Power Up with Potatoes for your Next Endurance Event like STP Participants!
Do you love participating in marathons, bike rides, or mud runs? Are you a fan of potatoes, not just for the delicious taste but also for the fuel they provide before an endurance event? Then we've got something perfect for you... Team Potato! Go to Team Potato (potatoes.com) to learn more!
On Saturday, July 13, 2024, the Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) team, along with the newly appointed Chair of the Commission, Kraig Knutzen, set up the Fry Van at Centralia College, marking the 101-mile point of the Kaiser Permanente Seattle to Portland (STP) Bicycle Classic. This 206-mile bike ride starts at the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium in Seattle and concludes at Holladay Park in Portland, Oregon. Some participants aim to complete the entire ride in one day, beginning as early as 4:00 a.m. To help sustain their energy, the WSPC Fry Van positioned itself among various activation and water stations, quickly becoming a favorite stop. Riders, eager for the carbs, potassium, and sodium provided by Washington fries, flocked to the Fry Van at this crucial halfway point. “Yay, the French fries! We look forward to these every year,” one rider exclaimed as he rode up to grab a bag!
While some cyclists power through the entire 206 miles in a single day, many choose to break up the ride over two days. This year, the WSPC once again offered their popular #poweredbypotatoes cooling towels, soaked in ice-cold water, to help riders beat the 90-degree heat. These cooling towels were a huge hit, providing much-needed relief from the sweltering weather.
During the event, WSPC staff engaged with riders, discussing the nutritional benefits of potatoes and why the Commission supports STP. They also introduced Team Potato, signing up about 30 new members on the spot and an additional 40 the following week.
WSPC has been a proud sponsor of the STP event, organized by the Cascade Bicycle Club, since 2019. With numerous potato enthusiasts in the group, it’s always inspiring to hear their stories about how they incorporate potatoes into their diet to sustain energy before, during, and after the ride. Educating new riders on the importance of proper nutrition for fueling their bodies is equally rewarding. This year, the STP saw 6,000 participants, and WSPC served nearly 2,000 servings of fries, helping to keep the riders energized throughout their journey.
