By Peninsula Daily News news sources
PORT ANGELES — Olympic National Park is hosting the 4th annual “Ride the Hurricane” for bicyclists next Sunday, Aug. 4.
The event is a recreational climb into the Olympic Mountains on the scenic Hurricane Ridge Road.
The Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce is organizing the ride, with sponsorship from several local businesses.
From the Heart O’ the Hills entrance gate, riders will climb 12 miles and more than 4,000 feet to Hurricane Ridge, which stands 5,242 feet above sea level.
After completing their summit, riders will be allowed to descend at their own pace.
To sign up to ride, visit the chamber’s website at http://business.portangeles.org/events/details/ride-the-hurricane-2773.
Cost is $35.
Each rider will receive a goodie bag with sponsor information and a cycling cap.
The event will have four aid stations which will have water and snacks available along with portable toilets.
Snacks and beverages will be available at the summit. Celebratory “I made it to the top” photos will also be taken and available on line after the event.
Road will be closed to vehicles
“We are excited to partner with the chamber again this year to provide this unique experience in Olympic National Park,” said Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum.
“To ensure a safe and enjoyable event, Hurricane Ridge Road will be closed to vehicle traffic through the morning.”
Participants will have the option to start their ride at one of two locations — the Heart O’ The Hills entrance gate for a 24-mile round trip or from Peninsula College, five miles north of the entrance gate, for a 36-mile round trip.
Registration for either ride option opens at 6 a.m. at the Peninsula College parking lot, 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd., in Port Angeles.
Participants opting to ride the longer route from Peninsula College may start as early as 6 a.m.
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 5 a.m. and ending at noon.
This applies to both uphill and downhill travel. The road will open to traffic at noon, when the event is finished.
Olympic National Park will waive entrance fees at the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station for the rest of the day on Aug. 4.
Access to the Lake Angeles-Heather Park trailhead and Heart O’ the Hills campground will remain open throughout the day.
Shuttle to the top
New this year is a free event shuttle for guests of the riders.
The shuttle will leave the Peninsula College Parking lot at 7 a.m. and Heart O’ the Hills at 7:20 a.m.
It will then leave the summit at 9 a.m.
It will make one more round-trip leaving Peninsula College at 10 a.m. and Heart O’ the Hills at 10:20 a.m. and then back down from the summit at 11:30 a.m.
