STP 2026

Ben and I completed the annual Seattle to Portland ride again this past weekend.

We originally set out to ride the entire route in one day, but the amount of training time required in previous months was just too much. I love cycling and getting faster/stronger, but finding time to log the miles while balancing work and being a halfway decent husband was just too taxing.

So we altered our plan and rode 150 miles on day one. The first century was actually a breeze and we averaged almost 16 mph. The last 50 miles were a gut check. Sure, the legs had some fatigue and there’s no way around NOT feeling a little saddle sore after that mileage, but the biggest issue was fueling. I had gels and ate a little at our planned stops, but was essentially running a calorie deficit that finally caught up to me around mile 120. We got it done though, averaging just under 15 mph for the whole day. I was pleased enough with that.

Sunday was a breeze by comparison. Just a couple notable climbs, primarily the bridge into Oregon and the bridge into Portland. We slept in til 8 and we’re done riding by noon.

Our consensus was we’re not sure if we’re going to do STP again, but obviously will continue to ride for fitness. We’ve been talking about taking cycling trips, even internationally. That could be a ton of fun and not be so much of a sufferfest.

At the end of the day I love spending time with Ben and his wife Melissa. She supported us with food and drinks at unofficial stops she and Ben planned out and was encouraging us all day. Just fantastic people.

Thankfully I didn’t get any handlebar palsy this year, so as soon as my butt feels up to it I’ll be out on another ride soon… but without the pressure of training for something so hard.