Whatcom Events is excited to announce 2x World Hill Climb Champion Phil Gaimon is registered for the Mt. Baker Hill Climb this year! To say we’re humbled would be an understatement. Phil had this to say about his upcoming participation, "I've heard great things about Bellingham and Mt. Baker, and I'm excited to finally cross this event off of my bucket list!"
Check out his youtube video series, “Worst Retirement Ever” highlighting Phil's uphill adventures, tips and more! Ian Haupt (former editor of the Mount Baker Experience and Hill Climb racer) recently chatted to Phil about participating in the race, you can read the full article here.
While we are excited to have Phil join us, we certainly don't want to take away from the amazing athletes we have right here in our corner of the states. Bellingham's own Cal Skilsky took 3rd in 2019 and has won it the last two years with times of 1:23:07 in 2022 and 1:23:27 in 2021. We know our local athletes like Cal, Ben Shaklee, Deborah Eckhouse and Dieter Fox will give him a run for his money and we can't wait for some friendly competition!
The Mt Baker Hill Climb departs from Chair 9 Pizza in Glacier. Cyclist ascend 4,462 feet 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. We invite racers to experience the agony AND the ecstasy!
There are three divisions to choose: Social riders leave at 7:00am (e-bikes welcomed); Recreational Riders leave at 8:00am; and Competitive Racers (eligible for Awards) leave at 8:30am.
Registration price is $90 per person until registration closes. The race will be capped at 450 total participants this year and we currently have 315 riders.
The Mt Baker Hill Climb is listed on National Hill Climb Series website and was awarded the #2 Hill Climb in the US by the Gran Fondo Guide. Details on the ride and registration can be found at bakerhillclimb.com.
Whatcom Events is a volunteer-operated community 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. Our mission is volunteer-driven management of events that showcase the diverse natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities Whatcom County has to offer while supporting local nonprofit organizations. The Beneficiary of the 2023 Hill Climb is Shifting Gears.
