The Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic

The Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic is the largest multi-day ride in the Northwest; 2013 marking the 34th annual ride.  My first time riding this event was 2012, making it a two day event with a friend, not too worried about timing - just being happy to be a part of it.  It's overwhelming to begin with as there are 10,000 riders that start off in 10 minute waves, if you haven't been on an organized ride, now is your time to start testing the waters! 

I was amazed at how well organized the ride was, major stops along the way usually included great music, snacks, drinks and lots of encouragement from the crowds!  Mini-stops were found easily with port-o-potties and rest areas making it easy to meet up with any road support you had with you.  You might not know anybody you're riding with but you feel like you're all part of this huge family during and after the ride.

Now, you might ask if there are a lot of hills on this ride......a question I asked several times prior to riding it last year.  Let me be the first to say that if you buddy tells you it's a flat course except for the Puyallup Hill and the bridge they are pulling your leg.  There are quite a few "rollers" on this ride.  If you're like me I used the downhill momentum to get up the hills and made sure my legs were pumping prior to having to engage full force again!  My suggestion for training is to find hills to train on.  The better you get at climbing the easier it will be once you're on the course.  In approximately 204 miles you will ride a total elevation gain of 4,828 feet.

Some helpful tips for preparing:  spend some time getting to know your body's nutrition needs when you ride; I personally found that a bento bag on the front of my bike with unsalted nuts, dried fruit and small pieces of Cliff Bar to snack on as I was riding along with the Cliff and Hammer gels made a huge difference in my ride this year.  Additionally, go to a physical therapist that specializes in cycling that can do a proper fitting for you.  I didn't do that last year, however, I did this year and what a difference it made!  Suggestions and adjustments were made to my bike pedals, handlebars and seat heigth as well as having to purchase new, sturdier bike shoes.  Make sure you train on hills, take multiple increasing mileage rides on the weekends and try to incorporate rides to and/or from work.  The more you ride the better equipped you'll be.  And.....DON'T FORGET THE CHAMOIS BUTTA!!  My ride time this year was decreased by almost 6 hours just by learning to fuel myself better and making the adjustments to my bike.  You can totally do this too!!

Now get out there and ride!!!!!