MARYSVILLE — Robert Spreine doesn’t own a computer. He doesn’t have email or a TV. What he does have is a tricked-out bicycle, and it’s taken him all over the Northwest.
On July 9, he began a trek that would add 200 more miles to his ever-growing mileage log. Joined by more than 2,000 first-timers, Spreine participated in the Group Health Seattle-to-Portland Bicycle Classic.
“That’s a race I wanted to do ever since I started riding seriously five years ago,” he said. “It’s such a renowned race. Riders from all over the world come here for this race. It is an accomplishment I am very proud of.”
Unlike most participants who sign up months in advance, Spreine, a self-proclaimed bicycling junkie, didn’t register until three days before the event. After leaving late from his taekwondo teaching gig at the Marysville YMCA, Spreine drove to Seattle and slept in his truck the night before the race.
“You’d think I’d be really tired the day of the race, but I wasn’t,” Spreine said. “I was so excited for the race that my adrenalin was racing. In fact, I probably had the best sleep I’ve had in a long time. I was just ready to go.”
Spreine started the two-day event at 5:30 a.m. and reached the midway point in Chehalis nearly nine hours later. Riders, including Spreine, spent the night in tents at a park where they hydrated, socialized and rested before leaving early the next morning.
“It was a great atmosphere in Chehalis,” Spreine said. “There was a beer garden, good food and great company. We had a great time talking with other riders, sharing stories and just resting up for the next day.”
Not all riders made the stop. Some rode through the night and finished the race in one day. Spreine plans on being one of those riders in a future race.
“It’s a grueling day to finish it in one day,” said Snohomish County resident Maggie Swift, who completed the race in just under 24 hours. “This was my third time riding the STP. The first two times I stopped early, but I was determined to make it in one day this year. It’s not for everyone. It’s a long ride, and you have to be disciplined and ready for the long haul.”
According to Spreine, his taekwondo training helped prepare him for the race. He also rides at least 30 miles every weekend.
“There are so many other ways to train for a race like the STP,” Spreine said. “I do a lot of body strengthening. My taekwondo training definitely helps.”
More than 10,000 riders participated in the 32nd annual recreational ride. They came from nearly every state as well as from three countries. They ranged in ages from 15 to 85.
“This is the biggest bike ride in the Northwest,” Spreine said. “I think, aside from the actual ride, meeting new people from all different walks of life was amazing.”
The route started at Husky Stadium and weaved through valleys, forests and farmlands. It ended at Holiday Park in northeast Portland. There were five major rest stops, 12 support vehicles and more than 100 safety and medical riders on the course. The proceeds from entry and various other fees went toward bicycle education, advocacy and riding programs.
“This was an amazing experience,” said Spreine, who works part-time at the YMCA. “I want to get a few teams together for next year’s ride.”
