There has been a bit of "noise" about this little gem. Both Ramsey and Lister have done this before.

In 09 its held July 11-12.

See: http://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/index.cfm

2008 Group Health STP Details
July 12 - 13, 2008

The 29th annual Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic is the largest multi-day ride in the Northwest. Up to 9,500 riders make the 200-mile trek. The route, carefully marked with directional arrows [Dan Henry's], leads riders through the scenic valleys, forests and farmlands of western Washington and Oregon.

Food is included at midday rest stops interspersed with community-supported mini-stops where quick energy may be purchased. Mechanical and medical support is provided for rider safety and enjoyment. Come join what Bicycling Magazine has listed as one of the best cycling events in the nation!

2008 Group Health STP Ride Guide (2MB)


Who else will be on the road with me?
Up to 9,499 other people spread out over 200 miles. In 2007, the riders break down as follows:

9,000 riders
2,230 one-day riders; 6,770 two-day riders
Oldest rider: 85
Youngest rider: 2 years 4 months old
18% first-time riders
74 medical riders
305 riders who have participated in 10+ STPs
Two riders who have ridden them all: Jerry Baker and Paul Wantzelius! 2007 riders visited from 44 states plus Australia, Canada, England and Serbia.
Note: not all riders report their plans so these statistics may not be 100% accurate.

Route Statistics
This data is provided by EndlessPursuit

Total distance (miles) 202.25
Uphill distance (miles) 30.87
Uphill altitude (feet) 1,951
Maximum altitude (feet) 463

Where your Group Health STP Registration Fee Goes
The Cascade Bicycle Club of Seattle produces Group Health STP with assistance from many friends, volunteers, community organizations and cycling clubs along the route. Group Health STP is the primary fundraiser for the Cascade Bicycle Club, and a major fundraiser for groups like Altrusa International, Portland Wheelmen, Spanaway Junior High, St. Helens High School Band, Gold Wing Touring Association, Centralia Chehalis Chamber of Commerce, and many more smaller church and community groups along the way.

From Cascade Bicycle Club and all the organizations we thank you for your continued support of cycling and the Group Health STP.

Chris Marshall and I did this event last summer - great experience. 9000 riders and a well run event. Most of the riding takes place away from the main roads and at the 100 mile mark, we were met with creamsicles - what more would you want with 90 degree temps. We both intend to go back. Only caution I would offer is to reserve hotels early. With 9000 participants, they go quickly.

[quote="Plawless"]There has been a bit of "noise" about this little gem. Both Ramsey and Lister have done this before.
[quote]
Haven't actually done it. Just read about it and had friends, both ex-pros and novices, do the ride.

I wonder if we'd do it over two days, or try to do the entire thing in one day. I'd vote for one day myself and allow the extra day for a site-seeing recovery ride around Portland.

Heard nothing but great things--one day or two, a well organized experience. Definitely interested.