Seattle to Portland Redux??

Alas, for the second year in a row the Seattle to Portland Bike Ride (STP) has been sidelined by the omnipresent COVID-19 pandemic. Yes, the Cascade Bicycle Club (CBC) has canceled their beloved STP for the second year in a row (2020 and now 2021), resulting from the uncertainty of what the Covid virus status will be in mid-July. Even with vaccinations starting to find arms, the move toward “herd immunity” is not moving fast enough to ensure the mid-July event could safely occur. PBC has been a steadfast partner with Cascade Bicycle Club these past many years, providing finish line services for the ride. Our club has benefited from the monies paid by CBC, which have enriched our club’s coffers. Now for the second year in a row, our club will not have the benefit of those monies. However, per Corey Eng, our steadfast, trusty club treasurer, our coffers are in good shape.  ✎

I firmly believe that CBC made the correct call in canceling the 2021 STP. While I fervently hope that by mid-July we see millions vaccinated and that Covid restrictions have loosened up, one of the concerns about hosting a 2021 event was getting enough volunteers. Our club in past years has provided all the volunteers necessary (with help from teen volunteers) to successfully host the STP finish line activities. With this year in flux, and considering the age of most of our volunteers, cancelation was the safe approach to keep our club members Covid free.

As we look to 2022 and beyond, we stand ready to support the CBC in future STP events, and hope that club members will continue to support the finish line activities through their volunteerism.

Stay tuned….

Mark Klein, Non-Finish-Line Coordinator 2020 & 2021 STP