Volunteer for 2024 STP Leadership
Once again it is time to start thinking about Portland Bicycling Club’s commitment to organizing and staffing the Seattle to Portland finish line, scheduled for July 13 & 14, 2024. The STP bicycle classic began in 1979, was cancelled in 1980 due to the eruption of Mount St. Helens, and continued through 2019. Covid cancelled 2020 and 2021. STP returned in 2022, and last year’s ridership was around 6,000, with the same number expected again in 2024.
Your club has been assisting Seattle’s Cascade Bicycle Club for nearly the entire run of this event, with finish lines at Portland State University, Delta Park, Cathedral Park, and currently Holladay Park. This event has historically been a major source of income for your club, enabling the current benefits members enjoy such as subsidized banquets and awards, an annual picnic, and fixed administrative costs allowing for affordable dues. Donations totaling over $110,000 have been made to worthy organizations from profits earned from PBC’s major fundraisers, with STP being a major income source. ✎
Some key volunteer positions have been filled for 2024. Eric Hendricks has committed to a third and probably final year as the Finish Line Coordinator. Key assistants helping Eric last year were Denise Hare and Dave McQuery, both of whom are onboard again in 2024. The essential position of Volunteer Coordinator is available. Past 2023 Volunteer Coordinator Cindy Bernert-Coppola will help train the new invaluable volunteer.
Another key team leader is needed to oversee the “Friday Bus” operation which will send STP participants and their bikes to Seattle from Portland on Friday, July 12. Bill Hamilton has ably served in this capacity for many years and will assist in training his replacement. This operation is a valuable source of income to PBC.
Other key team leader positions include Announcing, Baggage, Bike Corral, Bike Loading, Finish Line Setup/Breakdown, Information Booth, Return Bus Transportation, Route Safety, Storage Unit Pickup/Return and Volunteer Booth.
PBC has been extremely well represented these past 40 or so years cheering on and supporting the thousands of STP finishers. A dedicated core group of club volunteers has spent countless hours making this happen. Your club is searching for new leaders, with refreshed bodies and minds, to replace many of us who are now senior citizens.
For more information, contact a board member, or me at [email protected] or phone 503-641-2971.
Corey Eng, Treasurer and Veteran STP Organizer