In focus: About 6,000 bicyclists ride through Lewis County for 46th STP

Bikers take a break at Centralia College during the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic in Centralia on Saturday, July 12. An estimated 6,000 bicyclists rode through Lewis County and the rest of Western Washington on Saturday for the Seattle to Portland Classic, better known as the STP. Centralia College is the official halfway point of the ride, with the college and others partnering to offer food, services and camping space. It was the 46th edition of the ride, which takes participants on the 206-mile journey from Seattle to Portland. “Begun in 1979, STP is sold out for 2025 with the biggest number of registrants since prior to the pandemic,” said Lee Lambert, Cascade Bicycle Club’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 said.