High Pass Challenge
Canceled for 2022
High Pass Challenge (HPC)
The 300-500 riders on HPC will be faced with a challenging obstacle, a strenuous mountain climb (7,500 feet of elevation gain over 104 miles) that leads riders through the beautiful Gifford Pinchot National Forest, via Independence Pass. Including stunning views of Spirit Lake and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The ride starts and ends in Packwood, Washington. The halfway point (summit of the climb) is at scenic Windy Ridge, which overlooks the Mount St. Helen's blast zone. The event does include an (optional) timed to the top segment. Results will be posted online post-event.
All riders will receive:
- a finisher t-shirt
- lunch and food stops
- road support.
The use of this pristine route was made possible by a special arrangement with the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount St. Helens National Monument. This is one of the most beautiful and unique places on earth, and a ride you do not want to miss!
Get timed to the top of Windy Ridge
Medals are awarded at the Finish Line Festival based on how quickly riders make it to the top of Windy Ridge. This is done based on a 7:00 a.m. start time for ALL riders (i.e. if you start at 7:30 a.m. the timing still reflects a 7:00 a.m. start).
Results for previous years - "Time to the top"
2019 - Time to the top results.pdf
Did you know the High Pass Challenge supports our mission to improve lives through bicycling?
Your HPC ride registration makes Washington a better place for people riding bikes:
- You are championing better and safer bicycle infrastructure.
- You are providing bicycle education programs for children, families, school groups and everyone else who wants to ride a bike.
- You are empowering youth from diverse communities through the Major Taylor Project.
- You are making it possible for Cascade to offer over 2,500 free group rides every year.
- Ultimately, you are getting more people on bikes.
A brief history of the High Pass Challenge
The High Pass Challenge (HPC), a ride that takes riders on a 104-mile journey up to Mt. St. Helen's Windy Ridge and back, was developed for the Cascade Bicycle Club in 2007 by Tom Meloy. Tom became a Ride Leader in 2003 and served on the Cascade Board of Directors in 2007. While on Cascade's Board of Directors, Tom presented the idea of a new event tailored for hardcore riders; he felt the route from Packwood to Windy Ridge on Mt. St. Helens would be perfect. At the same time, Tom founded the High-Performance Cycling Team for Cascade, and it is no coincidence that both the team and the High Pass Challenge are abbreviated as “HPC.” The goal was to develop both a Cascade event and a cycling team that would appeal to people who like to climb and ride long distances. As the back of the HPC jersey attests, high-performance cyclists like to "Ride Hard, Climb High, and Ride Fast." The High Pass Challenge provides participants with the opportunity to do all three!
