RSVP: Ride information & Description

Start Line

The ride starts on Friday, Aug. 14 from Warren G. Magnuson Park which is 2 miles northeast of the University of Washington just of off Sand Point Way. Overnight parking is available for $15. The start line is open from 6:30 - 7:30 a.m. Please be prompt, groups along the route have been notified of departure times.

Carpool

We encourage you to carpool to the starting point, RideshareOnline can help. Just log on at www.rideshareonline.com and follow the easy instructions for a first time user to register.

Once your registration is confirmed, select a bike ride from the event list. You can go back anytime and click on "Find Matches" to look for carpool partners from your area.

Social/Food Stops

There is one official social/food stop each day of the ride. Additionally, many restaurants and food stores dot the route and we encourage riders to stop for snacks or lunch in the communities along the way.

Border Crossing - Very Important

We're going into a foreign country! Please respect customs' laws. Since RSVP crosses into Canada, you are REQUIRED to carry a passport or Enhanced Drivers' License in 2009 MINORS (under 18) must have a passport and a letter of permission to cross the border AND have the medical release on the back of their bib signed by parent or guardian. We recommend parents provide constant adult supervision for minors.

Finish Line & Party

Finish your two-day adventure in downtown Vancouver, B.C. on Saturday, August 15, at the The Coast Plaza Suite Hotel. A bicycle parking area will be set up in the hotel garage. RSVP participants may store their bicycles in the hotel garage corral. Join us from 1:30 - 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at the hotel for the outdoor reception and a no-host cash bar.

Rider Packets

Rider bib numbers and packets will be mailed starting the week of July 27. If you register after July 27 you will need to pick up your packet at the start line.

Return Transportation

Return transportation to Seattle by chartered bus (you) and truck (your bike) on Sunday, August 16 is available for $55. Transportation for your bike only back to the start line is $25. You can add return transportation online by visiting the RSVP registration page, but a late charge of $10 will be added.

Only registered riders of the RSVP will be permitted to ride the chartered buses back to Seattle.

Bikes will start loading at 8:30 am from in front of the Coast Plaza Suite Hotel. Buses start loading from the same location at 10:30 a.m. Bike truck and buses will leave from The Coast Plaza Suite Hotel at the same time - approximately 11:00 a.m. and return to start line around 3:00 p.m.

If you are using this service YOU MUST include your bike model and serial number in the space provided on the registration form. This is required by U.S. Customs.

It is understood by those utilizing this service that the maximum liability of Bekins Moving and Storage Co. and Cascade Bicycle Club shall be sixty cents per pound for the actual weight of any lost or damaged articles. Bikes are wrapped in blankets and if you are concerned about scratches please pack protective foam wrap for your bicycle.

Baggage Service

Our truck will carry your gear to one of THREE baggage drops in Bellingham: (1)Days Inn, (2)Western Washington University or the (3)Best Western Heritage Inn. . Limit your baggage to 2-cubic feet in volume, the equivalent of two panniers.

Each bag must be well-secured and clearly marked with a luggage tag. (Detach the tags from your bib). Pack lightly as you will be transporting your luggage from the baggage drops. At the start line, please place your luggage next to the truck to ensure it is not left in the parking area. The baggage truck does not assist with mechanical breakdowns and cannot transport riders.

Sherpa Bag Service – The WWU Rugby team will be offering Sherpa service for bags to most local hotels in Bellingham. More information will be included in your rider packets.

Only registered riders of the RSVP will be entitled to baggage service.

Mechanical Support

RSVP provides limited en route mechanical support. Labor is free, but please be prepared to pay for parts. RSVP is a challenging event, requiring endurance and training. Be prepared to handle your own mechanical problems on the road.