Whatcom Events announces that registration is now open for the 2019 Mt. Baker Hill Climb in Bellingham, WA. The race is Sunday, Sept. 8 and departs from Chair 9 Pizza in Glacier, WA on the Mt. Baker Highway. Ascend 4,100 feet from Chair 9 in Glacier to Artist Point (5,076 feet elevation) in approximately 22 miles. The Mt. Baker Highway (SR542) is known as one of the most scenic paved roads in the country and rarely is the highway closed to motorized vehicles on the way up Artist Point. With steep elevation and several switchbacks, this ride is not for the faint of heart. Racers are invited to experience the agony AND the ecstasy. There are three divisions to choose from: Social riders leave at 7:00 a.m. (untimed, e-bikes allowed); Recreational Riders leave at 8:00 a.m.; and Competitive Racers leave at 8:30 a.m. Registration price is $70 (plus fees) until May 15 and then $80 per person until the ride sells out. Tandem is $90/100 respectively. The race will be capped at 450 total participants this year, we anticipate it will sell out. This will be our second year Whatcom Events hosts the Mt. Baker Hill Climb. The new Title Sponsor for 2019 is PeaceHealth. Their generous sponsorship has allowed cash prizes to double. Cash prizes will be awarded to the 1st-3rd overall time for both males and females. First prize is $500, second prize is $250 and third prize is $100. Racing Jerseys are available on the Whatcom Events website for purchase. Additionally, the top female and top male of the following age divisions will receive a custom fully-sublimated winner's Jersey by Voler after the event: ages 13-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+. There will be two aid stations equipped with snacks, water, fruit and basic repair kits during the climb and one at the top. Highway 542 will be closed to traffic both ways from 7 a.m. - noon. Riders may ride down the mountain after the climb but need to be aware that the race consists solely of the ascent east bound along Highway 542 from Glacier to Artist Point; any travel westbound on Highway 542 will be at the rider's own accord and risk. A shuttle will be available to transport cyclists who do not wish to bike down. The Mt Baker Hill Climb was recently listed on the US Hill Climb Series website and was awarded the #2 Hill Climb in the US by the Gran Fondo Guide.
