The Seattle to Portland (STP) bike ride is a premier cycling event attracting thousands of riders annually. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a passionate beginner, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about participating in the Seattle To Portland Bike Ride, ensuring you’re well-prepared for an unforgettable experience. From registration details and route information to transportation logistics and support on the course, we’ve got you covered for your Seattle to Portland cycling adventure.
Registering for the Seattle to Portland Bike Ride
Your Seattle to Portland bike ride registration fee is your all-access pass to a fully supported cycling experience. This fee encompasses not only your entry into the event but also access to strategically placed rest stops stocked with refreshments, comprehensive ride support to assist you along the route, and convenient baggage truck service to transport your belongings. Upon completing the ride, you’ll be rewarded with a well-deserved meal at the finish line and a commemorative STP finisher souvenir to mark your achievement.
For added convenience and to streamline your STP experience, parking passes, bus passes for transportation, and bike transport services are available as add-ons to your registration. If you’re looking to get a head start, early start line bag and bike drop services can be purchased on-site the Friday before the official STP start. Remember to make your lodging arrangements independently to suit your preferences and needs.
Show Your STP Pride with Swag
The highly sought-after retro STP Tyvek jackets are back and available for purchase! Don’t miss the chance to own this iconic piece of STP memorabilia. Beyond jackets, you can also enhance your cycling wardrobe with official STP jerseys, shorts, and T-shirts. STP Swag can be conveniently added to your registration during the process, or purchased separately through the Shop Cascade Gear online store.
Packet Pickup: Getting Ready to Ride
To ensure a smooth start to your Seattle to Portland bike ride, packet pickup is efficiently organized. If you complete your registration by June 17th, your packet will be mailed to the address in your user profile during the week of June 28th. For those registering on June 18th or later, your packet will be available for pickup at the start line on Friday, July 12th, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or on Saturday morning, the day of STP. Refer to the detailed schedule below for specific times. In the event of a lost packet, please visit the green Cascade tents located at the start line for assistance.
Exploring the Seattle to Portland Bike Ride Route
The Seattle to Portland bike ride route spans approximately 203 to 206 miles, offering a scenic and challenging course through the Pacific Northwest.
While the map below is subject to potential minor adjustments, it provides a solid overview of the route. For the most up-to-date and accurate route information, we strongly recommend downloading the maps to your preferred device the day before the event. This ensures you have easy access to navigational details throughout your ride.
Printed cue sheets will also be readily available at the start line tents for riders who prefer a hard copy. Furthermore, the route is clearly marked with navigational markings directly on the road surface, guiding you along the way.
For an interactive and detailed view of the route, click through to see the full map on Ride With GPS.
Seattle to Portland Bike Ride Schedule
| Friday | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Early Packet Pickup | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Early Bag Drop | 6:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Saturday | ||
| Packet Pickup | 4:45 a.m. | 7:15 a.m. |
| Bag Drop | 4:45 a.m. | 7:15 a.m. |
| Start Line – One-Day Riders | 5:00 a.m. | 5:30 a.m. |
| Start Line – Two-Day Riders | 5:30 a.m. | 7:30 a.m. |
| Course Support | 5:00 a.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Finish Line | 3:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. |
| Sunday | ||
| Course Support | 6:00 a.m. | 7:00 p.m. |
| Finish Line | 10:00 a.m. | 7:00 p.m. |
Transportation and Logistics for STP
Exclusive Alaska Airlines Discount
Take advantage of a special offer for Seattle to Portland bike ride participants! Alaska Airlines is providing a single-use 10% discount on flights into and out of both Portland (PDX) and Seattle (SEA).
- Ticketing Window: Valid for ticketing from now through July 12, 2025.
- Travel Window: Applicable for travel between July 10 and July 15, 2025.
To claim your discount code, simply email [email protected] with the subject line “Alaska Airlines Discount Code”. For any inquiries or assistance with using the code, please contact the Alaska Airlines help center directly.
Pre-Ride Bus Service from Portland
For riders based in the Portland area, the Portland Bicycling Club organizes convenient bus and truck transportation to Seattle on Friday, the day preceding the ride. For detailed information and to book your spot, please visit their website. These pre-ride bus services can be added to your registration as add-ons. Please note that space is limited to 200 passengers, and parking at the Portland departure point is limited to 100 vehicles.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Friday Bus Only | $50 |
| Friday Bus & Bike Transport | $100 |
| Parking at DoubleTree | $45 |
Post-Ride Transportation Back to Seattle
After completing the Seattle to Portland bike ride, transportation from the finish line in Portland back to Seattle is readily available. You can purchase bus and bike transportation add-ons during registration. Buses depart on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, returning to the University of Washington in Seattle. Separate truck transportation for bikes is also an option. If you are flying or taking the train home from Portland, you can arrange for bike box delivery to the finish line for added convenience.
| Service | Price | Deadline to purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Bus & Bike Transportation | $100 | |
| Bike-Only Transportation | $60 | |
| Bike Box Transportation | $20 | — |
| Bike Storage | $20/day | — |
| UW Start Line Parking | $17/day | — |
Inclusion and Community at STP
The Seattle to Portland bike ride welcomes everyone, and Cascade Events is dedicated to fostering and celebrating diversity within the bicycling community. Creating safe and inclusive spaces at start lines, finish lines, and official rest stops is a priority. We encourage all participants to review our commitment to anti-racism, participant code of conduct, and grievance policy.
We acknowledge that the Seattle to Portland bike ride route traverses native lands. Our offices are situated on the traditional land of the Duwamish People, the original inhabitants of Seattle, both past and present.
Fueling Your Ride: Food & Breaks
Strategically positioned along the Seattle to Portland bike ride route are four official rest stops, located at approximately miles 20, 54, 146, and 176. These rest stops are well-stocked with a variety of snacks, fresh fruit, and the cyclist-favorite PB&Js to keep you energized throughout your ride.
In addition to the main rest stops, one-day riders will also benefit from a designated lunch stop on Saturday. For quick refreshment and minor needs, thirteen official mini-stops are dispersed along the course. You’ll also find numerous unofficial rest stops set up by local communities and residents, and you are welcome to take advantage of their hospitality.
Accommodation Options for the Seattle to Portland Bike Ride
Participants are responsible for arranging their own lodging for the Seattle to Portland bike ride, including accommodations at the start line, mid-point areas for two-day riders, and at the finish line in Portland.
The University of Washington offers convenient dorm room accommodations on Friday night, close to the start line. For two-day riders seeking mid-point lodging, options are available through Centralia College, the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce, and various community organizations situated between the 100- and 150-mile marks of the route. Lodging choices range from private rooms to tent and RV camping, catering to different preferences and budgets.
In Portland, near the finish line, DoubleTree and Hyatt Regency hotels often provide special promotions for STP riders. It’s advisable to book your accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season.
Comprehensive Support During Your Ride
The Seattle to Portland bike ride is renowned for its exceptional support system. Cascade staff and volunteers, dedicated local community groups, and municipal and county services all contribute to ensuring a safe and well-supported event.
Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles are present along the entire route and are dispatched promptly when you call the ride support hotline. SAG vehicles are equipped to transport riders and most bike models in case of mechanical issues or minor medical situations. However, in any life-threatening emergency, always dial 911 immediately.
Outriders, easily identifiable in their white, green, and black jerseys, are volunteer cyclists who patrol the route offering assistance with minor mechanical adjustments, first aid for minor injuries, directions, and helpful advice to promote safe riding practices.
Medical riders, distinguished by red and blue jerseys, are volunteer cyclists trained to provide assistance for minor medical concerns such as cuts, scrapes, dehydration, sprains, and other non-emergency situations.
Mechanics are stationed at the start line and at most official rest stops to assist with bike maintenance and repairs. Traffic officers are positioned at key highway crossings to ensure rider safety. Specifically, traffic officers will be directing cyclists in large groups across the Longview Bridge into Oregon on Sunday, between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
To maintain safety and smooth flow on the route, personal support vehicles are kindly requested to remain off the STP route itself. Riders should arrange to meet personal support vehicles away from the official route to avoid potential hazards and congestion.
Weather Preparedness for STP
July weather in the Pacific Northwest is known for its variability. Be prepared for a range of conditions, including potential rain, periods of extreme heat, and plenty of sunshine. Morning temperatures can differ significantly from midday temperatures. Dressing in layers and carrying extra layers with you on your bike is highly recommended to adapt to changing weather conditions throughout the day.
Ensure your bike is in optimal condition for riding in potentially slick, rainy, and low-visibility conditions. Equip your bike with front and rear lights, carry backup batteries, consider installing fenders, service your brakes thoroughly, and keep your chain clean and well-lubricated.
Training Resources for the Seattle to Portland Bike Ride
To help you adequately prepare for the Seattle to Portland bike ride, the Cascade Training Series offers a comprehensive twelve-week program. Designed for riders of all fitness levels, this series focuses on building strength, endurance, and confidence on the bike.
Further enhance your training by participating in Cascade’s extensive schedule of Free Group Rides throughout the Puget Sound area. Find group rides that match your schedule, desired pace, and distance to build your mileage and cycling skills.
If you prefer to train independently, utilize this helpful Google Sheet to effectively plan your training rides and track your progress as you prepare for the Seattle to Portland bike ride.
Seattle to Portland Bike Ride Hall of Fame
Have you conquered the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic five or more times? If so, you are eligible to join the prestigious STP Hall of Fame! Stay tuned – a new form will be available soon for you to submit your information and be added to the Hall of Fame list or update your existing listing.
Volunteer at the Seattle to Portland Bike Ride
Contribute to the success of this incredible event by volunteering for the Seattle to Portland bike ride! The dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers are the driving force behind Cascade’s impactful programs, including Free Group Rides, major events like STP, advocacy initiatives, and educational programs.
Join us in making a lasting difference and building a better cycling community for everyone! Register to volunteer here.
