Start Line
The ride starts on Friday, Aug. 5 from the north end of University of Washington E1 parking lot on Montlake Blvd. Enter the lot at the north end by the golf driving range on Walla Walla Rd. 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.
Driving Directions to Start Line
From I-5 North or South bound take the SR 520 exit #168B onto SR520, east bound. Take the first exit off SR520 for Montlake Blvd. E. At the light take a left onto Montlake Blvd. E. Stay in the right lane as you go over the Montlake Bridge and pass Husky Stadium. The start line, overnight parking and drop off will be in the big E1 parking lot on your right. You MUST enter the lot at the north end at the light at Walla Walla Rd. Once in the lot follow the signs to either the drop-off area or overnight parking.
Click on start line map to enlarge.
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.
Food Stops
There are two official social/food stop each day that provide energy type snacks to keep you going that are not meant to be a meal. There are many restaurants and food stores on 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. 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 & Fireworks Show
Finish your two-day adventure in downtown Vancouver, B.C. on Saturday, August 6, at the The Coast Plaza Suite Hotel. Overnight secure bicycle parking 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. Saturday night there will be a spectacular fireworks show over Stanley Park. This is a very popular event so book your hotel room early!
Rider Packets
Rider bib numbers and packets will be mailed starting the week of July 18.
Return Transportation
Return transportation to Seattle by chartered bus (you) and truck (your bike) on Sunday, August 7 is available for $57. Transportation for your bike only back to the start line is $26. You can add return transportation online by visiting the RSVP registration page, but a late charge of $10 will be added. Both bus and bike space is LIMITED!
Only registered riders of the RSVP will be permitted to ride the chartered buses back to Seattle.
Bikes will start loading at 8:30 a.m. 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 a.m. and return to start line around 3 p.m.
Bikes not picked up on Sunday by 5 p.m. will be taken to the Cascade Bicycle Club (7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, 98115) and will be available for pickup Mon. – Fri. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is a $10 per day charge for all bikes that are not picked up on Sunday. If you know in advance that you will not be picking up your bike you can pre-pay for bike storage via the registration form.
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 (on Samish Way), (2) Western Washington University, or (3) Best Western Heritage Inn (north end). At the start line you will need to put your bags on the truck that is closest to your place of lodging for Friday night. Limit your baggage to two 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 may be transporting your luggage from the baggage drops. Cascade Bicycle Club is NOT responsible for lost, stolen or damaged luggage. Please DO NOT pack any valuables or breakable items.
All riders must return their bags to the baggage drop where they picked them up by 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning - no later! In Vancouver, all riders must pick up their bags at the finish line. Bags will be located at the Coast Plaza Hotel in a conference room next to the party. Bags will be ready for pickup by 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Sherpa Bag Service – The WWU Rugby team will be offering “Sherpa Bag Service” for a fee of $10 (cash or check) per bag to most Bellingham hotels. This service includes bag drop off on Friday and pick up on Saturday from most hotels in Bellingham. You can sign up for this service at the start line. All proceeds from the service benefit the WWU Rugby team.
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.
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