The Ride:
Come cycle Hurricane Ridge (41 miles RT), the jewel of the Olympic National Park,
or consider the optional longer loop to climb to the scenic Sol Duc Hot Spring
resorts (118 miles RT) where you can swim in hot mineral or fresh water pools
(for a fee) and walk to the spectacular Sol Duc waterfalls (1.6 miles RT). This
ride is excellent training for RAMROD and a great place to chill with other
cyclists.
Important: We will reschedule in case of poor
weather forecast - Check this page for update on July 21.
Fees: Olympic National Park entrance is $5. Sol Duc Hot Springs is $10.75
(for bathing).
Ride Start:
Port Angeles: Olympic National Park Visitor Center - (360-565-3130)
Meet at: 7:45 AM for a 8:15 AM start. (From Seattle take the 5:50 AM
Edmonds-Kingston ferry the same day, or stay overnight on Friday)
Map and Itinerary:
Route 1 - 41 miles - Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge RT
Route 2 - 118 miles - Port Angeles to Hurricane Ridge + Sol Duc Hot Springs
Non-climbers could skip Hurricane Ridge, ride directly to Sol Duc and soak
in the hot springs while waiting for the group - 87 miles RT
Guides: Dan Wakefield (moderate), Dave Mc Dougal (brisk) and Jean-Philippe Soulé (high
brisk).
More leaders are needed for moderate, and strenuous paces. Volunteer and get a $15
discount on NPOC membership!
Contact us to be a leader at any pace on this ride.
Difficulty:
The ride to Hurricane Ridge takes you to 5200 feet above sea level in 16 miles from the park headquarters.
It is one of Washington's toughest climb with switchbacks reminiscent of the
French Alps. The 1000 foot climb to Sol Duc Hot Spring from Lake Crescent is
easier. People are encouraged to
ride at their own pace following the cue-sheets. There will be no sweep on this
ride. If you can't make a climb, you can turn around and wait for the group to
return.
Pace: Moderate (14-16 mph), brisk (16 to 18 mph), high brisk (18-21 mph). Cue sheets will be offered at the start and stronger
riders are welcome to ride up front. Slower riders who can read a cue sheet and
solve possible mechanical problems are also welcome.
Regroup/Experience: Regroup at the top of each long climb. All riders are expected to be fit enough to participate in this ride and
must
be able to follow a cue sheet and/or map and to fix possible flats or problems.
We recommend that you carry at least two spare tubes, a pump and a basic tool
kit.
Lunch stop: Bring a snack to eat on top of Hurricane Ridge; later we will stop
at mile 75 for a late lunch break and a soak at the Sol Duc Hot Springs (bring
your swimsuits).
After Ride Feed: Nothing planned this time, but some of us may be staying
to camp and BBQ.
Safety Issues: This ride is recommended for experienced moderate to
strenuous cyclists. We encourage people to ride at their own pace and emphasize
safety and strict adherence to traffic rules. Be aware of dehydration and heat
exhaustion and bring some sunscreen. Helmets must be worn at all times.
Cancellation: If we don't cancel on July 21 due to a poor
forecast we will ride even if it rains.
Carpool: Let us know if you'd like to arrange carpooling.
Lodging: You may want to stay on the Peninsula on Friday and/or Saturday
evening. Some of us may camp in the Olympic National Park (Altaire Campground) on Friday,
and at the Sol Duc Hot Springs on Saturday. RSVP if
you'd like to join us.
RSVP: Your response helps us estimate the number of riders (and leads needed), print enough cue-sheets, and allows us to tell you if there are any last minute ride changes due to weather/road conditions or other emergencies.
Questions:
Contact us
prior to July 20.
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