Another Successful STP

Yes, another 200 mile bicycle ride from Seattle to Portland is in the books.  On the 12th and 13th of July 9500 cyclists got up early and started pedaling to Seattle.  I did the same routine as last year, stopping at the halfway point in Centralia for the night on Saturday, but with my new LeMond, my average speed was significantly faster.  My speedometer calculated an overall 16.4 mph for the trip, but I was told that was pessimistic since it included all of the 1 and 2 mph segments where I walked my bike from a rest stop back to the road.  Removing those, someone in my group calculated that we were running closer to 17.5 mph.  Pretty awesome.  The below picture shows the four of us that did this together — Edmund, Eric, me, and Malcolm.  Next year, perhaps we’ll think about doing it in one day instead of two :-)

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Seattle Weather and Riding

gloveLiner_orig.jpgI think that it’s about time to start riding the motorcycle regularly now.  The weather has gotten a bit warmer and I noted that it’s getting dark a bit later.  I’m definitely feeling good about that.

Because my hands get cold when I ride, I had heated grips installed when I got my new ride.  But I’ve discovered that Gerbing’s heated glove liners work much better. Installation was a breeze.  I may actually have to get some of their other heated gear. 

Of course, it’s also going to be time to get out on the bicycle after a long winter of indoor cycling.

STP 2007 — Seattle to Portland on a Bicycle

Two friends of mine and I just finished the STP — a 200 mile, 2 day bicycle ride from Seattle to Portland.  Our riding time each day was about 6-1/2 hours, with about 2-1/2 hours of stops added on to that.  The terrain was mostly flat, although there were a few good climbs along with rolling hills (especially on the second day).  We left at 6:30 AM on the first day and at about 6:10 AM on the second day.  Following are some pictures from the trip …

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At the start line

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At Centralia College, where we spent Saturday night.

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At the finish line!