The 2025 Skagit Spring Classic
by John Yaeger
The day began cool with just minor precipitation at times. The heaviest of upsets, what to do about the Chuckanut rockslide of April 22, had been resolved, and the team was looking forward to a day of fun for over 400 bike riders. All was in order.
There were new faces mixed in the Skagit Spring Classic this year. Steve Jahn had been
mentoring John Loudermilk as Rest Stop Food coordinator. Barry Antler had stepped in as
Volunteer Coordinator after Bob Papadakis needed time to be with an ailing family member.
Mary Hart took on the Registration Desk. Two other people, Kathy and John Yaeger, acted as
Skagit Spring Classic Co-Leads, having taken over from the very able hands of Ray Desy.
Thankfully, there was a generous overlap of experienced people who knew the tasks that needed
doing and were able to bring on the newer members seamlessly. No member can serve
endlessly; there needs to be a way to incorporate new members to take on established tasks. To
be able to do this is a testament to the maturity of Skagit Bicycle Club and specifically this
event, the Skagit Spring Classic. How well established it is and how able the members are to
share their knowledge and experience is what allowed the event to go for its 33rdyear.
2024 2025
Pre-registered riders 511 387
Day of registration 100 97
No shows 30 51
Total riders 581 433
Income/rider $75.76 $80.08
Total volunteers 73
Total receipts $46,294 $38,763
As shown in the graph above, the number of riders on the road this year was less than last year.
Some possible explanations, you may have others:
* General economic uncertainty on a national level
* Our northern friends choosing not to cross the border
* We ran out of certain types of food last year
* Saturday, May 10, was a cool-ish, possible rain-ish morning
* Increased entry fees ($5 bump)
* Chuckanut couldn’t be ridden
As in years past, we relied on active.com for pre-registration. We were able to preprint
wristband labels and get riders through the registration process with minimal delay. No issues
were experienced of note. Barring new information, we’ll be using active.com again in 2026.
Our swag choice of socks is still popular. This year, as we had blue socks left from 2024, we
were able to offer riders a choice: last year’s blue or this year’s black. Many riders approached
the registration table for their wrist bands wearing Skagit Bicycle Club socks. This indicates
several things: They like our socks, they have ridden with us before, and they are back for
another pair.
Need it be said that social media is a very common way for word to get out? Word of mouth is
still very powerful as well. Print and online ads were again purchased this year. Once the rider
survey is closed and compiled, we will be able to present a summary of how the entrants found
out about the Skagit Spring Classic.
The results of our rider survey also support our requests for grants from local government
agencies. There are Lodging Tax Grants provided by Mount Vernon, Burlington, and Skagit
County. These grants, in addition to our other sponsorships, amounted to $10,250 this year.
Riders per route (via
active.com)
100 mile 93
65 mile 128
45 mile 85
25 mile 56
The table above indicates that our two longest routes are very popular.
Some riders on the longer routes experienced a minor hiccup where they missed their route
markings on Farm to Market. That mentioned, many comments were heard that there were no
issues with route finding whatsoever. You remember Chuckanut being closed? Well, our two
longest routes had to be redesigned, marked, and posted quickly.
With the new designs, new permission had to be granted. Skagit Bicycle Club’s years of positive
history with Skagit County and WASDOT were like money in the bank. SBC’s organizational
skills and professionalism paid off and resulted in permits being revised and updated in the nick
of time.
There were a few changes to food at the three rest stops: Watermelons and pineapples were
swapped out for apples, grapes, and oranges. Cookies were back again in abundance.
Heed was this year's electrolyte carbohydrate drink. As before, each rest stop leader had an allowance to
purchase foods of their choosing. Church and Donovan were in their normal places. Our own
John Pope set up shop at Church and was busy most of the day. We’re fortunate for that as our
scheduled mechanic from Skagit Cycle had to cancel at the last minute. The former Chuckanut
rest stop was moved to Fir-Conway Lutheran Church. Fir-Con may have been a trifle close to
the finish line, about 18 miles away, but proved to be an acceptable location. We had limited
options. Reports from riders were that all the rest stop volunteers were very friendly. Food and
smiling faces: Nice picture.
The 4-H Rough Riders again provided spaghetti lunch for our guests. As a side note, Jackie
Arendse, the 4-H lead, along with Mary Hilliard, commented that she is pleased that her 4-H
students have this event to look forward to each year. Jackie feels it helps support a solid work
ethic for her students.
The Skagit Spring Classic draws positive, upbeat people. This is true of the volunteers who help
stage the event and the people who come to the Skagit Valley to ride the Classic. This event is
branded asTheCookie Ride, but an appropriate co-moniker might beTheFriendly Ride.
The rider survey will be compiled shortly. The Skagit Spring Classic team will review the
survey and consider all the comments. The Skagit Spring Classic is an evolving event; it moves with the times and will grow to fit.
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