Mt. Baker climb

[sanrensho]

Has anyone done this climb? I take it that the main climb starts at Glacier and ends at Artist's Point, 25 miles later. Otherwise, I know zero about the area (never been to Baker, sad to say).

I wouldn't mind doing this climb at some point. Any tips from those of you who know the area or have done the climb?

Thanks.

[orange roughy]

watch out for summer tourist traffic on parts of the climb that are narrow, you'll probably get doused with spring runoff as you try to keep to the left

[LeeLau]

Some parts of the road get pretty shady and stay wet for a long time. Bring arm and leggings and at least a thin jacket. Its a gorgeous meandering ride with most of the climbing in the last bit

[brian]

http://www.norkarecreation.com/hcinfo.htm some info there.

[sanrensho]

Thanks everyone for the info and advice. Can anyone confirm that this is a pretty easy grade? My calculations put it at just 3.25%.

[LeeLau]

the climbing takes place mostly in the last 10km or so. It's about as steep as Seymour right at the end

[sanrensho]

the climbing takes place mostly in the last 10km or so. It's about as steep as Seymour right at the end

Thanks, Lee!

[BareFootMeshback]

That would be a beautiful road ride.

[frail1]

Did that ride from my home. It was long enough ~240+km. I agree with what everyone said, but mostly that it is a beautiful road ride. Have a great time when you go!

I went alone. I would suggest to bring a friend.

[sanrensho]

I went alone. I would suggest to bring a friend.

To carry my bottles? Or as insurance against aggressive drivers/clueless tourists?

[Ninja]

240 Km's Good grief saddle sore much!

Eeeyoch!

[Ned]

Did that ride from my home. It was long enough ~240+km. I agree with what everyone said, but mostly that it is a beautiful road ride. Have a great time when you go!

I went alone. I would suggest to bring a friend.

Top shelf ride, top shelf advice. Kinda fun walking around feeling a little dumb for a coupla days while your brain glycogen stores restock themselves.

The roads from north Seattle east of I-5 all the way to the border are really primo when it's not tourist season. I like stopping in at Bandito's in B'Ham on the long roadie ride from Seattle- they're INTO riding big time and really like to see people turning a pedal for real.

[frail1]

To carry my bottles? Or as insurance against aggressive drivers/clueless tourists?


That would be very nice if your friend carried your bottles! Can I come along, and would they carry mine, too?!!

Yes, Ninja, everything down below started to ache with about 2 hrs. left. Fortunately, no sores, though.

Ned, I agree, lots of nice people on the way, most everyone passing shared the love with a wave, or toot of the horn. It was a bleak day, so there wasn't much traffic, and perhaps this is also a reason why it was enjoyable.

Sanrensho, I think the friend would just make the ride, and the climb that much more pleasurable. Give a TR when your done. Have a wonderful ride!

[brian]

anyone done Hurricane Ridge outside of Port Angeles? I've been thinking of doing that one from Vancouver - ferry - Victoria - ferry then up.

[sanrensho]

Sanrensho, I think the friend would just make the ride, and the climb that much more pleasurable. Give a TR when your done. Have a wonderful ride!

Thanks, now I just have to con my wife and kids into dropping me off somewhere in the vicinity of Mt. Baker...

[snorris]

anyone done Hurricane Ridge outside of Port Angeles? I've been thinking of doing that one from Vancouver - ferry - Victoria - ferry then up.

That is a lot of ferry time from Vancouver for a rather short ride, but HR is very nice. Nothing too steep, quiet road & a real pleasure on a sunny day.
Remember $5USD for the ranger station & check both ferry companies' schedules.
If you don't mind carrying a lock & some running shoes, a quick scramble up to the top of Mt. Angeles is fun too.

[Ned]

anyone done Hurricane Ridge outside of Port Angeles? I've been thinking of doing that one from Vancouver - ferry - Victoria - ferry then up.

I have not but know many who have. Do it. Then come on back over to the mainland and ty the Cascade Hwy over to Mazama.

[brian]

I have not but know many who have. Do it. Then come on back over to the mainland and ty the Cascade Hwy over to Mazama.

That pass is on the list as well. Driven it a few times to go riding in Winthrop. great xc riding there. good bike festival in the fall as well. too bad the road race conflicts with the Test of Metal. http://www.mvsta.com/mvtour.html

[Ned]

So you know, the Mtn Loop Hwy is another keeper. Damn, for what I gave up from living in the Cove and Nelson I've gained in the form of a lot of prime pavement and high elevation moto parks riddled with amazing trails.

Rode the Colnago into work today so I must be getting excited about riding again. The motard bike needs a rest oh ya....

[sanrensho]

Ned, what are the biggest and baddest road climbs in Washington State?

Bonus points for climbs situated between Vancouver and Seattle.

[LeeLau]

simon - I'll come over for the HR climb. Havent been spanked hard by a pack or roadies like that since the seymour hill climb.

sanrensho - i know its south of Seattle but the east loop of St Helens was one of the nicest most interesting road rides I've had in WA state ever. Windy, lots of climbing and descending, gorgeous views. Lots of little creeks to cooll off.

[snorris]

^excellent.
I'll probably do the baker climb some time soon.
shouldn't you be skiing?

[Ned]

Ned, what are the biggest and baddest road climbs in Washington State?

Bonus points for climbs situated between Vancouver and Seattle.

Chest beater climb sota rides on a 700c bike? I dunno, I'd think the ride out to Mazama and back from Marblemount would be the ticket, especially now before the hordes are out on the road. You could do the Skykomish to Lake Wenatchee (or Leavenworth) and back if you wanted. Blewett Pass (links SR-2 to I-90) wouldn't be out of the question either. Mt Rainier is a pretty good chunk of vertical too. Down south there's plenty as was mentioned.

Anyone feel like looking after my kids, filling in at work and all that other stuff so I can go do some proper riding this summer? No? Figured as much ;)

[Ned]

Oh, forgot to mention Mt Constitution over on Orcas. Supposedly a nice chunk of vert and obviously some good road to rip too.