STP Volunteer Highlights
Yet another successful finish-line event! We were so lucky to have some of our top talent from last year and previous years return along with some new talent too. Being an emcee is no easy task! It’s downright tough work and not for the faint of heart. While we typically strive to break it up into three-hour shifts, sometimes a few of us opt for a double shift and work hard to help each other out with cold water runs and food breaks. We welcomed about 6,000 cyclists over the finish line!
Every year is a little different. For example, the weather this year was in the 90ºs in the late afternoon Sunday, and I found myself refilling a spray bottle repeatedly with cold water to mist the cyclists who had just completed the daunting task of riding their bicycles 206 miles over two days, crossing the finish line on Sunday evening. ✎ Austin Haworth did an outstanding job emceeing the last leg solo. The crowd loved him, and we were all having the time of our lives. By the time 7:00 PM rolled around, we were as always somewhat sad to leave the stage, knowing there were still cyclists on the course who were still out there pedaling their way to the finish line; but we, too, were all very exhausted, and it sure felt good to close the books on another STP Finish-Line event. We thanked all the family members and friends who were there waiting for their loved ones to cross the finish line. They are a huge part of the energy and fun held at the finish line. What an accomplishment!
Special thanks to our returning talent Austin Haworth, who emceed last year’s STP finish line here in the Rose City at Holladay Park. Austin has a little history with Cascade Bicycle Club’s annual STP event. Both Austin and his father, years ago, used to volunteer at the midpoint in Centralia, Washington, in baggage through his church group. With his natural talent on the microphone working the crowds, I’m thankful he found his way to the stage!
Special thanks to our returning talent Annie Straight, Miss City of Roses 2022, who graced the stage with her remarkable vigor and public speaking talent, and introduced us to new talent by having her best friend Cameron Spears on stage. These two stole the show and were excellent at emceeing! I’m glad Cameron had a great time and has expressed interest in returning next year. Cameron wants to emcee a shift with Austin next year. We’re all in for a treat there.
Special thanks to Kimberly Moorehead and Ashley Reynolds for returning to the stage after a couple of years doing other volunteer tasks for Cascade Bicycle Club and Portland Bicycling Club. These two have an amazing presence on the stage together, and both have expressed that they will return next year to emcee.
This year’s STP 2025 was undoubtedly a huge success! As the team leader for this small portion of this all-important event in its 46th year, I feel thankful and blessed to have such a fantastic team. Thank you, guys, and I can’t wait until 2026!
Kathleen Hellem, STP Emcee Team Leader