PORT ANGELES — Ride the Hurricane, the third annual bicycle ride set for Sunday, keeps growing.
More than 400 riders are registered for the recreational Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce-organized event, which has a capacity of 500, said Executive Director Russ Veenema.
“With the amount of interest happening, in the next few days, there’s a chance we might reach it [sellout] this year,” Veenema said.
The first ride in 2010 totaled 197 riders, and last year’s event grew to about 300. Registration is $35 and is still available online today and Saturday.
Registrants can go to http://tinyurl.com/6y7prta and in person before the event starting at 6 a.m. Sunday morning at the Peninsula College western parking lot at 1502 W. Lauridsen Blvd.
On the day of the ride — a noncompetitive recreational event — travel on Hurricane Ridge Road will be closed to vehicle traffic and restricted to ride participants from 7 a.m. to noon.
Olympic National Park will waive the entrance fee.
“Olympic National Park has been terrific to work with. Their staff really embraces this event,” Veenema said.
Each registration fee will provide $5 for Olympic Discovery Trail maintenance and expansion.
The donation will be presented to Clallam County commissioners later this month.
Cyclists can choose between two routes to Hurricane Ridge: a 24-mile round-trip ride starting from the Heart O’ the Hills entrance station or a 36-mile round-trip ride that begins at the Peninsula College parking lot.
Riders starting from the Heart O’ the Hills will climb more than 3,300 feet on the 12-mile uphill first leg to Hurricane Ridge, which is at an elevation of 5,242 feet.
Starting from the registration area at Peninsula College, cyclists will gain about 4,300 feet over the first 18 miles to the Ridge.
In a change from previous rides, no pilot cars will be used on the downhill portion of the ride, and cyclists are free to descend at their own pace.
The official start time from both locations is 7 a.m., but riders may start at any time before 10 a.m.
Cyclists will receive a personal photo from Hurricane Ridge, a Ride the Hurricane beanie/skullcap and refreshments at the summit.
The event will provide several aid stations along the route with water and restrooms.
“The event, which is the only time Olympic National Park closes Hurricane Ridge Road for a private event, continues to attract more riders each year and has turned into a destination event for many,” Veenema said.
Participants range from Florida, South Carolina, Texas and many Midwestern states.
“Of course the bulk of the riders are from the Seattle area, but Victoria is not far behind,” Veenema said.
Black Ball Ferry Line, which operates the MV Coho between Port Angeles and Victoria, is the presenting sponsor, Veenema said.
Ride the Hurricane also is sponsored by First Federal, Aramark Properties, Olympic Springs and Therapeutic Associates-Port Angeles.
For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/6y7prta.
News staffer and golf columnist Michael Carman can be reached at 360-417-3527 or pdngolf@gmail.com.
