Pangolin Posse does STP

STP, or Seattle to Portland, is a 204 mile ride taken in one or two days. It’s been described as a rolling party, and it’s the largest ride in the Pacific Northwest. This ride happened last year just before Serena’s death, and it was a high moment in my life because Zoe, my other daughter finished last year solo after my friend Matt’s bike broke, and he had to abandon. I had a broken collarbone so could not make it. It would be a celebration, and a memorial.

The start was exciting. We rode together from the house, and despite her lack of training, Zoe was in good spirits.

At the start, there was a dearth of festiveness until I ran into this graceful swan at Seward Park! The day was rolling splendidly. We had music, nice weather and really nice people out on the road.

This was my first Top Banana! Her and her friends had been banging a tambourine and cheering. They live on 5th Avenue, a road that was not marked and being missed by several riders when I was there. She’s in a band and said that they would play next year!

My second Top Banana went to this young man for being so cheery and handing out free water on the Yelm-Tenino Trail. Here he is with his favorite stick. I’m so glad I gave him this award because who knows what goodwill can bring.

Here was Zoe and Matt heading out towards Chehalis, 100 miles down. It was a long hot day and they both were glad to be close to a cool room and shower.

Day 2

I love the early morning on Day 2. When you leave from Chehalis.

You catch the morning fog and light on the pastures. You find some fine collections out there early too, amongst the llamas and horses.

We stopped just past the Vader hill to see my nephew Trintin Weiss! It had been awhile since I saw him but I’ve been playing DnD with him virtually for some time in my son’s campaign. He’s a great kid and a funny player.

Brenda met us at Winlock near the giant egg and rode for a little bit. She rode a stretch of the Yelm-Tenino too! Our support extraordinaire gets some ride time!

Speaking of support, the famous “Banana Bread Lady” Susan Gonzalez is also a special ed teacher! She supported her husband 30 years ago and has been making banana bread after this unannounced climb in Napavine since.

Elevensies in Lexington for this hungry rider. She said the Uncrustables were the best ever. Those Lexington ladies know how to shop ’em. Also great to see MTP and tips on how to eat a corn dog.

Saw the Mario Bros. On Dirty 30 and it was just amazing. They were hopping for those powerups with the Goombas in hot pursuit. They got my 3rd Top Banana because they were just so fun and dressed perfect.

The obligatory St Johns Bridge pic! Last hill for this lady and she was glad!

Can’t really get enough of this beautiful bridge, so “paying it forward“.

I may or may not have planted a sticker there. I had actually forgotten to plant stickers up to that point if you could believe it. Totally focused on giving my daughter a good ride.

Crossing and hamming. It came so fast and such a rush. Our cheering squad was there with full on cowbell!

Zoe got to see her favorite artist “Wicked West“, enchanting maker of the “Funguise Friends”. I finally caught up with Wick to give him his Top Banana. Always great to see him and he insisted on a selfie instead of the sticker shot. If you see him at a bike event, thank him. He works hard to help make these events better.