**CANCELLED** Best of Mt. Rainier in One Day (Self-Paced)

Done the RAMROD? Ready to revisit the Mt Rainier one more time just for the highlights?

Let's meet at the turnout located on the north side of Mt. Rainier National Park Sunrise Rd by the "Mather Memorial Parkway" stone sign.  There is limited parking at the turnout.  There is more parking at various other turnouts along HWY 410 close to the meeting location as well as in the park, just past the entrance . Please give yourself ample time to meet at the start of the ride by 0730 sharp.  Be there, ready to go at the time listed above. We will start with a required safety briefing, and roll out when that's done.  All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

The Ride (Please read carefully)

I learned this ride this summer when it was offered as a memorial for the former ride leader, Mr. Steve Hulsman, who passed away December 23, 2023 while riding his bike in West Seattle. 

This is a self-paced ride.  Because of the difficulty level of this ride, there will be no formal re-groups.  We will climb and descend hills at our own pace,   Be prepared with enough money to purchase a ticket for park entry or bring your park pass if you have one.  You will need your park pass (or day use receipt) multiple time during the ride.  At a minimum. you will need to enter at the Steven's Canyon entrance and later at the Sunrise Entrance.

The ride will begin from the meeting location as described above.  We will head east up HWY 410 past Tipsoo Lake to the summit of Chinook Pass (mile 7.1).  This is a good warm up with 2000 ft of climbing.  Chinook Pass is a good place to take a photo and have small snack.  But don't waste too much time...there is a lot of riding to do.  Put your windbreaker on here.  We will descend on 410 in the direction we came from.  Be aware that depending on the rider, descent speeds can exceed 40 mph.  We will make a left at (mile 10.7) SR 123 (Cayuse Pass).   Continue to descend on SR 123. The is a tunnel located about three miles from the turnoff onto SR 123.  Please make sure you have your headlight and tail light on.  This tunnel is dark and there are cars and trucks that pass through the tunnel.  There are also big metal grates on either side of the tunnel.  Be cognizant as these could startle you if you are not prepared for them.   From the tunnel it is approximately nine miles to the Steven's Canyon Park entrance (mile 23).  If there are a line of cars, you must wait in line to get into the park. Have your pass (or money) ready.  Just past the ranger station are bathrooms and water.  Ensure you have full water bottles prior to departing.  The next water bathroom stop is at Box Canyon mile 32.5. Top off water here.  Between Steven's Canyon Park Entrance and Paradise, there is approximately 3000 ft of climbing and parts of that segment can be warm depending on the weather.  Stay hydrated and pace accordingly.  Be aware on the climb from Box Canyon to Paradise there are 12 metal road grates every mile or so, that you will be forced to cross over.  Pay attention to these.  Ride safely and at an appropriate speed (especially on the descent).   Paradise is mile 42.9.  This is a good place to have lunch and take a picture/use the bathroom etc. Plan on a 30 minute break.  From Paradise we will descend back the way we came to Steven's Canyon Park entrance (mile 62.6).  Make sure your water is topped off before climbing SR 123 to HWY 410.  This segment is approximately 12 miles and 3000 ft of climbing.  It will be afternoon at this point of the ride and it can get warm depending on the weather.  Pace yourself here and  stay hydrated.  

After reaching HWY 410 turn left and descend to the Sunrise Park Entrance (Note. depending on where you parked, you may want to stop at your car and replenish food, water and reapply sunscreen.).   Wait in line if there are cars ahead of you and have your pass ready.  After passing through the ranger station there are bathrooms and water available.  Top off water.  Take a short break here.  Departing from this point the ride to Sunrise summit is approximately 15 miles and 3000 ft of climbing.  It is not uncommon to see wildlife including black bear on this segment. It is beautiful.  Top off water at the top and the descend approximately 16.3 miles to the start.  

Restrooms available as described above.  Just prior to reaching Tipsoo Lake on the first climb, then at the Steven's Canyon Entrance to the park located at SR 123 and Steven's Canyon Rd again at Box Canyon and again at Paradise.  Where there are restrooms there is also water.  Bring two water bottles and top off when able.  

Be prepared for mountain riding.  Be aware, the roads may be wet and if you are riding with others you may consider having fenders on your bike. Use sunscreen.  The UV index is much higher in the mountains and it is easier to get sunburn.  The weather can change quickly.  Bring a phone, ID, cash and/or credit card; sun screen, a bike mirror on you bike or sunglasses; water and sufficient food and snacks to get through this ride. Don't forget a spare tube and tools to fix a flat.  Also, check the weather, the Mt Rainier National Park website for current conditions.  Be advised that Paradise is the only stop with provisions.  Check to make sure they will be open before departing for this ride.  This is a self paced ride and you must be prepared to ride on your own.  Make sure you let someone you know what time you expect to be home.   

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will cancel the ride and all registered riders will be sent a notification email. If the ride is cancelled at least two hours before the start, Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride.

This is a hard day of riding and is recommended for those that are have sufficient base training and are experienced with riding in the mountains and at high elevations.  

We hope you can join us!