Known as the STP, the Seattle to Portland ride has been running since 1979, except for 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic. Registration closed today, July 7, 2024. The race begins about 5 a.m. at the University of Washington’s E-18 parking lot near all the sports facilities.

The first riders will begin coming though Spanaway around 8 a.m. from Waller to Military Road, and stop at Spanaway Middle School for refreshments, repairs, porta-potties, sunscreen, and other amenities. The will continue on Military Road (152nd St.) across Pacific Avenue and Spanaway Loop Road to Perimeter Road and south to Roy from the end of McChord Field.

I do not believe all of that road is paved, but after losing cyclists on Pacific Avenue and SR507 year after year, it was better to move the route away for the dangerous areas. (Yes, Spanaway, you have a bad record for driving behaviors around bicycles.)

The website for the Kaiser Permanente Seattle to Portland Ride 2024 has all the details. The ride goes west through the University District, south toward Lake Washington Blvd. followed by Renton, Kent, Auburn and Sumner. it then heads east through Puyallup and up the hill at 72nd Street to Waller Road.

Be careful about your routes on July 13 and you can avoid the entanglements. Drive safely.