Seattle to Portland riders find respite, refreshment in Rainier

The riders of the annual Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic made their way through the Nisqually Valley region Saturday, July 12, before arriving at their official midpoint at Centralia College in Centralia.

The roughly 207-mile trip, organized by the Cascade Bicycle Club, is considered one of the largest recreational rides in the country. This year, over 6,000 people registered for the STP, the most since 2019.

Though riders typically split the journey into two days, some serious cyclists complete the journey in 12 hours. This year’s route — which avoided Interstate 5, as usual — took participants south from Seattle and past Auburn, before cutting west at Sumner. After working south and west in stretches, the route ventured approximately south through a pleasant stretch of Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).

After arriving in Roy, riders followed state Route 507 through McKenna and into Yelm, before linking up with the Yelm–Rainier–Tenino Trail.

Soon after arriving in Rainier, riders were met with the friendly faces of Rainier Cub Scouts Pack 9307 — and their refreshment stand located right off the trail in Wilkowski Park.
Sara Abbott, committee chair for Pack 9307, said that the scouts offered riders free water and snacks for purchase, including homemade baked goods and cookies.

Abbott said this was the first year the scouts had set up a water stop for STP riders, adding that it “went really well,” and that they already have ideas to make it better for next year.
Michelle Chaney, Bear den leader, said Saturday’s fundraiser served as a way to help the scouts earn more “adventure loops” in order to advance their skills in activities like fishing and swimming. The loops are given as a way to recognize progress and achievement.

According to the scout leaders, the pack was approached by Cascade Bicycle Club to see if they would be interested in setting up a “hydration station” in Rainier. They gladly agreed. The leaders said their station was considered a “mini stop,” and that other stops have medical tents.

Though not every stop is able to provide medical services, riders of the STP are ensured that help is near. Angie Blakley is a nurse and one of dozens of volunteers that make the trek from Seattle to Portland for the annual recreational ride. As a medical rider, Blakely said her responsibility is to provide support to participants along the way.

“So, if somebody gets hurt, they’re dehydrated, they need, even, help with their bike. Ideally, it’s medical support, but if they need extra help and we happen to ride by, then, yeah, we help,” Blakley said.

In addition to medical riders, volunteer “outriders” also make the journey, providing mechanical support to participants in need. Outriders handle logistics and can call in vehicles, too, if needed.

“But it’s fun,” Blakley said. “Everybody always, for the most part, is having a really good time. You’ll see everybody smiling, even though we’re tired, we’re hot.”

The nurse added that the STP brings out riders of all ages and skill levels. Day two, she said, is more difficult. Blakley, who was participating in her sixth Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic — and first as a medical rider — said the camaraderie is her favorite aspect of the two-day ride.

And, of course, “crossing the finish line.”