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). For 2005, the
200+ mile ride runs are July 9-10.
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
