10,000 STP stories

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Tomorrow, 10,000 people will hit the road to Portland in the 36th annual 2015 Group Health Seattle to Portland presented by Alaska Airlines (STP). 
But don't be mistaken; STP is not just a bicycle event. It's a tool that builds confidence for youth, it's the motivation for staying healthy, it's a way to spend time with loved ones and a way to raise awareness for a cause near to our hearts. And for some, it's a life-changing event.
Everyone has a story to tell. So we asked riders this year, what's your story? 
Here are a few of their stories, in their own words: 

"I started cycling about four years ago, after watching my son finish STP in one day. As I looked at the other riders crossing the finishing line, I noticed the look of accomplishment and serenity on their faces. I knew right then that I wanted to do this, too! Last year was my first STP. Five years ago, I was 55 pounds heavier and I was just discovering all the wonderful, active things I was capable of doing!" 
— Karen Kemp, Vancouver, Wash. resident, age 63

"Upon completion of this ride on Sunday, I will be the oldest rider to finish STP 33 times! [STP] is a fun ride the first time. To do it again, starts to border on insanity; [but] it has required me to keep a certain level of training all these years, and I love to ride my bike."
— Ben Marra, Seattle, Wash. resident, age 74 (and three-quarters)

"This year's STP is very special for me. My daughter, Aidan, asked me last fall if she could do the ride with me. I was elated. We have ridden nearly 2,000 miles together during training rides and we're ready to ride to Portland in one day together. 
I can't express the joy in sharing an activity I've loved all my life with my daughter and the happiness in spending time training together. Most 16 year old girls don't want to even acknowledge that their parents exist, let alone ride 2,000 miles with them. I'm very lucky." 
— Patrick Price, Kenmore, Wash. resident

"A few years ago, we moved to a new house in a new neighborhood. It was a great move, but my commute to downtown Seattle for work got more complicated. We have one car and two kids, so I began using my bike to get myself the two miles from home to the park and ride. Riding nearly every day, all year, in all types of weather took some getting used to, but I grew to love it.
"[This year's] Chilly Hilly was my first big ride with lots of other participants and now I knew I was in love. I bought a new road bike, started training harder, and am ready and excited to ride the STP for the first time! For me, this is special because I've never been a particularly athletic person. I don't run. I don't go to the gym. But I found something I love which is keeping me in shape!"

— Jack Hollenbach, Edmonds, Wash. resident 

"Four years ago, at age 38 and 360 pounds, I was taking medication for diabetes and high blood pressure. I woke up one morning with a massive disc rupture in my back and ended up with cauda equine syndrome which was rapidly paralyzing me. I was rushed to Swedish Hospital for emergency back surgery. Although the surgery was successful, I was left with permanent pain and nerve damage in my legs from the rupture. I used a walker and then a cane for months afterward. This was the wakeup call that I needed.
"At that time, I decided to get my life and health back under control. I started eating better and exercising. It was a long, difficult process that was impeded by my prosthetic foot and the pain and nerve damage in my legs from the disc rupture. However, I found that I could bike for longer periods of time than I could do any other form of exercise. This has helped me shed 130 pounds.
"Last year, I put the STP on my bucket list. I've trained hard this year, and have rode more than a thousand miles in the last several months preparing for this monumental ride. I feel confident and prepared to finish what I never dreamed I could start."

— Paul Grenier, Burlington, Wash. resident, age 42

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