Frequently Asked Questions
Ride Support & Amenities
- Gear Check at the Start – Drop off your gear at the ride start so you don’t have to carry it up the climb; it will be available post-ride.
- Pre-Ride Fuel – Enjoy coffee, fresh fruit, and water bottle refills before you begin.
- Midway Water Station – A water-only stop located halfway between the start and the park entrance (no additional services).
- Five Aid Stations – Each stocked with water, Gatorade, & protein bars, and each a special treat at each station. Small tools and a bike pump available (except where NO SERVICES is noted).
- Bike Mechanic Support – Available at the Heart of the Hills Aid Station and at the Summit. A bike shop next to the ride start will be open for last-minute services or repairs.
- Restrooms – Portable toilets are available at every aid station.
- Summit Refuel – Hearty snacks, chocolate milk, and toilets await you at the top.
- Post-Ride Bike Corral – A secured, attended bike parking area after the ride (subject to cancellation if there is low interest).
Registration
Are eBikes Allowed?
No. While eBikes and human-powered bikes can safely share space in many situations, Ride the Hurricane is not one of them. This event is a challenging hill climb, not a casual pleasure ride. Participants train specifically for the Strava segment challenge and the steep, winding ascent.
We obtain a permit and pay cost recovery fees to provide cyclists with the rare opportunity to ride without the concern of sharing the road with faster, motorized vehicles. There are many events where eBikes are welcome, but this is not one of them. Please respect the experience that registered cyclists have worked hard to achieve.
When is Early Check-in?
Early check-in is available on:
- Friday, August 2nd & Saturday, August 3rd
- 6:00 – 8:00 PM
- Location: Near the ride start at Port Angeles City Pier (315 N. Lincoln St.)
If I Check in Early, Do I Need to Check in Again on Ride Morning?
No. You're all set! Volunteers will be at the start to help maintain a smooth flow of cyclists along the first section of the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT).
- You can start at any time after 5 AM but must allow enough time to reach the summit and descend through the park gate before noon.
I Need to Cancel My Registration. What Should I Do?
Our cancellation policy is available on the registration page and in the confirmation message after you sign up. If you need to cancel:
- Email: Events@portangeles.org
- Or use the contact form on our website
Please notify us if you won’t be participating so we can open your spot to someone on the waiting list.
Can I Transfer My Registration to Someone Else?
Unfortunately, registration transfers are only allowed while space is available. In the past, participants were found reselling registrations for sold-out rides online, which led us to change our policy. Once the ride is sold out, registrations become non-transferable.
Jersey Purchases
Will Jerseys Be Available for Purchase at the Ride?
Yes, but supplies are limited and they will sell out quickly. Your best option is to pre-order to guarantee availability.
- Pre-order Deadline: Jerseys purchased by June 1stwill be available for pickup at ride check-in.
- Day-of Purchase: A limited number of jerseys will be available at the ride.
- Past Jerseys: We will also have some previous years' jerseys available for purchase.
- Secure your jersey early to avoid missing out!
The Ride
What Time Does the Ride Start?
Most participants start between 6 am and 8 am, but participants can begin whenever they’d like, as long as they allow enough time to reach the summit and descend before noon, when the road reopens to motor vehicles.
Where Should I Park?
For parking details and other important ride-day information, visit our Race Day Information page.
What is the Ride’s Difficulty & Distance?
- Total Distance: Approximately 36 miles round-trip
- Summit: Hurricane Ridge is the midpoint of the ride
- For a detailed route breakdown, including climbing grades and elevation profiles, visit the About the Ride page.
How Long Will the Ride Take?
Ride times vary based on fitness level, time spent at aid stations, and stops at the summit. For examples of typical finish times, visit the About the Ride page.
What Support is Available Along the Route?
- Six aid stations + one hydration/restroom stop (for registered cyclists only).
- Portable toilets at every aid station except #6.
- Emergency EMT Unit on standby along the route.
- Emergency Radio Services along the route
- Park Rangers stationed at the top and bottom of Hurricane Ridge Road.
- Aid Stations 2–5: Snacks, water, Gatorade.
- Professional photographers capturing action shots along the route and summit
- More details available on the About the Ride.
Do I Need a Headlamp for the Tunnels?
No, the route has three short tunnels that do not require lights. Visit the About the Ride for a video of the tunnels.
What is it Like at the Summit?
- Note: The Day Lodge burned down in 2023
- Facilities available:
- Trailers with flush toilets & sinks
- Bike mechanic for a highly-recommended brake check before descending
- Snack & welcome station
- Volunteers to celebrate your achievement and answer questions
- Professional photographer for summit photos with the Olympic Mountain Range backdrop
- Optional: If time allows, take a short walk up Sunrise Hill for views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca & Canada.
- Important: Depart the summit by 11:30-11:45 AM to ensure you’re off the road before noon.
Can I Park at Heart of the Hills and Start From There?
No. Parking here and attempting to start from this location may result in being turned around by a Park Ranger. Drop-offs are allowed, but drop-offs must occur before 7 am as vehicles must be off Hurricane Ridge Road by 7 AM, when it closes to motor traffic.
Do I Need a Park Pass?
No—your ride bib serves as your entry pass to Olympic National Park. Unregistered cyclists who have not paid registration fees will be required to show a park pass at the park entrance.
The Ride is Sold Out. Can I Register on the Day of the Ride?
No. Day-of registration is not available. Please respect our hard-working volunteers and do not attempt to register onsite.
Can I Ride During the Road Closure if I’m Not Registered?
We can't prevent anyone from riding in the National Park, however, registration fees cover the permit for the road closure and cost recovery fees paid to Olympic National Park for lost entrance fees during the event. Unregistered cyclists will need to show a park pass.
- Unregistered riders have not contributed to these costs.
- Your lack of a bib will be obvious to other cyclists, who have paid for the privilege of a traffic-free ride.
- Please respect the event and do not ride without registering.
- If you Ride without a BIB you cannot use the aid stations or portable toilets along the route that are paid with registration fees.
Still have questions? Visit our website or reach out—we’re happy to help!
The After Party
What’s Included at the After Party?
Celebrate your ride with great food and drinks! The After Party is included in your registration and features:
- Taco bar by Little Devil’s Lunchbox
- Local craft beer from Barhop Brewery
- Other treats and snacks
- Soft drinks available
Entry Requirements:
- You must wear your event bracelet, included in your ride packet, for access.
- The After Party is part of the Ride the Hurricane experience and is included with your registration.
Alcohol Restrictions:
- We have applied for an All-ages permit which will not require us to have an enclosed beer garden, but we won't know until shortly before the ride. Minors won't be able to enter the beer garden if we're required to have one.
Can I Bring a Guest Who Didn’t Ride?
Anyone can join you on the pier, but if they'd like to enjoy tacos and beer you cana purchase additional tickets for non-cycling guests. A limited number of guest tickets are available for purchase during registration.
Are Minors Allowed at the After Party?
- Our permit type is TBD. If we receive an all-ages permit there will be no restrictions.
- If a beer garden is required there will be designated seating for minors outside the barricades.
Come celebrate your Ride the Hurricane achievement with us!