Bridge in 2007.
(Photo © J. Maus)
If you’re one of the 10,000 people signed up to ride in the 31st annual Seattle-to-Portland Bicycle Classic in July, take note. For the first time since 1989, the route entering Portland from Highway 30 will be different this year.
The STP route usually winds through Northwest Portland and then crosses the Willamette River via NW Lovejoy and the Broadway Bridge. But this year, due to streetcar construction, organizers have decided to use the St. Johns Bridge instead.
The new route will take riders across the bridge in St. Johns, then onto N. Willamette Blvd and N. Rosa Parks, then south to Holladay Park in the Lloyd Center via N. Vancouver Ave. Here’s a map detail of the route through Portland:
And here’s a snip about the change from the Cascade Bicycle Club:
“The route adds a mere half-mile, and offers spectacular scenery with no railroad tracks, no trains, less traffic, and fewer stop lights – all welcome when you’ve spent nearly 200 miles in the saddle. Plus, crossing a majestic, Gothic suspension bridge seems a fitting way to end a self-propelled journey from Seattle to Portland, wouldn’t you say?”
I agree. With its stunning views of downtown Portland on N. Willamette, this route is much more pleasant (I just hope they get a permit for extra room on that road because 10,000 riders on a very narrow and scary bike lane could get ugly). Learn more about STP on the event website.
The Seat
10,000 extra bikers on Willamette won’t be too bad. They’re spread across 2 days… They’ll be braver and more fearless than the average rider so I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’m wondering how many of them will get honked at for riding in the lane across the St. John’s bridge. (which is the signed place to ride!) I think this is a nicer ride so good move organizers
Wait, a permit? STP? I don’t think they get permits.
Good to hear. This is my first year riding STP and will definitely enjoy the Willamette route once we get home here over downtown!
I think you’re mistaken about the “first time since 1989” thing. When I did it in 1992, it crossed the St. Johns, and actually finished on Hayden Island. I did it in the early 2000’s, and it went across the lower deck of the Steel. I’ve done it one or two other times, too, but then I lived in NW Portland, so I just went home and didn’t bother seeing how it crossed the river.
Since this will be my first year as a one-day rider, I’m happy to avoid that miserable hill just after you pull off Hwy 30 on the “traditional” route.
Is this an excuse to get the city to sweep the shoulder on that ramp to the st. John’s bridge? That is the location of one of bad my flat tire memories
Yeah, the one time I did STP (maybe 2001?) it came over the St. Johns bridge and actually ended in Cathedral Park. Which was nice … until I had to bike the 7 miles home with all my camping gear! Oh my aching back and wrists!
Hopefully they can just close the outside traffic lane to vehicles. I rode across the bridge on the sidewalk once, and found it to be a real pain navigating around the towers. Now I just ride in the outside lane, and have never had a problem with cars.
Unfortunately, there is still quite a hill to get up to the st johns bridge.
However, the good news is, the ride on the bridge is mostly downhill… If bridge traffic would actually stay under the speed limit, a cyclist will typically catch any cars that pass on the bridge, at the stoplight into st johns.
STP has used the St. Johns sporadically since the mid-1980’s. It’s a good route that has pleasantly low traffic on weekend days. I remember my first STP one-day in 1982, finishing at 5PM and threading my way through a Timbers game crowd in downtown Portland–NOT fun!
Agreeing with those who contradict the “first time since 1989” quote. I clearly remember that darn climb up to the St. Johns bridge in 2002, and the wonderful ending at Cathedral Park.
OK, on the topic of STP, I’m a Portland native now residing in Yakima. Not sure I want to pay $25 to park in PDX friday night at the finish line. Anyone have any suggestions? What if I just leave my car in the Lloyd Ctr lot just East of the finish where my wife usually parks to pick me up? I’m leaving the car Friday morning and picking it up Saturday pm.
PS I’ll miss the little “kiss” from the “step” at the old Montgomery Wards bldg, but not the stop lights!