Mount Baker Highway Scenic Ride

Come join me for a scenic ride on highway 542 from Glacier to Artist Point.  You'll see spectacular views of Mount Shuksan and the Nooksack Ridge and enjoy a challenging climb with stunning scenery. 

This is a hard ride and only suitable for those to have done long distance climbs and are comfortable riding uphill for over 20 miles. There are some technical sections and riders need to be comfortable maneuvering around cracks and with long ascents and descents.  

Start Location: Glacier Public Service Center: From northern Bellingham off of Interstate 5, drive east 34 miles on the Mount Baker Highway (State Route 542). There is a store open from 8-4:30 at the start

**Parking ** We have been told that we cannot park at the service center. You will need to park in town and ride the quarter mile out to the start location.  You should plan to come early to deal with parking. 

Distance: 47 miles round-trip from Glacier to Artist Point and back.

Route Link: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/9923735

Elevation gain: 4,850 feet. 

High point: 4,990 feet. 

Pace: While posted at brisk, this is a self-paced ride as there are no flats. Cue sheets will be provided at the ride start. You should expect to ride alone if there is not someone else of comparable speed. The ride leaders will not help with flats or mechanical issues, so please ensure you bring the necessary equipment should issues arise. Slower riders are welcome to join but they will be self-guided. 

Requirements: Riders need to show up at least 20 minutes early to get parking, sign the waiver, and hear route notes. Helmets and proper cycling gear are required. You must carry enough water and food to carry you through the whole ride. There are NO services along route. 

RSVP: PLEASE RSVP via Meetup (link below) so that we get some sense of how many riders to expect. 

Services: Though there are aromatic pit toilets at Artist Point, there are no other services. The town of Glacier offers places to eat.  Here is a useful map of services along route.  

Regroup points: Ride leaders will regroup at Artist Point (mp 23.7) for photos for a reasonable amount of time. There is a good turn out spot at the ski lodge prior to that at mp 20 as well. 

RL contact: There is very limited cell reception on the ride. My (Alexa) cell number is 360-303-0526. 

Cancellation: Showers will cancel this ride due to safety concerns. In the event that the weather calls for showers, the ride leaders will not be at the ride start. Cancellation will be posted at least two hours prior to the start time.