Seattle to Portland (STP) Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
Where and when can I register?
Registrations are exclusively online via our website and will open January 11, 2022 for the 2020 STP for members. Non-members can register starting February 8, 2022.
Can I get a refund or transfer my STP registration?
Only in some circumstances and before certain dates. See our refund policy and transfer policy.
Does STP sell out?
This is a difficult question. STP has a history of selling out. The "sell out" duration of time after registration opening has varied year to year. If you don't want to miss out, sign up early!
What is the STP rider limit?
8,000
I have decided to ride STP in 1 day verses riding in 2 days. What do I need to do?
Really the only thing to keep in mind is if you are planning on using the complementary baggage service. If you are riding in one day you will wanna make sure you load your bag(s)at the start line on the morning of the ride on the baggage truck labeled Portland and if riding two days then load your bag(s) on the truck corresponding with your lodging arrangements at the midpoint. There is no need to contact us as we do not record this on your registration record. About 20-30% of riders ride STP in one day every year.
I ordered a STP merchandise (jersey, shorts, t-shirt) and have not received it?
STP merchandise is produced by our partner Kotis Design. They provide order fulfillment on all apparel orders. You will receive an email notification once your item(s) ships. Most merchandise will ship prior to the event in July. Note, this mailing will be separate from your STP registration mailing (only if you purchased packet mailing). For availability details please visit there website HERE. To check on order status you can reach them at (888) 465-6847 or email customerservice@kotisdesign.com
Can I ride an ebike on STP?
Yes. Local laws may restrict ebike use on sidewalks, for example. As the STP route does not utilize multi-use trails that prohibit the use of class 1 or class 2 ebikes, these are allowed on the ride.
Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to coordinate and streamline this aspect of the ride. Additionally, all e-riders must be self sufficient, and are responsible for charging their bikes and carrying the tools they need. A small number (20) of complimentary charging stations will be available at the Centralia College bike corral for overnight charging. Batteries must be left on the bikes while they charge.
We have volunteer support crews throughout the ride, however, we do not require that they be well versed in ebikes. We cannot guarantee that they will be able to fix mechanical problems on ebikes. Additionally, our support vehicles may not have bike racks that can carry the additional weight of an ebike.
Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to coordinate and streamline this aspect of the ride. Additionally, all e-riders must be self sufficient, and are responsible for charging their bikes and carrying the tools they need. A small number (20) of complimentary charging stations will be available at the Centralia College bike corral for overnight charging. Batteries must be left on the bikes while they charge.
We have volunteer support crews throughout the ride, however, we do not require that they be well versed in ebikes. We cannot guarantee that they will be able to fix mechanical problems on ebikes. Additionally, our support vehicles may not have bike racks that can carry the additional weight of an ebike.
Is group registration available?
Group registration can be completed by purchasing our Gift Registration products. CLICK HERE for details and information. Note, gift registrations create a coupon code that allows another person to register for free. They are not an active registration themselves.
Do Cascade Bicycle Club members get a discount on registration?
Yes, members get a registration discount, and you support all our work! Sign in to your cascade.org online account to check on your membership status.
How does registration work for people who are riding a tandem bicycle?
Each rider must complete registration individually. There is no discount for riding a tandem bicycle.
How are bib numbers assigned? How do I get a low bib number?
General bib numbers are assigned by date of registration purchase. The earlier you register the lower your bib number will be. In addition, bib numbers 1-100 are assigned to our amazing volunteers, event volunteers, Cascade Free Group Ride (ride leaders), and Outriders. To learn more about volunteering for Cascade Bicycle Club click here.
Can a minor ride unaccompanied?
Cascade Bicycle Club and STP do not recommend that minors ride unaccompanied. A parent or supervising adult must ride the course with them; minors must have the “Consent to Medical Care and Treatment of a Minor” form on the back of their bib number signed by a parent or legal guardian. Cascade does not take responsibility for unaccompanied minors, and your minor cannot be placed in a support vehicle without the consent of their supervising adult.
Rider Packets
Where is STP packet pickup?
Packets will be available at the start line for riders who registered late or whose packets were lost in the mail.
Can I get my packet mailed to me?
Yes. Packet mailing is included in the price. Riders who register during the late period will have to pick up their packets at the start line.
How do I find my bib number?
STP bib numbers are assigned sometime in the beginning of June. Once assigned they will appear in the Bib # column associated with your STP registration located on your account Dashboard (the page you land on when you sign in to your cascade.org account) under "Upcoming Activities". Click here for detailed instructions.
Can I pick up my packet at the start line?
Yes, but please allow extra time due to the many moving parts of the STP start line.
What is all included in the STP rider packet?
Most importantly, your official bib number. Your bib has detachable tickets for your STP finisher item, meal at the finish line, and baggage tags if you plan on using the complementary transport. The packet also contains: bike and helmet numbers (used by the photographers who are taking photos during the ride), the official route map, transportation tickets (if purchased) and other promotional inserts. Make sure your rider number is displayed on your front/back, bike, and helmet. If these numbers are not visible the photographers will not be able to match you with your pictures. Proofs and an order form for these pictures will be mailed to riders shortly after the event. Your bike number will also be used for bike shipping/pick up and at any bike corrals. You must have your rider bib in order to claim your bike. This number will also be on your luggage tag and used to match you to your bag. Lastly, they help our support staff to identify that you are an official rider along the route.
Logistics
Do I have to make my own arrangements for midpoint housing?
Yes, see the helpful information on the STP lodging page.
I am registered for the ride, but forgot to add transportation. Can I add it now?
You can add transportation until just prior to the event, subject to availability. Please see our add on instructions page for assistance.
I am flying out of Portland after the ride. Can you transport my bike box to Portland?
Yes, you can for an additional bike box shipping fee. See the registration page for details. Your bike box can be transported directly to the finish line on the Portland baggage truck. Make sure to put the bike box 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.
How do I get my bags to the midpoint and then to the finish line?
Complementary baggage transport comes with STP registration. Please remember that your bags are being loaded and unloaded by volunteers, not professional weightlifters. A maximum of two bags (20 lbs each) per rider will be transported from the start line to the listed mid-point locations or to the finish line (one-day riders). One of those bags can be a tent/sleeping bag bundle. Your bib number comes with two luggage tags that must be attached to your bags. Please see the baggage service page for details around location and times.
How do I get back from Portland?
You may purchase return transportation for yourself (by bus) and/or for your bike (by truck) for an additional fee. You must sign up for this service in advance by using the registration form or at packet pickup. (Note: both bus and bike-only tickets often sell out prior to packet pickups.)
What happens to my bags if I don’t make it to the finish line?
All unclaimed bags are brought back to the Cascade Bicycle Club office in Seattle. Lost and found hours are between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Pick them up prior to August 1. After the 1st all unclaimed items will be donated to charity.
Can I park my car or camper at the start line on Friday night?
Yes, beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday night you can park at 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 in advance via the registration form or at packet pickup. Please do not arrive before 6 p.m. on Friday. The UW does NOT allow tent camping in the grass next to the parking lot. Stakes can puncture the very expensive irrigation systems and you will be held responsible for damages if you are found staking a tent in any dirt or fields on UW property. See Ride details page for more information.
The Ride/Route
Are the roads closed to vehicle traffic?
No. Riders are expected to follow and obey the rules of the road. Please be respectful of the local communities we ride through and people trying to go about their day. There are police on the route and they can and will ticket cyclists not following the law. We ride on many roads and bike trails that will require you to stay single file, do not cross center lines, do not ride more than two abreast and remember that single file is safer.
How hilly is the route?
Expect and train for hills. The majority of the ride is on beautiful, rolling rural roads. For a 200+ mile ride, the route is relatively flat with the “Big Hill” coming at the 45-mile mark. It’s a mile long with about a 7 percent grade. Then there is a 15-mile stretch of rolling small hills shortly after the halfway point, the Longview bridge over the Columbia River crossing into Oregon and the bridges going into Portland. See Route Logistics page for maps and details.
Is there a map of the route?
Yes, one will be included in your rider packet, or you can download the PDF from the Route Logistics page.
Can I wear earbuds or listen to music on a speaker?
Whatever your opinion on earbuds and speakers, all safety factors concerning them change when you ride in a group of 8,000 people of varying ability. We do not allow earbuds on any of our events as a courtesy to the riders around you. We also ask speakers playing music to be kept reasonably quiet. Remember that you are not only endangering yourself, but you are endangering others. We ask that people use their voice or a bell to communicate to their fellow cyclists about passing, stopping and hazards. Don't drown them out. When you register for STP you have agreed to follow the rules and restrictions set by the event organizer. If necessary to check, use or answer a cell phone or pager, cyclists must first pull off the road or trail and stop.
Will I have to pay for food on the ride?
At the official STP food stops the food is part of your registration. These stops are located in Kent, Spanaway Middle School, Centralia (for one-day riders only), Lexington and St. Helens High School. There are many other mini stops (not STP sponsored) that are fundraisers for local community groups and have food for sale. See the Route Logistics page for more details. Food at the free food stops is not meant to be a full meal. If you are looking for more than your standard ride snacks and food, please support a local business along the way! If you have dietary restrictions, we have worked to accommodate many of the most common ones, but you should have some bars that you know you can eat, and you may have to purchase food along the way. We ride through many towns and by grocery stores that can accommodate your specific needs.
What kind of food is served at the official STP food stops?
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 Kind bars, bagels, fruits, cookies and small sandwiches or wraps.
Do the medical stations give out over the counter drugs? (Aspirin, ibuprofen, allergy medicine, etc.)
The aid stations provide basic first aid to get you back on the road and have limited medical supplies. Over the counter drugs will ONLY be at staffed medical stations, which are located at the free food stops. Mini stops will not be equipped with medication, only basic first aid supplies. Please carry your own medication to cover known conditions and plan ahead for common occurrences such as muscle fatigue, saddle sores, sunburn, and chapped lips.
What if I can’t make it to Portland? Will STP support vehicles give me a ride home or to the finish line?
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.
Miscellaneous
Does Cascade offer any services to help me train?
Cascade has an annual Cascade Training Series that starts in April and goes all the way to STP. Note that this program is fee-based and the limited registration opens the same time as STP. The CTS page also has instructions for taking advantage of Cascade’s Free Group Rides program to design your own personal training program. Want to test your fitness prior to the event? Local century rides are a great way to do it. Cascade Bicycle Club has the Flying Wheels Summer Century in early June (Redmond, WA).
How can I locate another rider during the event?
With 8,000 riders on the road it is virtually impossible for STP staff to track down individual riders. We suggest that riders with these concerns carry cell phones or personal radios to keep in touch, have meet up points pre-determined before you start and check in with each other often.
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?
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. If you would like to produce a custom jersey for your riding group that doesn't incorporate the event logo, our friends at Kotis Design can help.
Is there a post-event lost and found?
Yes. Mark everything with your name, phone number, bib number and lodging location for each night. After the ride, all unclaimed items will be taken to the Cascade Bicycle Club office at 7787 62nd Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115, where they will be available starting the Wednesday after the ride from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (206) 522-3222 for more information. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity after August 1st. Bicycles unclaimed at the University of Washington may be retrieved during lost and found hours by payment of a $10 per day storage and handling fee.
Where can I get additional information about STP?
Email info@cascade.org or call the office at (206) 522-3222.
