It’s that time of year when Club events are in high gear, and many of our staff volunteers are doing all we can to make sure the experience is as smooth as possible for participants.

One of my jobs is to seek out and share stories from the events — particularly the Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic. And let me tell you, there are some absolutely amazing people riding from Seattle to Portland this weekend. As I read through the stories people submit each July, I find myself sometimes grinning broadly and sometimes in tears.

In between those who are riding another 200 miles for the log books, there are people riding with great joy and in deep sorrow. They’re riding with long lost family members. They’re overcoming odds that had them already dead. Some are riding with their entire families on one bike, others are pedaling with just themselves on one wheel, and still others are turning a hand crank.

The start line is fraught with skittish nerves, especially those of the newbies. Some won’t make it, but they’re all going to try.

This event is a wonderful thing. All of those people with their various stories and motivations are united over bicycles.

I’ll be along the route, taking your pictures here and there on Saturday. Smile and wave if you see me. If not, stop by the Cascade booth at the finish line so my colleagues and I can meet you. It’s not too late to share your story online. Or you can fill out a story sheet at packet pick-up or at the Cascade finish line booth as well.

I salute you, STP riders! I am humbled and honored by all that you ride with over 200 miles. You can do it!  Have a safe and wonderful journey to Portland this weekend.




 

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 12th, 2012 at 9:31 am by M.J. Kelly and is filed under Events, Photos, STP. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.