RAMROD

The RAMROD (Ride Around Mount Rainier in One Day) is 150 mile, almost 10,000 feet gain bike ride around Rainier which is one of the tougher rides to do in Washington. Only 800 riders are allowed to do it each year so there's a lottery system to get in. It took me two years to get in, but that was the easy part. I did several training rides up various mountain passes over the preceding months to get ready for the ride.

On ride day I started at 5 am in Enumclaw and proceeded along the counterclockwise loop around Mount Rainier. The first 50 miles were mostly flat, but once in the national park things got steeper. It was relatively easy until around 100 miles where I had to climb up to Cayuse pass in the summer heat. The remaining 50 miles we mostly downhill, but by that time I was ready to be done. Though I still had energy left I wasn't happy to find out the ride was in fact 156 miles long. I finished the ride worn out, but in good spirits. Thanks to the training I wasn't sore from the ride and was able to ride to work the next day.

Despite the miles and elevation it was a very nice ride. It was well organized by the Redmond Cycling Club with lots of great food stops. Though hot, it was beautiful sunny day that gave me great views of the mountain during the ride. It may take a few tries to get in, but it's a worth while ride to do.

Start Line in Enumclaw.

Rainier National Park Entrance

Nisqually River

Inspiration Point

Reflection Lake

Stevens Canyon Road

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July 25, 2019