6,000+ people are expected to ride STP 2025 on July 12-13.
Largest number of riders since 2019 attributed to influencer marketing, community partnerships, and 5-Pack coupon code registrations.
SEATTLE (July 9, 2025) – The Pacific Northwest's largest big group bike ride, the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic presented by Alaska Airlines and Zenni Optical, returns for the 46th time on July 12-13 with the largest number of participants since 2019.
Cascade Bicycle Club anticipates that 6,000+ people will ride the 46th edition of the 206-mile ride known as STP, which most people complete in two days with a campout in the middle and about 10 percent ride in one.
"Begun in 1979, STP is sold out for 2025 with the biggest number of registrants since prior to the pandemic," says Lee Lambert, Cascade's executive director. He attributes the increased ridership to new marketing, outreach, and community partnership initiatives Cascade has implemented.
"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," Lambert says.
These initiatives include:
an STP Ambassador program that utilizes the skills of bicycling influencers such as Dad Bod Cycling and local biking advocates from across the Pacific Northwest to raise awareness of STP nationally and regionally.
the STP Affinity Bike Clubs Partnership, which distributes discounted registrations to nonprofits and bike clubs representing historically marginalized communities. Read about our 2025 STP affinity partners below.
The creation of STP 5-Packs that allow people to buy blocks of five registrations for family and friends at a discount, enabling STP riders to invite co-workers and friends thanks to the lowest-priced STP in a decade.
"We've had to become more strategic in our marketing efforts for STP as taking on 206 miles in two days is quite the challenge. We've leaned into influencer marketing with our STP Ambassador program because STP is such a word-or-mouth event–and a unique reflection of Pacific Northwest bicycling culture with generations of families participating," says Sara Kiesler, Communications and Marketing Director at Cascade.
"By stressing inclusivity, welcoming LGBTQIA+ individuals, and intentionally extending a hand to communities of color, we are helping to redefine what a bicyclist looks like and enabling people to see themselves as welcome members of the bicycling community," Kiesler says.
An Economic Engine
STP is Cascade Bicycle Club's largest fundraising event, but it also provides an economic boost to communities along the route that see an influx of riders and families who spend money on everything from restaurants and hotels to lemonade stands.
Cascade partners with multiple nonprofits and civic groups including the Portland Bicycle Club, Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce, Centralia College, Spanaway Middle School, the St. Helens High School Band, the Rotary Club of Longview, and others that provide food, water, sandwiches, and support to STP riders.
"All of the rest stops along the route are community run, and we intentionally partner with local groups to ensure communities along the route get an economic boost from STP," says Cascade Bicycle Club Events Producer Sarah Mantey. "For many of these civic organizations and community partners, STP is an opportunity to mobilize volunteers to raise money for their causes. STP is sort of like the biggest bake sale of the year for many of our community partners."
Métier Brewing
This year, Cascade is excited to partner with Métier Brewing Company, a mission-driven and Black-owned brewery, to provide beer for the midpoint and finish line celebrations–and support opportunities for higher education.
Everyone who buys a Metier beer at the Centralia midpoint and at the finish line in Portland's Holladay Park will support a scholarship fund for students at Centralia College.
Extending a Hand to Affinity Groups
Cascade's STP Affinity Bike Club Partners for 2025 include: Asha for Education, the Foundation for Philippine Progress, Warpaint Outdoors, Ampersand Bikes Club, and the Fallen Outdoors/Iron Riders. Read more about these organizations and their mission on Cascade News.
STP Ambassadors and Influencers
For the third straight year, Cascade has selected an all-star roster of bicycling influencers and community-connected advocates representing a diversity of backgrounds to serve as STP Ambassadors. The goal is to counter stereotypes and spread the message that STP is for everyone.
Cascade's STP Ambassadors 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 STP 2025.
This year's ambassadors include Makesi Duncan, founder of Dad Bod Cycling, and randonneur Lisa Charlebois. Learn more in our story, "The Dad Bods, Randonneurs, and Biking Ambassadors of STP."
About Cascade Bicycle Club
The nation's largest statewide bicycling nonprofit, Cascade Bicycle Club serves bike riders of all ages, races, genders, income levels, and abilities throughout the state of Washington. Cascade teaches the joys of bicycling, advocates for safe places to ride, and produces world-class rides and events. Our signature programs include the Seattle to Portland, Free Group Rides, the Pedaling Relief Project, Your Streets Your Say advocacy training, the Bike Walk Roll Summit, Let's Go, and the Major Taylor Project.
Cascade currently serves more than 9,500 members, employs 45 professional staff, and has a devoted community of roughly 700 volunteers who help power STP and Cascade's big events and rides. cascade.org
