Events and Rides

Vintage Bikes and Bonkers Bargains! A Bike Swap Photo Essay

Admin Example — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 21:06:56 +0000

Vintage Bikes and Bonkers Bargains! A Bike Swap Photo Essay Admin Example Mon, 02/14/2022 - 13:06

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Mon, 02/14/2022 - 05:06

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Events and Rides

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Paul Tolmé

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1 min read

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The 2022 Seattle Bike Swap was a joyous celebration of bike culture–and bananas deals. Check out our favorite photos of the historic head badges and happy customers who joined us for Cascade’s 2022 kickoff event.

The image of this boy pedaling his new bike with training wheels captured the essence of the Seattle Bike Swap. His parents had just bought him the used bike at a steep discount, and he celebrated by jumping on and ripping across the showroom floor. Is there anything more hopeful and heartwarming than seeing a child begin their bicycling journey?

He wasn't the only happy customer. These folks below also picked up some bargains.

Vintage head badges (the little metal crest on the downtube of old bikes, or decals on new bikes), are both history and moving works of art. Below are some of our favorites from the showroom floor.

This Seahawks cruiser seemed appropriate on Super Bowl Sunday. Maybe a nice going away present for Russell Wilson? Ouch!

The Bikery was among the many shops, nonprofits, and vendors who joined us. Their sign and the photos below say it all in terms of the deeply discounted prices.

I hope this free vintage Sherwood Flyer found a loving home.

This vintage Diamondback found a home! Mint for $250.

This nice man was selling a custom built tandem that he and his wife have ridden across Europe. They have upgraded to an electric assist tandem. The conversations and stories you hear at Bike Swap are another joy of the event.

Did you miss out on getting yourself a new set of wheels? Join us next year.

The good news for those who missed the Seattle Bike Swap is that our 2022 events season has just begun. Join us on Feb. 27 for our season opening ride--Chilly Hilly. And registrations are selling fast for our Kaiser Permanente Seattle to Portland presented by Alaska Airlines, scheduled for July 16-17.

Let's end with an image of this stoked little dude.

Cascade Rides Are a Vibe. Save the Date for our 2026 Rides & Tours!

Sara Kiesler — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 23:52:04 +0000

Cascade Rides Are a Vibe. Save the Date for our 2026 Rides & Tours! Sara Kiesler Tue, 11/25/2025 - 15:52

Publication/Release Date

Wed, 12/03/2025 - 00:01

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Events and Rides

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Paul Tolmé

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6 min read

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Correction: The Woodinville Wine Ride takes place Sept. 13, Iron Horse Gravel Ride takes place Sept 19-21, and Lake Chelan Tour takes place Sept. 25-27 in 2026.

One of our favorite comments from a 2025 rider: Cascade rides are “a vibe.” We can’t wait to bring the energy and enthusiasm for your favorite rides and events – and some special new ones – in 2026.

2025 STP riders show off their vibrant pink jerseys.

Mark your calendars for Jan. 8. That’s when Members can register for the 2026 Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic, and when sign-up for STP 5-pack coupons and Chilly Hilly opens to everyone.

These dates and other important planning information are available in the 2026 Season Schedule.

“We are super-excited to announce several new rides and the likely return of the historic Emerald City Ride,” says Events Director Liz Lunderman. “I am especially pumped about the party vibe we're bringing to STP packet pickup and rest stops this year.”

Prioritizing Membership in 2026

We love our members because they support our Mission and uphold our Values of Equity, Climate Justice, Community, Safety, and Collaboration.

To show our gratitude, we are again offering refunds for our rides, events, and Tours to Members only. And to ensure our Members get first priority when registering for our most popular rides, we are offering a member-only registration period for STP, RSVP and Tours.

If you participate in Cascade rides but aren’t a Member, check out the perks here.

Seattle to Portland Details and STP 5-Packs

Whether you’re riding on a tandem, 10-years-old, or 70-years-old, STP is for you. It’s an accessible challenge and quintessential Northwest experience that creates a sense of pride and belonging for everyone who rides. Riders can feel good knowing STP is a fundraiser for Cascade and Washington Bikes' advocacy and education programs.

Three women ride together past amber fields on STP 2025.

Registration for the 47th Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic, scheduled for July 11-12, opens for members on Thursday, Jan. 8. The public can register a month later on Feb. 3.

For the second straight year, we will offer big discounts on STP registrations thanks to our incredibly popular STP 5-Packs.

Members and the public can buy a 5-pack of registration coupons for only $150 each with early-bird pricing through Feb. 2.

On Feb. 3, the STP 5-Pack price will increase to $165 per registration–still a discount off the Member price for a single registration.

Gather your friends and join the Pacific Northwest's biggest party on wheels.

Two 2025 Seattle Bike Swap attendees inspect bike tires.

Chilly Hilly and Seattle Bike Swap

Our community events season begins on Feb. 7 with the Seattle Bike Swap and E-Bike Demo, your chance to score deals on gear and test ride a variety of e-bikes at Seattle Center.

Bike Swap is a great opportunity to buy a new rain jacket or winter biking apparel in preparation for the Northwest’s most legendary winter ride, Chilly Hilly on Feb. 22.

Registration for Chilly Hilly on beautiful Bainbridge Island opens Jan. 8.

Bike Everywhere Challenge

Open to everyone, the Bike Everywhere Challenge returns during Bike Month this May! We are excited to host this free and festive chance to compete for bragging rights with your friends by biking the most through the spring.

Emerald City, Walla Walla, Major Taylor

April 25 marks the likely return of the Emerald City Ride, last held in 2024, and a chance to take over a highway by bike. We’re still finalizing permitting on our secret route, so stay tuned to cascade.org.

Happy bike smiles on the 2025 Walla Walla Tour in front of flowing green fields.

May 3 is your chance to celebrate the legacy of legendary Black bike racer Marshall "Major" Taylor on the Ride for Major Taylor.

With long and short routes, the Ride for Major Taylor is a fundraiser for Cascade’s Major Taylor Project, which teaches the joy of bicycling to youth from historically marginalized communities. Moving back the date to May helps more youth train for and join the ride. Registration opens Feb. 3.

Our multi-day Tours season begins with the Walla Walla Tour, May 15-17. This is your chance to explore southeastern Washington state’s rolling farmlands, big skies, and abundant vineyards. Registration opens Feb. 10 for members and March 10 for the public.

NEW Seattle Family Ride, Winthrop Gravel, and Flying Wheels

Cascade strives to offer opportunities for families and people of mixed abilities to bike together. That’s the goal of our new Lake Union Family Ride, tenatively scheduled on May 16. To encourage families to bring their kids, we are working to make youth tickets free for this ride. Stay tuned!

The Flying Wheels Summer Century, May 30, explores the country roads and foothills of western Washington. We offer routes of 50, 70, and 100 miles, with a start and finish line festival in Redmond's Marymoor Park. Registration for this annual STP tuneup ride opens March 3.

The Winthrop Gravel Tour returns to Washington state's scenic Methow Valley from June 12-14. Member registration opens Feb. 10. Sign up early because this one sells out fast. Registration opens for the public on March 10.

Enjoying the clear skies and hardy gravel on the Winthrop Gravel Tour.

Revelrous Fun

On June 20, we bring back the Revel Revolution Ride for women and nonbinary individuals. Men are welcome to support this ride by volunteering, but our goal is to create a safe space for women, girls, gender-fluid, and nonbinary people. Registration opens March 10.

STP, RSVP, and Summer Rides

July 11-12 sees the return of the Seattle to Portland ride, the 206-mile ride from one great bike city to another that attracts riders from across the region, nation, and world. Some people ride in one day but most do it in two.

There's nothing like the start of STP, which begins at dawn and proceeds through Seattle's quiet streets while much of the city sleeps, riding from one great bike city to another.

August is your chance to explore the magical San Juan Islands during our NEW three-day San Juan Islands Tour, likely Aug. 6-9 but we are still confirming permits. Member registration opens Feb. 10, and public registration on March 10.

Riders celebrate at the Finish Line arch in Vancouver, BC at the 2025 RSVP.

The Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party will take place on Aug. 22-23. Participants ride to Bellingham the first day, then cross the border into Canada on the second, with a finish line party on Vancouver's beautiful downtown waterfront. NEW this year, RSVP will also have a 5-pack.

Member registration for RSVP opens March 3, and for the public on April 7.

Wine, Water, and Gravel

With its mellow course and fun finish line party, the Woodinville Wine Ride, Sept. 13, pairs well with friends. Registration opens May 5.

The Lake Chelan Tour returns from Sept. 25-27. Member registration opens Feb. 10 and for the public on March 10.

Riders smile and wave while riding up a hill on the Lake Chelan Tour.

Our second annual Iron Horse Gravel Ride returns Sept. 19-21. The inaugural event was a big success but hot, so we’ve moved it back a month for cooler temperatures on the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail. Member registration opens Feb. 10, and for the public on March 10.

Our big rides season ends on Oct. 11 with an autumnal favorite: the Kitsap Color Classic. Registration opens May 5.

Click the button below to see our Rides and Events Calendar, which includes dates for our Cascade Training Series, Bike Everywhere Lunch, and Bike Everywhere Day. Bookmark the page to ensure you don't miss out on registration dates and deadlines.

Rides Season Schedule

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Iron Horse Gravel: WA's Best New Off-Road Ride

Paul Tolmé — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 18:14:03 +0000

Iron Horse Gravel: WA's Best New Off-Road Ride Paul Tolmé Fri, 08/15/2025 - 11:14

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Mon, 08/18/2025 - 14:00

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Events and Rides

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Paul Tolmé

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2 min read

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The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail is one of Washington state's greatest recreational cycling assets and best long-distance gravel routes.

On Aug. 11 and 12, Cascade held the Iron Horse Gravel Ride on the westernmost segment of the Palouse to Cascades trail--historically known as the Iron Horse Trail. About 160 people joined us for this two-day ride up and over Snoqualmie Pass and down to Cle Elum for a campout and cookout along the Yakima River.

The ride covered approximately 60 miles each day, and participants had the option of camping with Cascade staff at Whispering Pines RV Park or getting a hotel room in Cle Elum. On Day Two, we pedaled back up and over Snoqualmie Pass and back to the start.

If you missed out on Iron Horse Gravel, there's good news: Cascade plans to bring the event back in 2026--and also add a potential one-day gravel ride to our 2026 calendar as well. These gravel rides are in addition to our Winthrop Gravel Tour.

"Our members asked for more gravel rides and we listened," says Events Director Liz Lunderman. "People want to get off the roads and into nature, and we are excited to expand our rides calendar to include more opportunities to ride on car-free gravel routes and trails."

Please enjoy our photos of the smiling participants, scenic vistas, shadowy bridges and dark tunnels of Iron Horse Gravel 2025. And if you're new to off-road riding, sign up for our Gravel Cycling Techniques classes on Sept. 20, 21, and 28.

The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail includes many bridges that provided stunning views for Iron Horse Gravel riders.

Keechelus Lake provided a beautiful blue backdrop for riders.

In addition to multiple bridges and former railroad trestles, the Iron Horse Gravel ride brought riders through multiple tunnels on the Palouse to Cascades trail--including the pitch black and two-mile long Snoqualmie Tunnel atop Snoqualmie Pass. In the photo above, Brittany heads into one of the shorter tunnels that provided a blast of cool air and shade for Iron Horse riders.

Executive Director Lee Lambert and several Cascade staff members rode BMC URS gravel bikes thanks to a partnership with BMC, which is offering discounts to Cascade members through our Member Benefits Portal.

Claire was elated to be participating in Iron Horse Gravel as a Cascade Outrider.

Andy is a Medical Outrider.

Dayna rode her electric cargo bike, showing that any bike can be a gravel bike.

I also had the pleasure of riding a BMC URS during Iron Horse Gravel.

See you on Iron Horse Gravel 2026!

Celebrating 43 Years of US-Canada Bicycling Culture on RSVP

Paul Tolmé — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 21:01:51 +0000

Celebrating 43 Years of US-Canada Bicycling Culture on RSVP Paul Tolmé Wed, 08/06/2025 - 14:01

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Wed, 09/03/2025 - 10:01

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Events and Rides

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Paul Tolmé

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3 min read

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The largest and oldest continuous group bike ride from the United States to Canada got underway at dawn on Aug. 23, when 1,300 people departed Seattle and pedaled toward Vancouver, B.C., to start their two-day, 190-mile bicycling journey known as RSVP.

First held in 1980, the Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party supported by Western WA Honda Dealers (RSVP for short) is a celebration of Pacific Northwest bicycling culture and cross-border friendship.

“RSVP is a unique cycling event with a historic past that highlights how the Pacific Northwest is the most bike-friendly region of North America,” says Cascade Bicycle Club Executive Director Lee Lambert. “RSVP is a ride not a race. The goal is to unite people from different backgrounds and different nations to participate as one in a shared adventure.”

From Seattle, one of the most bike-friendly American big cities, located in the No. 1 most bike-friendly state, the RSVP route takes riders northward 107 miles to the cycling haven of Bellingham, Wash., on Day One.

On Day Two, riders depart Bellingham and pedal to the border at Lynden, Wash., where Cascade works with Canada Border Services to provide expedited passport checks and a prompt crossing into Canada. RSVP riders pass through in large groups–skipping the long automobile lines.

After being welcomed to Canada, riders pedal the remaining 55 miles into Vancouver. Like Seattle, Vancouver is a bike-friendly city that ranks as Canada's west coast cycling hub.

Two Days, Two Parties, Too Much Fun

Both Saturday and Sunday feature a finish line celebration. RSVP is, after all, a rolling goodwill party.

Arriving in Bellingham on Aug. 23, riders check their bikes at Cascade’s free and secure bike parking corral along the waterfront in Waypoint Park, where participants pick up their overnight bags that Cascade has transported from Seattle.

Bellingham features an extensive network of bike trails and bike routes that make it easy to explore the city–and for RSVP riders to bike to overnight lodgings.

For 2025, Cascade has again partnered with Bellingham’s Kulshan Brewing to offer riders a free beer in the Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden, where there will be food trucks, music, and local families enjoying a fun Saturday.

“RSVP is a special event for Bellingham and a great weekend for local businesses," says Kulshan Brewing Marketing Manager Hazel Chorney. "We love being part of the RSVP experience, and Kulshan is always happy to partner with Cascade to give visitors a fun, welcoming, and memorable Bellingham visit.”

Vancouver Finish Line Party

Day Two is less strenuous with about 80 miles of biking. After crossing the border, riders pedal to the Finish Line party in David Lam Waterfront Park, where Cascade partners with the nonprofit Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) to provide riders with secure bike parking.

"BEST is thrilled to celebrate our second year partnering with Cascade Bicycle Club for the RSVP finish line," says spokesperson Irene Chan. "This cross-border cycling adventure is more than just a ride, it brings bike enthusiasts together, showcases the beauty of our region, and supports our shared mission to build a healthier, more sustainable community through active transportation."

Now it’s party time. Riders receive a complimentary finisher meal and a free drink in the beer garden. When the party wraps up, RSVP riders enjoy an evening in Vancouver–a beautiful and bikeable city that Cascade is proud to spotlight and support with an annual infusion of riders who spend money on hotels, food, transportation and more.

For individuals traveling back to the U.S., Cascade offers luggage and bike transport, as well as bus service to Seattle on Monday morning.

A Volcanic History

Cascade Bicycle Club created the ride from Seattle to Vancouver in 1980 when Mount Saint Helens erupted. The volcanic explosion forced Cascade to cancel its Seattle to Portland ride that year, known as STP, due to ash and poor air quality to the south.

That first "Seattle to Vancouver" was so popular and well-received that Cascade made it an annual event. Funds raised through RSVP registrations support Cascade Bicycle Club's work to make Washington state more sustainable, equitable, and bike-friendly.

“This ride has endured for more than four decades because of its scenic beauty and the opportunity to pedal over an international border with a huge group of friends while Cascade transports your bags and provides food, drinks, and mechanical support. Just bring your passport and some good vibes and we take care of the rest,” Lambert says.

See more RSVP 2025 photos in our Flickr album.

Never ridden RSVP? Watch the video from Youtube bike journalist Tom Babin, aka Shifter, to learn about his experience training for and preparing for RSVP 2025--his longest ride ever.

Hot Fun in the Summertime! Relive the Sights and Sounds of STP 2025

Paul Tolmé — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 19:09:03 +0000

Hot Fun in the Summertime! Relive the Sights and Sounds of STP 2025 Paul Tolmé Wed, 07/16/2025 - 12:09

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Thu, 07/17/2025 - 09:11

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Paul Tolmé

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1 min read

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Riders head over the University Bridge in Seattle near the start of their 206-mile journey on Saturday, July 12. Most riders finish STP in two days with a campout or hotel at the midpoint in Centralia.

Whether it was the colorful 90s-style jerseys, the STP 5-Packs, our STP Ambassadors and Affinity Bike Club Partners, or just old-fashioned word of mouth excitement, the 2025 Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic presented by Alaska Airlines and Zenni Optical marked a historical turning point.

With 6,000+ registered riders, the most since 2019, the 46th edition of the Pacific Northwest's biggest community bike ride is back--and more inclusive than ever.

“We have worked hard to spread the message that STP is an inclusive, welcoming and fully supported ride that is open to everyone no matter their race, background, gender identity, body type, or biking ability,” says Cascade Bicycle Club Executive Director Lee Lambert.

Please enjoy the sights, sounds, and memories of STP 2025 in photos. If you've dreamt of riding STP but have never gotten around to it, we hope you can see yourself in the smiles and faces of our participants--and sign up in 2026. Be sure to watch our STP 2025 Youtube video at the end of this post, and get links to download photos.

Finish Line Smiles

A post-STP dunk in the fountains at Holladay Park is a tradition on hot days. Grant and his son were great sports to take the plunge for our camera.

Sights, Sounds, and Smiles of STP 2025. "This Guy Needs a Beer!"

See and download images of riders on their journey to Portland in our STP 2025 Flickr album.

Participants can order images of themselves and their friends by searching for "Seattle to Portland 2025" and entering their bib number or last name through our partners at Marathonfoto.

Tandem Vision: Meet the Blind Cyclist Riding STP 2025

Paul Tolmé — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 21:55:34 +0000

Tandem Vision: Meet the Blind Cyclist Riding STP 2025 Paul Tolmé Wed, 07/02/2025 - 14:55

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Wed, 07/02/2025 - 16:55

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Events and Rides

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Paul Tolmé

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1 min read

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Clark Roberts never imagined that bicycling would be possible until his pastor invited him on a youth summer camp biking trip to the San Juan Islands.

That was 36 years ago in 1989, and Roberts, who is blind, has been riding tandem bikes with friends and family ever since–completing the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic 11 times.

He’s part of “Team Ultimate Vision” through his charity, Ultimate Vision Initiative, where Roberts gives motivational speeches about becoming blind at 24 (he's now 70) and continuing to participate in endurance sports.

In tandem lingo, Roberts rides in the rear “stoker” seat while a sighted person rides up front and steers as the “captain.”

When Roberts’ usual captains fell through this year, he sent a message to the Cascade community asking for help.

Without hesitation, STP Ambassador Evan Kniestedt stepped up to ride with Roberts on the 46th annual Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic presented by Alaska Airlines and Zenni Optical. “This seemed like a unique opportunity to help someone fulfill their dream, and also learn how to captain a tandem,” Kniestedt says.

Evan pushes off at the start of a training ride with Clark.

Building trust and communication when riding tandem is key to a successful STP journey, especially over the course of 207 miles. They have done multiple training rides in the weeks since, often meeting in or near Olympia where Kniestedt lives.

“Evan is a radical dude," Roberts says. “He’s stoked about giving of his time to help a fellow human. We’ve become friends.”

From strangers to friends, thanks to STP and the Cascade Bicycle Club community.

Follow Kniestedt on Instagram to see his STP Ambassador training journey with Roberts. If you see them on the road, say hello and be a good human. Kniestedt may even give you a Top Banana sticker, which STP Ambassadors hand out to fellow riders, volunteers or individuals who make STP a warm and friendly event.

Registration for STP 2025 closes on Sunday, July 6, at 11:59 p.m.

Gravel Galore! A Winthrop Gravel Tour Photo Album

Paul Tolmé — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:40:52 +0000

Gravel Galore! A Winthrop Gravel Tour Photo Album Paul Tolmé Wed, 06/18/2025 - 11:40

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Wed, 06/18/2025 - 15:00

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Events and Rides

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Paul Tolmé

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2 min read

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We have great news for gravel gluttons: the U.S. Forest Service has approved Cascade’s permit to host the Winthrop Gravel Tour for another five years.

That means Cascade can offer through 2030 what many consider to be their favorite Cascade Tour.

“Permitting is one of the most time-consuming aspects of organizing our Tours, so this five-year permit is fantastic news for Cascade and the businesses in Winthrop that get an economic boost from our Winthrop Gravel Tour,” says Cascade Executive Director Lee Lambert.

Lee Lambert initiated the Winthrop Gravel Tour in 2023 due to growing interest among Cascade members for more gravel riding options.

Please enjoy our photos of happy people biking on the relatively car-free gravel roads of Washington’s scenic Methow Valley.

Meet the Gravel Gluttons!

Maleka and Tom were a smiling presence throughout the Tour.

Grinding gravel on Day One.

Photo by Daniel Wood

Tony and Therese were a pleasure to ride with!

Dan was among the riders who brought mountain bikes, which make great gravel bikes.

Nice jersey, bro!

Enjoying the optional Pearrygin State Park singletrack on Day Two.

Follow the arrows!

Go straight when crossing a cattle grate!

Meet the Cascade Staffers and Volunteers

Tours Producer Jos Johnson delivering the morning briefing with panache.

Trish

Zack

Brooke

Brian

Sarah

Randy (above) and Scott (below) were at the start and finish each day to massage sore muscles.

Nate, Jos, and Brian take a breather before the start of Day One.

Check out more images from Cascade’s Winthrop Gravel Tour 2025 on our Flickr page.

And watch the Youtube video from PNW eBike.

If you missed Winthrop, Cascade has three more fully supported multi-day Tours in 2025. Cascade provides lunch and food stops on all its Tours, and we keep prices down by allowing participants to book their own lodgings or campsites.

The Port Townsend Tour, Aug. 1-3, explores the Quimper Peninsula, Indian Island, Marrowstone Island and the many historic forts, ports, trails and parks in the Port Townsend region.
Iron Horse Gravel Ride, Aug. 11-12, follows the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail up and over Snoqualmie Pass on Day One and returns on this same historic gravel route (formerly called the Iron Horse Trail) on Day Two. Camp with us along the river in Cle Elum on Monday evening or book lodgings at Suncadia Resort or a nearby Cle Elum hotel. We carry your luggage and camping gear over and back so you can enjoy the ride and hone your gravel skills.
The Lake Chelan Tour, Sept. 26-28, is an autumnal classic that starts and ends each day on the shores of Washington state’s deepest lake–with stops and vineyards and pie shops! Each day features a significant climb and descent, including up McNeil Canyon on Day Two, plus views of the Columbia River and Lake Chelan’s cool blue waters.

The Dad Bods, Randonneurs, and Biking Ambassadors of STP 2025!

Paul Tolmé — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 17:54:46 +0000

The Dad Bods, Randonneurs, and Biking Ambassadors of STP 2025! Paul Tolmé Wed, 06/04/2025 - 10:54

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Wed, 06/04/2025 - 14:54

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Events and Rides

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Paul Tolmé

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5 min read

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Our 36 STP Ambassadors ride to inspire.

For the third straight year, Cascade has selected an all-star roster of bicycling influencers representing a diversity of backgrounds to serve as STP Ambassadors.

They come from across the Pacific Northwest, Canada, and from as far away as Brooklyn, united by a love of bicycling and a pledge to share their unique stories of training for and riding the 2025 Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic presented by Alaska Airlines and Zenni Optical.

Cascade’s goal for the Ambassador program is to counter stereotypes and spread the message that STP is for everyone–regardless of race, gender identity, zip code, sexual orientation, body type, ethnicity, or bicycling experience.

Without further ado, meet our 2025 STP Ambassadors. If you are on social media, we encourage you to check their links and follow the Ambassadors whose stories most resonate with you.

Join our Ambassadors on STP 2025

Dad Bod Cycling

“My message is body positivity,” says Makesi Duncan, founder of Dad Bod Cycling, a nonprofit that dismantles stereotypes about bicycling and donates bikes to kids.

A 37-year-old occupational therapist from Brooklyn with three daughters, Duncan “went down the rabbit hole of cycling” during the pandemic.

With 32,000 followers on Instagram, Duncan’s journey to becoming a bicycling influencer took off when he started posting about the poor fit of cycling kits for people with big bodies.

“I got so many DMs from fellow cyclists who were six feet tall and 200-plus pounds who had the same experience.”

The company Heavy Pedal sent him a kit and it fit perfectly. “To this day I wear nothing but Heavy Pedal.”

Duncan now represents multiple brands including Specialized, Strava, Wahoo, and Zwift. He travels to a big bike event or race every month: from Cycle Jamaica, to SBT GRVL in Colorado, to the Mid South gravel race in Oklahoma.

STP 2025 will mark Duncan’s first visit to Seattle. He learned about STP from his friend Kevin Frias, aka KevDoes, a 2024 STP Ambassador. “Kevin gave a raving review of STP and how supportive and friendly and well organized it was.”

STP will be Duncan’s first double century. In addition to getting a professional bike fit, he is preparing for STP by doing big back-to-back training days.

Got a dad bod? Duncan has some secret weapons for protecting his dad booty. He applies Blackhouse Botanicals CBD chamois butter to his Heavy Pedal shorts and bibs, and he rides with a 3-D printed Specialized S-Works Power Saddle with Mirror.

“I may have a dad bod,” he says, “but I can do anything that anyone else can on a bike.”

@DadBodCyclingInc on Instagram and TikTok

The Randonneur: Biking Further and Funner

Lisa Charlebois specializes in randonneuring, where participants must complete courses of 125 miles (200 km) or more within a time limit while being self-sufficient and self-supported. That means carrying or obtaining food and water and fixing your own bike–a far cry from Cascade’s fully supported rides like STP.

Lisa Charlebois, right, with her husband in Sweden.

The best-known randonneuring event is France’s 750-mile Paris-Brest-Paris, which participants must complete in 90 hours or less. In 2023, Charlebois rode through the night–stopping only briefly to rest, eat and nap–on her way to completing this grueling event.

“It’s a big celebration, like Burning Man on a bike,” she says. “All the townspeople in every little town along the route come out and cheer and give you food.”

Last summer, Charlebois rode the Midnight Sun Randonnée during the summer solstice, crossing the Arctic Circle in Norway and Sweden in 24 hours of daylight. “You ride through fjords, there are epic waterfalls and saunas everywhere,” she says.

When not biking, Charlebois is an entrepreneur who sells her own high-carb electrolyte drink mix, designed with her husband and biking partner, a food scientist. Hummingbirdfuels has just five ingredients: sugar, citric acid, sodium citrate, salt, and natural flavors.

Charlebois is excited to bike the entire 206 miles of STP in one day. About 10 percent of participants complete STP in one day, while the vast majority choose to do it in two.

“STP is one of those rides that everyone knows about. Now I get to do it in a way where I can use my Instagram channel to help people do their first one-day double century.”

In her STP “Century School” posts, Charlebois shares tips on mindset, nutrition, training, and bike setup, as well as her randonneuring exploits. “Hopefully, I can remove some of the mystery for people doing STP for the first time.”

Follow @hustleandahalf on Instagram to learn more about how to ride a double century like STP.

Volunteers, Board Members, Black Belts, and Canadians

Many of our STP Ambassadors come from Seattle and the Puget Sound region and are Cascade members or familiar faces to our bicycling community. Others come from Canada and beyond.

Jeremy Cole is our 2024 Cascade Volunteer of the Year. He’s a devoted transportation biker who has spent countless hours cleaning and removing trash and debris from Seattle bike lanes. @bikeseattle

Jeremy Cole at our Bike Everywhere Luncheon.

Wenmei Hill went from an STP rookie in 2023 to a Ride Leader and Ambassador thanks to the Cascade Training Series. She’s now a bicycling social butterfly and Seattle to Portland finisher who flies uphill, pedals through the winter, and leads group rides so that others may learn from her experience. @pnw.spintrovert

Wenmei on STP

Sebastien Morvan is an STP and RSVP Ambassador who hosts rides through Good Weather Bicycle & Cafe, a favorite gathering spot for our Pedaling Relief Project volunteers.

Cara Hernandez is a vegan Latina who is serving her second year as an Ambassador along with her husband, Ambassador David Billetdeaux. @caramhernandez @dbilletdeaux

Sal Ponce is an urban cargo biking dad and “Grown Library Kid Transit Fan.” @that1tech

Cascade Board Member Hanoch Yeung is the founder of Best Side Cycling and a prolific content creator who has completed STP multiple times. @bestsidecycling

Hanoch Yeung at our Bike Everywhere Luncheon.

Board Member Kai Shih is an STP Ambassador and family biking advocate. He and his wife have completed STP multiple times with their kids. Read our 2024 post about his son, Tai, 14, who completed STP in one day at age 13 and is an Ambassador along with his dad.

Kai (left) and Tai (right) with their STP family

Andrew Weygandt is a big-bodied outdoor enthusiast from Portland. @uphill_andrew

Mike Baltierra says that bicycling saved his life following a family health crisis and a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. He got a bike during the pandemic and in less than a year lost more than 100 pounds, reversing his diabetes diagnosis. In 2022, he achieved his goal of riding 5,000 miles in a year. Baltierra exemplifies the mental and physical health benefits of bicycling for fitness. @bikingover50

Baltierra at the finish of STP

Tammy Ross is a Canadian STP Ambassador who also rides for Liv Cycling and promotes women’s bicycling. @therealteeross

Kyle Charlson is a Cascade Ride Leader and Nuun Ambassador. @runner_kyle

Top Bananas on STP

STP Ambassadors build community during the ride by awarding Top Banana stickers to people who bring their best selves to STP. Top Bananas can be volunteers, people cheering on the sidelines, fellow riders, maybe even you!

The award is named in honor of Susan Gonzalez, who is known among STP participants as "The Banana Bread Lady." She's been baking banana bread and being an excellent part of the STP community since 1993, when her husband Gene first participated in the epic ride.

Ride STP 2025 with our Ambassadors

Join the conversation and share your STP stoke by posting STP training photos, videos, and stories on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok with the hashtags #STP2025 and #SeattleToPortland.

We look forward to seeing you on STP 2025, the People's Ride.

Walla Walla Sweets: a Cascade Tour Photo Album

Paul Tolmé — Wed, 21 May 2025 20:50:24 +0000

Walla Walla Sweets: a Cascade Tour Photo Album Paul Tolmé Wed, 05/21/2025 - 13:50

Publication/Release Date

Thu, 05/22/2025 - 09:21

News Category

Events and Rides

Author

Paul Tolmé

Read time

3 min read

Content Blocks

I first met Bill and Tenaya three years ago on the Walla Walla Tour, reconnected with them the following year, and was excited to see them again last weekend on Cascade’s annual three-day ride through the rolling green hills of southeastern Washington state.

Thanks to the camaraderie and joy of this beloved Cascade Tour, I am now happy to call them friends. We shared several post-ride beers in Walla Walla and now have dinner plans next month in Seattle.

Cascade’s Tours are more than just fully supported three-day rides. They are an opportunity to forge new friendships while bonding over a shared love of exploring Washington state’s scenic landscapes from the saddle of a bike.

This is why many Cascade members consider our Tours their favorite annual bike events.

If you missed out on Walla Walla, don’t fret. There are multiple opportunities to join another Tour in 2025. With ridership limited to 200 on each tour, and camping options on most, Tours offer time to connect and build community during evening social events that Cascade builds into every Tour itinerary.

From the gravel roads and mountainscapes of Winthrop, to the coastal breezes and maritime heritage of Port Townsend, to the canyonlands and orchards of Lake Chelan, Cascade Tours are your passport to exploration, adventure, and new friendships.

Please enjoy our Walla Walla Tour photo album below.

Thumbs up at the pre-ride briefing on Day One. Each day began with a safety briefing from Cascade Event Producer Jos Johnson, below.

Cascade Executive Lee Lambert and his wife Adrienne never miss a Walla Walla Tour.

The first big climb of Day One brought us past a field of Walla Walla Sweet Onions.

Walla Walla is an agricultural hub of Washington state, with livestock and hay bales a frequent sight along the low-traffic roads outside of the city.

This big tree at the Whitman Mission National Historic Site offered a nice backdrop for a photo op on Day One.

Day Two had the two biggest climbs, both of which offer great views of the rolling green hillsides of Walla Walla County.

The rain on Day Two made for a soggy ride, but the overcast skies and reflections on the roadway heightened the verdant beauty of the green landscape.

Pink Dan Henry markings tell riders which way to turn or whether to go straight, making it easy for riders to follow the route without looking at a map.

Sunshine returned on Day Three, which began and ended at Castillo De Feliciana Vineyard and Winery, just over the border in Northeastern Oregon.

Happy for sunshine on Day Three.

People ride all kinds of bikes on the Walla Walla Tour, from this custom titanium Firefly to the custom tandem electric bike below.

Several people rode Riese & Muller electric bikes on the Walla Walla Tour.

Cascade provides lunches and frequent water and snack stops on all its Tours. Many of the stops on the Walla Walla Tour are wineries or cider houses.

Amy, a Walla Walla Tour volunteer, hands over a sandwich on Day Three. Cascade loves its volunteers, who make these logistically challenging rides possible.

Amy was all smiles while volunteering.

Volunteers Eugene and Brian on Day Three.

Volunteer Roberto patched tubes and drove a SAG support vehicle.

Nate helped people park before rides and rode a SAG vehicle, while Violet, below, helped set up and manage the lunch stops.

If you missed Walla Walla, there's still time to register for Cascade's Winthrop Gravel, Port Townsend, or Lake Chelan Tours. New this year, we have a two-day Iron Horse Gravel ride in August.

Hopefully, you will make some new friends as well. See more Walla Walla Tour photos on Cascade's Flickr account.

Riding STP and RSVP to Boost Inclusivity in Bicycling

Paul Tolmé — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:46:13 +0000

Riding STP and RSVP to Boost Inclusivity in Bicycling Paul Tolmé Tue, 04/29/2025 - 09:46

Publication/Release Date

Tue, 04/29/2025 - 13:45

News Category

Events and Rides

Author

Paul Tolmé

Read time

5 min read

Content Blocks

Cascade is partnering with bike clubs and nonprofits representing people of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, youth, and historically marginalized groups to increase diversity in bicycling–and welcome new riders to the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic and our Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party.

2025 marks the fourth straight year that Cascade is collaborating with bicycling allies as part of our Affinity Bike Clubs Partnership.

The goal is to build mutually beneficial relationships and ensure that everyone regardless of race, gender identity, physical ability, age, or body type feels welcomed on Cascade’s two largest rides and in the broader bicycling community.

Outspoken riders celebrating the completion of RSVP 2024

This year, we are joining hands with Warpaint Outdoors, the Foundation for Philippine Progress, The Fallen Outdoors/Iron Riders, Ampersand Bikes Club, Asha for Education, Outspoken Cycling, and Gruppetto Cycling.

Read about the groups training for these historic Pacific Northwest biking adventures, and register for the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic presented by Alaska Airlines & Zenni Optical and the Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party presented by Western WA Honda Dealers.

Foundation for Philippine Progress: Supporting Farmers and Fisherfolk

The purple bandanas that celebrate Filipino pride have become a regular sight on STP and RSVP thanks to the Foundation for Philippine Progress.

Again in 2025, the foundation is rallying individuals of Filipino heritage to join the Ride for the Philippines team that raises money for farmers and fisherfolk back home who are being devastated by the climate crisis.

As temperatures rise, the dry seasons have become hotter–hitting life-threatening temperatures of 115 degrees Fahrenheit and triggering droughts that devastate crops. In the wet season, hotter temperatures are fueling more powerful typhoons that wipe out coastal fishing communities.

“Many of these fragile settlements are left with mostly everything in their source of living destroyed–fishing boats, homes, farm animals, and crops,” says Roger Rigor, Board chairperson of the foundation.

Contact Rigor to field a Ride for the Philippines team. philippineprogress.org.

Asha for Education: Riding to Alleviate Poverty in India

“The Asha for Education Biking Team is thrilled to launch another biking season, and as always, STP is at the heart of our training program,” says Mugdha Kshirsagar, the team’s co-director.

The team formally began its STP training program in March, with weekly training rides geared for both one-day and two-day riders.

“Our team is growing stronger every year, and we’re excited to share that we have nearly 60 riders training for STP–including nine youth.”

We first became familiar with Asha during STP 2022 when eight-year-old Jaanya Teli trained for and finished her first STP with her father as part of the Asha Biking Team.

Jaanya celebrates after finishing STP with her father, smiling proudly behind her.

The team participates in STP to raise money for the nonprofit Asha for Education, which works to alleviate childhood illiteracy, poverty, and exploitation in India.

“There’s no greater sense of fulfillment than knowing our physical efforts are turning into vital resources for those in need,” says Kshirsagar. seattle.ashanet.org

Ampersand Bikes Club (ABC)

“This is the fourth year ABC is participating in STP as a group,” says Jim Labayen, a co-founder and training ride organizer. “Every year we see people building camaraderie while building up towards this ride.”

ABC photo by Truong Nguyen

ABC creates a welcoming space to foster safety and belonging for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (including multi-racial identities) through food and bikes. They amplify BIPOC voices and center newer riders, dismantling cultures of intimidation, toxicity, and gatekeeping.

“The longstanding relationships within ABC are proof that Ampersand has fostered a space for BIPOC riders to achieve their goals. Community events like STP have also allowed us to form strong bonds with other like-minded groups including Bike Works, Outdoor Asian, NorthStar Cycling Club, Friends on Bikes, and of course Cascade Bicycle Club.”

See ABC on Instagram.

Outspoken Cycle Club

Outspoken Cycle Club is a nonprofit that gathers queer and allied (LGBTQIA+) individuals for social rides and cycling adventures.

“Our mission is to bring together riders of all abilities and backgrounds to promote the joy of cycling, while providing a safe and accepting environment for everyone” says Fabio Saccà, the group’s president.

“We offer weekly rides on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through the summer, and longer rides around Washington on the weekend.”

In 2025, Outspoken is raising funds in support of nonprofits that research and provide services to individuals at risk for HIV/AIDS transmission. Outspoken is gathering a team for RSVP in late August. outspoken.cc.

Iron Riders: Combatting Veteran Suicide

The Iron Riders bike team is a program within The Fallen Outdoors that supports the overall mission of reducing veteran suicide by offering opportunities for cycling trips and biking events.

“Our goal is to provide an event for veterans who use biking as an outlet to fight their demons, and as an opportunity for networking and camaraderie,” says Edward Clark, a volunteer for the Iron Riders team. “Our team also raises awareness of our mission in combatting ‘The 22,’ the number of veterans we lose to suicide every day.”

The Iron Riders team has nearly 200 members and welcomes veterans of all biking abilities, from beginner to advanced to those with adaptive bikes. thefallenoutdoors.org

Warpaint: People of Color Connecting Outdoors

Warpaint Outdoors works to get more youth and adults of color outside riding bikes and doing outdoor adventures.

Started as a digital magazine to show that people of color belong in the great outdoors, Warpaint has grown to become a nonprofit that organizes both mountain and road bike events and MTB skills camps in the Portland and Vancouver, Wash., region where founder Ruandy Albisurez lives.

“Our Board is all BIPOC and mostly veterans,” Albisurez says.

A skilled mountain biker, Albisurez is training for STP to become a better road rider, while sharing the organization’s message and mission.

“Eight to 10 of us are training for STP,” he says. “I’m just trying to get in the saddle-time and get in one long ride on the weekends.”

The name Warpaint refers to the goal of “trying to paint the internet with images of people of color outdoors having fun and doing adventures.” warpaintoutdoors.org.

Gruppetto Cycling Club

Founded by former Cascade Board member Gabe Castillo, Gruppetto Cycling Club is an annual presence on STP.

Due to Castillo’s Filipino heritage, Gruppetto has become a hub for bike riders of Filipino and Asian descent. Many of its members also ride to support the Foundation for Philippine Progress.

“We are all trying to celebrate our culture and get our people to be more involved in bicycling,” Castillo says.

Watch the CNBC story about Gruppetto celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander Month.

Join us on STP and RSVP!

Cascade is grateful to all of our Affinity Bike Clubs for pedaling with us as they seek to solve socio-economic, racial, and environmental challenges while joining together on two of the nation’s most popular big group bike rides.

If you work for or with a nonprofit that would like to join our Affinity Bike Clubs Partnership, email us from our Contact page.