White Rock Hell Week Invitation
by Bob Koen

The White Rock Hell Week is fast approaching. Mark your calendars. Here is an overview:

The format will be 300 km on Saturday July 30, followed by 200, 300, and 200 over the next three days.

The first ride features a nice little climb up Mt. Baker. Unfortunately the Artist Point Rd. is closed due to way too much snow, so we will have to content ourselves with stopping at the day lodge. There will be a manned control here. BE PREPARED for a cold descent. Long finger gloves, a wind breaker, and leg warmers are recommended, especially if the weather is at all iffy. On the pre-ride the forecast for Vancouver was for sun. We had 10 degrees and rain at Mt. Baker.

The rest of the ride is mostly quite pleasant and goes down Hwy 9 and up the Chuckanut Drive, then continues through farming country north of Bellingham and back to White Rock. Total elevation gain is about 2700 meters.

The second ride is a scenic jaunt with a bakery theme. The ride visits Lynden and Bellingham, then follows the shores of Whatcom Lake on some very pleasant roads. There is a control at a marvelous boulangerie in Edison. Leave room in your panniers to bring home some artisan bread. Total climbing here is about 1400 meters.

The third ride goes back into the hills. It climbs over the Dewdney Truck road up to Stave Falls, then takes in the much loved Mt. Woodside from the easy side. The feature climb goes up to Chilliwack Lake. While this is a long climb it doesn't go nearly as high as Mt. Baker, so the descent should not be as cold. Be prepared anyway. This ride also has about 2700 meters of climbing.

The final ride will be a pleasant jaunt around the Fraser Valley searching for opportunities to replenish calories expended over the previous three days. Roger Holt is planning this ride and is aiming for zero meters of climbing.

All rides start at the Cozy Beach B&B at 833 Parker St. in White Rock. Rooms here are available on a first come, first serve basis. Contact Sigi or Leona to arrange at 604-897-3882 or 604-318-0043 (cell). There is also the option of bringing your own sleeping bag and pad and staying on the floor in the back room. This costs $15 per night and includes a shower. Bring towel. Sigi will be making breakfast before all the rides for those who want it for $8. Not to be missed IMHO. Please arrange ahead of time with Sigi.

The 300 km rides start at 6 am. The 200 km rides start at 7 am.

Dinner options include the Sandpiper Pub and La Baia Italian restaurant, both within walking distance of the Cozy Beach. Ask Sigi about 2 for 1 coupons for La Baia.

Please sign up on Rando Pony at your earliest convenience. And make sure to contact Sigi or Leona if you want a room, want to stay on the floor, or want breakfast.

Go to the Routes: 300 - 200 - 300 - 200

July 25, 2011