by Clark Newell
August 9th 2025
Self
TLDR: Bucket list item achieved: The Seattle to Portland (STP) Classic bike ride in one day!
Seven years ago, when I moved back to Utah from Colorado, I badly needed a haircut. I called the first salon Google suggested and booked an appointment. Little did I know the gentleman who cut my hair, Wyatt, would become both a friend and an inspiration.
One of his favorite challenges is the STP Classic, a 206-mile ride from Seattle to Portland that draws some 6,000 riders each year. For years, he tried to convince me to join him, and this year, I finally said yes.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Wyatt developed a deep passion for cycling — road biking in particular. One of his favorite challenges is the STP Classic, a 206-mile ride from Seattle to Portland that draws some 6,000 riders each year. For years, he tried to convince me to join him, and this year, I finally said yes.
Back when I lived in Denver, I actually became more of an urban cyclist. (Fun fact: contrary to popular belief, Denver isn’t right next to the mountains — they’re a few hours away.) The city, however, has an amazing network of bike trails, and I spent thousands of miles exploring them on my trusty road bike.
Road cycling suddenly moved to center stage, even on days when my legs ached from trail runs.
When I returned to Utah, with easy access to the mountains, my road bike gradually became more of a backup workout — something I did when my legs were too tired for hiking or running. That changed in late spring 2025, when I committed to training for the STP. Road cycling suddenly moved to center stage, even on days when my legs ached from trail runs.
On July 12, 2025, the big day arrived. At 5 a.m., I was in Seattle, about to take on one of the toughest challenges of my life — right up there with the GoRuck Bootcamp in Herriman, Utah, the Cirque Series race in Alyeska, Alaska, and the Spartan Super at Snowbasin, Utah.
By mile 150, the misery and struggle set in. That’s when the ride became pure grit: mind over matter. But I pushed through.
The first 103 miles, riding in a wave of 6,000-plus cyclists, felt almost easy — fun, even. But at mile 104, the real work began. By mile 150, the misery and struggle set in. That’s when the ride became pure grit: mind over matter. But I pushed through.
About two-thirds of STP riders split the journey over two days. I went with the other third — the “crazy” third — and did it in one. Fifteen hours after starting, I crossed the finish line in Portland, adrenaline still surging. I couldn’t quite believe it: 206 miles in one day.
The experience was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you push beyond your limits.
The experience was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you push beyond your limits. I may not sign up for another 206-mile ride anytime soon, but I know myself well enough to say this: there will be another challenge. Maybe not the STP again — but something equally unforgettable.