Below is list of STP Manual and Forms

STP, the Seattle-to-Portland Bicycle Classic, is major event for both the Northwest Bicycling community, and the Washington State Gold Wing Touring Association (GWTA).  The 200+ mile ride runs are July 17-18, 2010. 

The largest multi-day bicycle ride in the Northwest, STP attracts up to 8,000 cyclists. The majority – over 80 percent – complete the event in two days. But a hardy few, typically 16 to 18 percent, attempt the "double century" in a single day.  STP began in 1979 as a U.S. Cycling Federation-sanctioned race and has evolved into one of the country’s premier recreational bicycle events and a "rite of passage" for area cyclists. About half the participants will ride STP for the first time. The average rider is not a seasoned racer, but someone who simply sets a personal goal of completing.   

For the GWTA, STP is also an opportunity for all of our state chapters to come together in a positive way to help the community, and be visible good-will ambassadors for our passion.  But most of all, it’s a good ride through the beautiful Washington countryside, scooting along back roads at a comfortable pace, looking for ways to help others and have a good time.  It’s worth mentioning in passing that the STP also represents a large fund-raising activity for chapters, but it’s probably the last reason why GWTA members participate.   

This web page is intended to help STP Escorts (volunteers who ride along with the cyclists) learn what’s involved, and hopefully reduce as much stress about the job as possible.  GWTA has been doing the STP for most of a decade, and many veterans are very familiar with the ropes.  Still, having a reference that covers basics and details will likely help smooth out any issues which might come up.    

Inside this page you’ll find an overview of the STP/GWTA Escort operation, responsibilities of Focals, hints for Newbies (GWTA members doing the STP for the first time), information on “Super Gophers”, route information (including a map), and a collection of ideas, lists and forms to help run the STP.   

If you have suggestions about how to make this program even better, by all means feel free to let us know.  We welcome your ideas, feedback and STP success stories too. 

Thank you in advance for your help and support.  I look forward to working with you on the STP.

Overview 

The GWTA member’s primary job during the STP is to be an Escort to the cyclists.  We follow the route, reminding the riders to stay in their lanes, helping to shield riders from cars, looking out for those who might be getting too tired, and generally help to keep things moving on down the road.   

As Escorts, one of our jobs is to assist riders if we can.  If an Escort sees a rider by the side of the road, flash them the ‘thumbs up’ sign to get a quick response.  Ninety-nine percent of the time, the cyclist will respond with a returning ‘thumbs up’, indicating things are fine.  Occasionally, a GWTA STP Escort will come upon a rider needing assistance.  In those cases, the rider may flash a ‘thumbs down’ sign, and begin waving arms or shouting for help.  There may be a mechanical breakdown, or something simple like a flat tire.  It is not unusual for a cyclist to ask an Escort to make a run for a tube or tire, giving the Escort money for the supplies.  If there is something more serious, the Escort might be asked to call for a Subaru Support Car for help.  Typically, the Escort would call out on a CB or cell phone for the Chapter Focal, who relays the request to the STP Coordinator in the STP Ops center.   

Very rarely, Escorts may come upon an injury situation requiring medical assistance.  If the situation demands anything beyond the simple First Aid kits many riders carry for the STP, it’s best to get on the CB and/or Cell Phone and call for help via 911, or, for non-emergency cases, through the STP Ops center.   If you have an orange flag, position yourself about a quarter mile up from the incident to warn on-coming riders.   

What else?  Sometimes we’re traffic cops, directing vehicle traffic around a busy intersection or accident.  Sometimes we give water to a rider who is obviously over-heated, or loan our gloves to warm up a spandex-clad rider suffering from hypothermia.  Many times we shoo riders back into their lane to avoid on-coming traffic.  Many times we remind riders to be no more than 2 abreast in most areas.  And, quite often, we voice encouragement and cheers to tired riders who have a long way to go, pedaling all day long.   

Of course, there are some things we definitely do not do.  In no case do we ever give a cyclist a ride on our bikes; neither the Cascade Bicycle Club’s insurance, the GWTA insurance, or (most likely) your own insurance supports this kind of activity.  In no case do we attempt medical assistance we are unqualified to provide.  And, generally less of an issue, we also try to be an asset to the riders, not a problem; help, rather than hinder.  If we have a problem with a cyclist not following the rules, take down and report the bib number, but don’t try to be an enforcer.   

For more information on the STP, visit the STP website, www.seattletoportland.com  

Bottom-line: our main goal is to make sure that the cyclists have a good, safe time on the STP.  Generally, we’ll be having a good time in the process. 

Carol Sims
carol@makingitdigital.net

• Hints for Newbies

• STP Do's-n-Don'ts

• Quick List of Things Escorts Should Consider Carrying

• STP Incident Report Form

• STP Volunteer Release Form

• STP Witness Statement

• STP Focal Manual