CANCELLED - Artist Point, Mt. Baker

This is an out and back route up Mt. Baker to scenic Artist Point from Maple Falls, Washington, best suited to experienced cyclists with good endurance.  We will ride together at a vigorous pace (18-20 MPH effort level - see https://www.cascade.org/rides-free-group-rides/ride-classifications for definitions) on the approach to the climb to the WSDOT maintenance station where we will regroup if necessary (on both the ascent and descent legs). The ride is classified as strenuous because of the long, sustained climb to the top. Riders will naturally climb at different paces, we will also regroup at the top before descending.  Please be sure to look at the elevation profile in the ride link.

This route is also noteworthy because of the potential for significant traffic (particularly later in the day from the WSDOT maintenance station back to Maple Falls) and the notoriously and perpetually poor condition of the pavement, caution is required at all times. But the views on the ascent and at the summit are proportionally rewarding.  Late July is generally dry and warm at lower elevations but please keep in mind that temperatures can vary widely in the mountains even on sunny days. It can be cool and even cold at higher elevations, especially on descents. I recommend bringing a variety of layering options to the start and carrying a jacket or warmers for the descent.

We will meet in the dirt parking lot at the NW corner of HWY 543 and Silver Lake Road across from the Shell Station. Drive time about 2 hrs from Seattle.  There is a bathroom in the Shell station/convenience store across from the parking lot (this is a business so please remember to patronize them if you use their restroom). There is a also public restroom in Glacier south of Hwy 542 near the grocery store and at the Artist Point summit. There is water at the WSDOT maintenance station (just before the main climb starts, at approximately mile 20). Bring adequate food/snacks. As a bonus for those who want to extend the ride, you can do the top part of the climb twice! (My route link includes an optional double top.) Forecasted rain cancels.  Call or text me if you are unsure about the weather or if the ride is on.