Articles

Recent Publications: Seattle Metropolitan

Training for the STP: In February, I wrote the Get Out feature on training for the STP, featuring Jerry Baker, one of two cyclists who has ridden every one of the STP’s 28 events. If you’re planning to take part in STP #29 this year, check out this article for suggestions on how to get your body ready for the long ride. First tip: start training by April 1.

Here are a few STP training tips from the article:

Hire a coach. You couldn't do better than to get help from Cycle University, which each year trains hundreds of people to ride faster and have more fun on their bikes.

Join a club. Snohomish County, Olympia, Tacoma and, of course, Seattle, all have great cycling clubs that offer group rides to help you get out there. (See the BPS Resources page.) Cascade Bicycle Club, sponsor of the STP, offers the Cascade Training Series, specifically designed to get you ready for the big ride.

Get organized. Learn about equipment, clubs, nutrition and more at the Bike Expo, and watch the REI presentations calendar for special STP events in the spring.

Have Fun and Stay Fit Cycling. I wrote about five great rides for the March cover feature “Have Fun and Stay Fit.” You’ll learn something new about riding Bainbridge Island, as well as some fun facts about doing the super-challenging RAMROD (Ride Around Mount Rainier in One Day), which this year will be held on July 31.

Bainbridge Island diversion: the heron rookery mentioned in my article (on a tip from Howard Kirz, who leads rides there in the summer and didn't actually get into the final article) is about a dozen miles from Winslow out by Fay Bainbridge State Park. Just beyond the park, you come to the Kane Pioneer Cemetery on the right. Across the street are the herons, nesting in the trees above the side road, in all their noisy, prehistoric glory.

RAMROD tips:

- this is a very difficult ride, recommended only for people in top physical and riding condition.

- 10,000 feet elevation gain, 154 miles. One day.

- Mount Rainier National Park limits riders to 800, so there's a lottery for spaces, which closes March 31. Learn more at sponsor Redmond Cycling Club's site.