Festival 542- RIDE 542

The Course

Most riders choose to ride up 24.5 miles (this is timed), grab some food and their gear then ride back down to Glacier for a 50 mile day (the ride down is NOT timed).  Some riders will be doing 100 miles with two full laps (the U-DUMB riders - Up Down and UP Mt. Baker).  If you choose to only ride up then you must provide your own transportation down from the top.  There will be limited shuttle service available and no vehicles on the road before the 12pm opening which will be led by a sheriff. 

The RIDE 542 course showcases the Mt. Baker Highway, a.k.a SR 542. Mt. Baker Highway is closed for this event and is one of the most scenic roads in the world. It winds up and along the Nooksack River, through giant old growth cedar groves dripping with vibrant moss, and passes under calving glaciers and countless alpine peaks. 4,300+ ft. of climbing mark the course, with gradual grades dominating until the last 2.5 mi. where the road turns skyward. 23 miles are through undeveloped wilderness area managed by the USDA Forest Service and Washington Department of Transportation. Artist Point is the western most access to the North Cascades National Park and the view is awesome. RIDE 542 is a clean sponsor event and thus will post no sponsor signage beyond the start and finish areas; so it’s just you, the open road…and a few other cyclists.

National Forest Recreation Day Pass

You are required to get a permit if you are planning on driving up and parking in any of the mountain parking lots at the top; otherwise, you may be issued a ticket. Day Passes can be purchased at REI or other retailers before the event or at registration/check-in morning of. Cost is $5 per car.

Directions & Event Parking

It's not tough to find Glacier.  Take Hwy 542 east from Bellingham and go 33 miles.  You can't miss it.  Number pick-up and event headquarters will be easy to find. 

PLEASE CARPOOL.  The sleepy mountain town of Glacier is very small with very limited parking spaces. Please be as QUIET and respectfully on an early Sunday morning. The townsfolk live in the country to enjoy this tranquility. We will do our best to park you effectively and efficiently.  Arrive plenty early. Your arrival will be awaited by plenty of parking staff, amazing coffee and treats and some mood music to move you along.  Parking is 1/2 mile before Glacier on the DISLODGE property (http://www.dislodgeatmtbaker.com/ a great rental house if you need one).  You'll need to ride your bike east into town.  There will be a shuttle bus running back and forth for non-riders.  Please ride single file and quickly ride from parking to Glacier...and then please stay off the road. 

Spectators

All drivers MUST be past Glacier by 7:15am and past MP35.5 by 7:30am, in front of the Summit Wave riders.  We love Spectators! Please DO NOT PAINT the roads.  Use only chalk and/or hand signs...roadside espresso, heckling buffets and good times are all encouraged. This is an amazing ride to watch and enjoy. The first riders will reach the summit at about 8:30am, the last rider will reach the summit at about 12:00pm, with some DUMB riders rolling up until 2pm.   The first competitive rider will finish at 10:45ish.  Find a good spot to park and set out some chairs to cheer and jeer the riders on.  The best area for watching will be the last 3 miles of the ride. Park at the Ski Area and hike up…the Austin Pass lot or the Lake Ann trail head also offers excellent views. Limited parking is available at Artist Point. A National Forest Recreation Day Pass is required if you're driving up.  90% of riders will summit between 10 and 11:30. 

Road Closures -

SR 542 is closed from MP35.5 (Canyon Creek Road) to MP 57.5 (Artist Point) on Sunday, September 9th from 7:30am to 12:00pm for Festival 542.  This is a WaDOT and USFS fully-permitted event. 

If you are sending a vehicle to the top you must get your vehicle past that point by 7:30 a.m. NO unauthorized vehicles will be allowed on the road between Canyon Creek Road and Artist Point between 7:30 am to 12 pm, up or down. A Whatcom County Sheriff will begin a rolling opening eastbound that will depart MP35.5 at 12 noon and likewise from the top at 12 noon with another sheriff heading west.  USE EXTREME CAUTION and please be aware: There will be several authorized ‘event’ vehicles on the road at all times. 

On the way down, you'll need to follow the rules of the road and obey the light, so be prepared to stop and wait.  After 12 noon there will be vehicles on the road going both directions.

CONSTRUCTION SITES:  It isn't all that uncommon that there are construction sites along the course. They will be announced here if and when they are determined. 

 

Ride Categories

Categories are self-seeding. Your decision on which category to ride in should be based on your fitness level, your expectations, and your experience. In general, men should ride in the Competitive division if they expect to finish in under about two hours. Similarly, women should ride in Competitive division if they expect to finish in less than two hours 30 minutes.  The Summit Ride is for those taking their sweet time, 3-4 hours to the top...the Recreational Wave is for those with some training and out for challenge, 2-3 hours to the top...the Recreational Fast is for those pushing personal limits and gunning for just under 2 hours 1:45-3 hours to the top...and the Competitive is for those with racing experience and will definitely break 2 hours (1:15-2:30 times).  You may switch categories but you MUST do this at registration as your bib numbers reflect what wave you start in.

Pre-Race Meeting

All wave starts have a mandatory pre-race staging/meeting 15 minutes prior to start-time in front of Glacier Ski Shop. This is for ALL riders! No exceptions, each start wave is complicated to manage.  You miss it…you will be politely disqualified and not allowed to ride. We will go over course updates, traffic rules, sponsors, and introductions. HELMETS are REQUIRED.

At 8 minutes prior to start you will, as a group, roll to the start line, which is 1/4 mile west of the staging location.

Support Stations and Finish line  -

There will be (4) neutral water and snack stations en-route plus an all-out smorgasbord at the top .  Station One is at the DOT road station (mile 14), with stations along the highway until you reach the Mt. Baker Ski Area - bottom of Chair 2 - at (mile 22), with the last one at the top.  Grab a bottle and some energy and be on your way –don’t hang out too long as it will only make those last miles more difficult. Lots of food and water will be available at the finish line for you to devour.

Gear Truck - Departs Glacier at 8:30am SHARP.

PLEASE SEND UP WARM/DRY CLOTHES!!!  Each rider may send a small gear bag (provided by the event staff) to the top. The descent is much colder than you expect…so send warm stuff up for the ride down. The Gear Truck will leave Glacier promptly at 8:30 am (before the Recreational Fast wave). Your stuff MUST be on this truck. 

*If you do not to use your gear, we will bring it back down at 1 pm to Glacier.  PLEASE REMEMBER TO PICK UP YOUR UNUSED GEAR; otherwise, it will be donated.

U-DUMB riders may send warm gear up with an earlier vehicle leaving at 6:30am. 

Weather

As it can be, alpine weather may be severe and unpredictable.   Mountain weather can be, shall we say, ‘epic’ at times.  For example, in 2006, on the Wednesday following the event, there was an inch of snow on the road! In 2009, the Monday morning after the event the visibility above 3500 feet was less than 50ft.  In 2004, it was a deluge of rain, 40 degrees, and epic for the ride…and ALL but three riders (out of 170) finished! It was definitely a testament to the human spirit. Point is: Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. We will accommodate to weather conditions as best we can and reserve the right to shorten or alter the course at any time for your safety. 

Results and Rewards

We will not post results until we are back in Glacier at about 1:30pm. A clock will be displaying your time (as close as possible), so pay attention as you cross the line. Grab some food, warm clothes and hang out to watch the other riders finish.  Finished riders will be held at the top until the first competitive riders finish, at about 10:45, then allowed to descend.  This creates a safer road for all.  Weather may play a card here so stay tuned. 

Awards and Expo

We will have the awards ceremony and results posted back down in Glacier at the stage behind Grahams . There will be food, vendors, a beer garden, and music to keep you entertained until we get the results.  (Click here for details.) So, in the meantime…eat, relax and enjoy.  Merchandise awards and medals will be given in each age/category group at 2pm in Glacier.  Top three in each age group will be recognized for the Rec divisions.   

The Green Reward - Competitive Awards

Presented by our Title Sponsor, Sanitary Service Company: $12,000 cash purse. $4000 to the woman who wins AND breaks Leah Goldstien’s 2008 record time of 1:26:36. $4000 to the man who wins and breaks Ian McKissick ’s 2008 time of 1:16:32. $1000 for a tandem team that wins and breaks the 1:25:00 threshold. $250 each for the top KOM/QOM. Cash rewards five deep in each age category, plus top 10 overall!  A sweet payout!! 

The U-D.U.M.B. Century Ride 6:30a.m.

This ride is not for the untrained. Up, Down and Up Mt. Baker (U-DUMB) is a very strenuous ride and is limited to nine hours. Riders will travel two full laps of the course, from Glacier to Artist Point. Riders must check in at Artist Point on each lap.  SR542 will be open to traffic until 7:30am and again after 12 noon.   Most drivers are heading up in the morning for the event so they'll be 'friendly', after 12 noon the road will open again and can be pretty busy.  Your time goals should be to shoot for your first summit between 8:30 and 9:30, then back to Glacier by 10-10:30 to start your second lap.  Use extreme caution on your first descent as their will be large groups of riders coming up the road, especially the Competitive riders.  Watch for drivers after 12 noon in both directions.  Riders needing more time may arrange to leave early with approved safety equipment.  Contact race director for info.  Dedicated food and gear drops for U-DUMB riders.  

• The U-D.U.M.B. Century Ride has a 9 hour time limit as is NOT a race.  
• All men/women road bikes, recumbents, or tandems.
• This event is not a race. However, we will be recording your lap times. 
  
• 6:15 a.m. MANDATORY on-bike meeting at Glacier Ski Shop
• 6:25 a.m. Roll to start line
• 6:30 a.m. Start

Summit Ride 7:30a.m.

Ride time over 3 hours.  The Summit Ride is for first time riders and riders that simply want more time with no pressure.   You are encouraged to ride for your best time. We’ll post your time and you’ll be in the drawings for some good swag. You may be passed by lots of riders and MUST ride to the right side of the road. Youth 12 and under are encouraged to ride the Summit Ride and MUST be accompanied by an adult rider at all times. Please contact race director for information regarding riders 12 or under who wish to participate.  For road safety, we encourage you to stay at Artist Point until the first competitive riders finish, then begin your descent. 

• All men/women road bikes, single speeds, recumbents, mtn bikes and tandems.
• Men: (8-9, 10-12), 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90+
• Women: (8-9, 10-12), 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90+
• Weight: Athena (W): 160 lbs.+ or Clydesdale (M): 200 lbs bs.+
• 7:15 a.m. MANDATORY on-bike meeting at Glacier Ski Shop
• 7:20 a.m. Roll to start line
• 7:30 a.m. Start

Recreational Ride 8:00a.m. 

Ride time between 2 and 3.5 hours. This division is a non-competitive ride but we encourage you to challenge yourself and ride for your best time. This division includes all bike types. Riders must be to the top by 12pm.   For road safety, we encourage you to stay at Artist Point until the first competitive riders finish, then begin your descent. 

• All men/women road bikes, single speeds, recumbents and tandems
• Men: 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
• Women: 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
• Weight: Athena (W): 160 lbs.+ or Clydesdale (M): 200 lbs bs.+
• 7:45 a.m. MANDATORY on-bike meeting at Glacier Ski Shop
• 7:50 a.m. Roll to start line
• 8:00 a.m. Start

Recreational Fast Ride 8:30a.m.

Ride times between 1 hours 45 minutes and 2 hours 45 minutes. This division is as fast as you can get without being competitive. If you you can break 1:45 you should upgrade to Competitive…no sandbagging please.  For road safety, we encourage you to stay at Artist Point until the first competitive riders finish, then begin your descent. 

• All men/women road bikes, single speeds, recumbents and tandems
• Men: 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
• Women: 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
• Weight: Athena (W): 160 lbs.+ or Clydesdale (M): 200 lbs bs.+
• 8:15 a.m. MANDATORY on-bike meeting at Glacier Ski Shop
• 8:20 a.m. Roll to start line
• 8:30 a.m. Start

Tandem Ride (Competitive Tandems Only) 9:00a.m.

Ride times between 1 hours 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes for the comp tandems.  Recreational tandems may ride in the Summit, Recreation or Recreation Fast waves. 

• Competitive Tandems-$1000+ prize purse
• Categories: M/M, M/F, F/F
• Cumulative Age: <40, 40-59, 60-79, 80-99, 100-119, 120+
• 8:45 a.m. MANDATORY pre-race meet meeting at Glacier Ski Shop
• 8:55 a.m. Roll to start line
• 9:00 a.m. Start

Competitive Ride 9:30a.m.

Ride times between 1 hour 15 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes. This division is for both men and women. This ride is fast and furious. Please ride cautiously and be prepared. Some of the best riders in the world tend to show up for this event. Just by being in this field you’ll take 5 minutes off of your time. 

• Competitive- Cash prize purse
• All men/women road bikes, single speeds
• Men: 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
• Women: 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
• Weight: Athena (W): 160 lbs.+ or Clydesdale (M): 200 lbs bs.+
• 9:15 a.m. MANDATORY on-bike meeting at Glacier Ski Shop
• 9:25 a.m. Roll to start line
• 9:30 a.m. Start

**All riders should arrive at the top sometime between 9:45 and noon.

Volunteers

As with any event, volunteers are essential to the success of this event. Please recruit family and friends to volunteer and cheer riders on. The more help we can get, the better the event becomes. Swag for all volunteers. Contact info@norkarecreation.com for volunteer opportunities.

Our Thanks

NorKa, LLC (dba: NorKa Recreation) produces RIDE 542 with help from local businesses, volunteers, and sponsors along with county and state officials. We cannot thank enough the volunteers and the residents of Glacier that put up with us for a Sunday in September. Please patronize local business and thank a volunteer.

Ride for Yourself.
Ride for the Planet.
Ride for someone you Love.
Ride for the Thrill of riding back down.
…But do Ride.