West Seattle 10-year-old’s big bike ride

The report and photo are from proud mom Joelle Hammerstad:

West Seattle’s own Boden Hammerstad finished the 202-mile Seattle-to-Portland (STP) bike ride with his dad, David Hammerstad, last month. At just 10 years old, Boden is one of the youngest riders to finish the race. It was a long ride with temperatures in the 90s on both days of the race. Boden and his dad started out at the University of Washington on Saturday, July 14, and camped in Chehalis that night.

On Sunday, July 15, the final day of the ride, with less than 20 miles to go before the finish line, Boden took a spill, and had to get bandaged in the medic tent. (See the bandage on his arm.) He wasn’t deterred, though. He got right back up on his bike, and finished the final stretch — even passing adults along the way as he sped toward the finish line.

Boden is a rising fifth grader at Genesee Hill Elementary. He got the idea to ride the race last summer, and asked his dad to help him train to become a rider this year. He and his dad trained all spring and into the summer — going on rides sponsored by the Cascade Bicycle Club, as well as on their own. They participated in the Flying Wheels ride in June to practice for the big day. Boden’s hard work culminated in finishing the largest multi-day bike ride in the Pacific Northwest.

9 Replies to "West Seattle 10-year-old's big bike ride"

  • Highland Park August 4, 2018 (2:44 pm)

    What an inspiration! 

  • waikikigirl August 4, 2018 (3:15 pm)

    WAY TO GO Boden, what an accomplishment for a 10 year old!!!

  • miws August 4, 2018 (4:01 pm)

    Awesome job, Boden!——Mike

  • MJ August 4, 2018 (4:29 pm)

    The STP this year was much tougher than usual due to the heat, it makes a huge difference!  Good job in completing the ride, and with bandages to prove his determination to succeed!

  • Brian Hughes August 5, 2018 (1:06 am)

    It’s a big accomplishment for anyone – congratulations and great job!

  • kk August 5, 2018 (8:30 am)

    Congrats, Boden! You are beginning a lifetime of fun. Oh, the places you can go with two wheels!

  • AHneighbor August 5, 2018 (12:52 pm)

    Great job, Boden! You rule!

  • mark47n August 5, 2018 (1:55 pm)

    Just one point: STP is not a race, it’s just a massive bike ride. It’s hot, grueling and can be a real emotional mind f*#@K and completing it is a real accomplishment. Congratulations!

  • OP August 5, 2018 (8:37 pm)

    As one of your coaches in WSLL last year, I could NOT be more proud! Congratulations, Boden, this is a hugely impressive accomplishment! Just, wow!

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