friendly city that ranks as Canada's west coast cycling hub. 

Image

Two Days, Two Parties, Too Much Fun

Both Saturday and Sunday feature a finish line celebration. RSVP is, after all, a rolling goodwill party.

Arriving in Bellingham on Aug. 23, riders check their bikes at Cascade’s free and secure bike parking corral along the waterfront in Waypoint Park, where participants pick up their overnight bags that Cascade has transported from Seattle.

Bellingham features an extensive network of bike trails and bike routes that make it easy to explore the city–and for RSVP riders to bike to overnight lodgings.

For 2025, Cascade has again partnered with Bellingham’s Kulshan Brewing to offer riders a free beer in the Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden, where there will be food trucks, music, and local families enjoying a fun Saturday.

Image

“RSVP is a special event for Bellingham and a great weekend for local businesses," says Kulshan Brewing Marketing Manager Hazel Chorney. "We love being part of the RSVP experience, and Kulshan is always happy to partner with Cascade to give visitors a fun, welcoming, and memorable Bellingham visit.”

Vancouver Finish Line Party

Day Two is less strenuous with about 80 miles of biking. After crossing the border, riders pedal to the Finish Line party in David Lam Waterfront Park, where Cascade partners with the nonprofit Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) to provide riders with secure bike parking. 

Image

"BEST is thrilled to celebrate our second year partnering with Cascade Bicycle Club for the RSVP finish line," says spokesperson Irene Chan. "This cross-border cycling adventure is more than just a ride, it brings bike enthusiasts together, showcases the beauty of our region, and supports our shared mission to build a healthier, more sustainable community through active transportation."

Now it’s party time. Riders receive a complimentary finisher meal and a free drink in the beer garden. When the party wraps up, RSVP riders enjoy an evening in Vancouver–a beautiful and bikeable city that Cascade is proud to spotlight and support with an annual infusion of riders who spend money on hotels, food, transportation and more.

Image

Image

For individuals traveling back to the U.S., Cascade offers luggage and bike transport, as well as bus service to Seattle on Monday morning.

A Volcanic History

Cascade Bicycle Club created the ride from Seattle to Vancouver in 1980 when Mount Saint Helens erupted. The volcanic explosion forced Cascade to cancel its Seattle to Portland ride that year, known as STP, due to ash and poor air quality to the south.

Image

Image

Image

That first "Seattle to Vancouver" was so popular and well-received that Cascade made it an annual event. Funds raised through RSVP registrations support Cascade Bicycle Club's work to make Washington state more sustainable, equitable, and bike-friendly.

“This ride has endured for more than four decades because of its scenic beauty and the opportunity to pedal over an international border with a huge group of friends while Cascade transports your bags and provides food, drinks, and mechanical support. Just bring your passport and some good vibes and we take care of the rest,” Lambert says.

See more RSVP 2025 photos in our Flickr album.

Never ridden RSVP? Watch the video from Youtube bike journalist Tom Babin, aka Shifter, to learn about his experience training for and preparing for RSVP 2025--his longest ride ever.