Olympic National Park will host an exciting opportunity for cyclists to "Ride the Hurricane" on Sunday, August 1.
The event is an approximately 12-mile recreational climb up Hurricane Ridge Road. The Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce is organizing the ride, with sponsorship from several local businesses.
"Ride the Hurricane" is centered around the 12-mile ascent from the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station to Hurricane Ridge. From the starting point just higher than 1,800 feet above sea level, riders will climb more than 3,300 feet to Hurricane Ridge, which stands 5,242 feet above sea level.
Registration will take place at the entrance station with each rider confirming waivers have been signed and registration paid. Riders will then receive a logoed shirt, and water bottle. Starting in mass from the entrance station at 6AM with the more elite riders up front, cyclists will have the road to themselves as Olympic National Park has agreed to close the famous Hurricane Ridge Road from the entrance station to vehicle traffic until noon. The celebration of accomplishing the ride will occur at the ridge parking lot where beverages and snacks will be available, certificates of accomplishment awarded and photos taken of each rider from the ridge with the magnificent Olympic Mountains in the background. Photos will be sent via e-mail to the participants.
"We are excited to partner with the Chamber to present a safe and enjoyable event," said Olympic National Park superintendent Karen Gustin. "Cyclists will have the road to themselves all morning, and it will give participants a unique way to enjoy their national park."
To provide a safe experience for the event, the road will be closed to all vehicle traffic between the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station and Hurricane Ridge, starting at 4:00 a.m. and ending at noon. This applies to both uphill and downhill travel, as well as cyclists who are not a part of the ride.
After completing their summit, riders will follow pilot cars on their descent back down the Ridge. Pilot cars will leave Hurricane Ridge approximately every 20 minutes, with 15-20 riders following each pilot car.
The ride will start at the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station at 6:00 a.m. Access to the Lake Angeles-Heather Park trailhead and Heart O’ the Hills campground will remain open.
To register to ride, visit the Port Angeles Chamber website at www.portangeles.org/ride-the-hurricane.html. The registration cost is $25, which must be received by the Chamber before July 15. Participation is limited to 200 riders, and over 100 have already signed up!
Sponsors of "Ride the Hurricane" include Black Ball Ferry Line, Sound Bikes and Kayaks, Adventures Through Kayaking Outfitters, Therapeutic Associates of Port Angeles and Ruddell Auto Mall.
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