“Ride the Hurricane” Bike Ride Scheduled for August 1 on Olympic National Park’s Hurricane Ridge Road.

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.

“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.

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.

Cost to participate in the event is $25 with payment required by July 15. Checks should be made to Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce and sent to 121 E. Railroad Ave. Port Angeles WA. 98362. If you prefer to pay with a credit card please call Russ Veenema @ 452-2363 X 13 to process the payment.

Contact Russ Veenema at russ@portangeles.org for additional information or questions.