Part 2 of 3
In this category we have events that are not officially sanctioned by a bicycle racing organization, but include a record of your finish time and / or place. Here are some to consider:
SIR 100 KM Populaire
March 2
The annual Populaire is included here since finish times are recorded, the event conforms to Randonneuring protocols, and time limits make it a challenging outing. This ~62 mile tune-up is the culmination of the SIR / Cascade Bicycle Club Winter Training Series. A ride of this length at this point in the season is perfectly timed to build endurance for longer rides later in the season.
Tour of the Unknown Coast
May 10
At mile 85, riders are faced with the 18% grade nicknamed “The Wall.”
Although it’s set up like an “event ride,” it begins with riders in team kit nervously elbowing one another at a mass start, and ends with a finish chute and big clock used to record finish times. It’s not a race, even though last year’s edition drew Tinker Juarez.
The course wanders through scenic countryside, gorgeous redwood groves, and spectacular coastline south of Ferndale, CA.
But, it has a dark side, and it is the dark side that allures. Difficulties include rim-splitting potholed roads, a challenging ~20-mile climb over Panther Gap, 7 miles of relentless coastal headwind, an 18% grade nicknamed “The Wall,” followed by “Endless Hills.” Although there is only a relatively benign ~10,000′ of climbing, most is very steep.
Lodging can be difficult to find unless you plan way ahead, but there are plenty of tenting spots at the start area. Not recommended in rainy weather.
Ski to Sea
May 25
This is a fun event whether you are looking for an excuse to play with friends or are seriously competitive and can’t leave home without your aero helmet.
Cyclists race ~36 mostly downhill miles from the WA DOT facility east of Glacier to Everson. The cycling leg begins with a handoff from a runner and is essentially an all-out time trial until (ideally) riders with similar abilities coalesce into a group to share the workload. Riders can expect to be enthusiastically cheered on by fans and friends along the way, especially in Glacier and on the approach to the finish area.
Share post-race stories with other riders at the finish line refreshment table.
Mt. Baker Hill Climb / Ride 542
September 7
This is a spectacular 24.5 mile mass start time trial from Glacier to Artist Point above the Mt. Baker Ski area. It is earning a well-deserved reputation as a “must do” race in the Northwest.
If you can finish in under 1:50, you’re in the competitive division and will be racing against elite athletes and teams employing team time-trial tactics. Last year, the top finishers came in under 1:20 (Reality check: My 2006 time was 2:00:08). Age is no excuse: Last year 50 year old Ned Overend finished 2nd to twenty-something Adam Jensen. Last year’s top woman finisher was Leah Goldstein, who came in at 1:29:58.
Into the mist: Riders at mile ~12 and the start of the sustained climb to Artist Point.
Use caution out of the start: The recreational race is a bit squirrelly out of Glacier until the pack sorts out after the first couple of the smaller climbs. Registration opens February 1, and each race has a limited number of slots. Not recommended in the event of inclement weather. Bring a set of warm clothes for the downhill return trip: Race organizers will shuttle your warm gear to the finish.
What’s on your hit list?
