RAMROD

March 15th Update

It has been two weeks since the announcement of RAMROD's discontinuation in 2024, and we promised then to update you on our progress today.

Since the announcement, we have been grateful for the tremendous support we have received from Representative Kim Schrier’s office. Their staff and, in particular, District Outreach Officer Cody Olsen, have been responsive and have followed up on our concerns since our initial meeting two weeks ago. Representative Schrier initiated a meeting with the National Park Service, Mount Rainier National Park and RCC last week. Earlier today, Representative Schrier contacted me and shared her insights on the situation and possible solutions to explore. I shared initial feedback and proposed an additional solution.

The Park’s new 2024 Time Entry pilot program can be utilized to preserve the number of target visitors to the Park on July 25th by thoughtful balance of cars and cyclists. RAMROD’s 800 cyclists represent the equivalent of 800 visitors arriving via 235 vehicles and a savings of 2.7 metric tons of C02e emissions. In this manner, visitation goals are preserved, additional congestion is avoided, and vehicle emissions are reduced by 20% in the Park that day. We see wins for visitors arriving by all modes of transportation, a win for the Park and the environment.

Following our conversation, Representative Schrier expressed a commitment to discuss this solution with the Mount Rainier National Park staff.

We remain optimistic that a win-win-win situation is still available, enabling RAMROD to run in 2024 and within the Park’s goals for visitation and positive environmental impact. We appreciate Representative Kim Schrier and her staff’s attention and efforts. We also appreciate you for expressing the importance of RAMROD and the experience it brings to individuals and Mount Rainier.

When there is more to share, we hope to provide additional updates to you.

Joe Matthews
President, Redmond Cycling Club



March 7th Update

A week has passed since our announcement that we were discontinuing RAMROD after receiving a permanent ban from access to Mount Rainier National Park’s Paradise and Stevens Canyon Roads. The news of the announcement generated a strong reaction across communities resulting in outreach and positive discussion. Your advocacy has been significant and impactful.

Thank you for sharing expressions of what RAMROD means to you, your families, and friends. We heard stories that spanned generations and spanned the country; stories about the meaningfulness of RAMROD representing why we love this ride and why we make it for you.

You also shared near-universal support for our conclusion and our conviction that RAMROD is significantly defined by the experience of being in the heart of the Park and that a permanent route around the Park (vs around the mountain) is not sustainable.

We have also been blessed and touched by a wonderful showing of support and solidarity from our fellow cycling groups and leaders in Washington’s cycling community: Cascade Bicycle Club, COGS - Cyclists of Greater Seattle, Seattle Bike Blog, Tacoma WA Cycling Club, and Passport 2 Pain. Thank you - we're proud to be part of this community!

We hope to share further updates in the coming days and week and we appreciate your patience with the process. In closing today's update, we’d like to leave you with a love note to RAMROD and a reminder of what makes it so special. We produced this video to promote the pandemic-cancelled 2020 Edition featuring a voice over from Founder John Dixon sharing his thoughts on, ‘the perfect ride’...



A Special Announcement - February 29th, 2024

On the eve of what would have marked RAMROD’s 40th anniversary and the anticipated lottery opening, it is with profound sadness, that we share the news of RAMROD's unexpected discontinuation in 2024.

Despite our anticipation for RAMROD 2024 and a return to our traditional route within Mount Rainier National Park, we received notice that our event is no longer deemed 'necessary and appropriate use.' Access to the southern roads within the Park is denied despite our attempts to collaboratively understand the underlying issue and address concerns.

RAMROD has always been more than just a cycling event: it’s a wonderful fusion of non-commercialism, an event by cyclists for cyclists, and a pure celebration of the human spirit in the breathtaking beauty of Mount Rainier. Across four decades, we’ve adjusted the ride and its route to honor reasonable requests from the Park and to increase safety for all involved. With the permanent loss of access to Paradise and Stevens Canyon roads, which are the heart of the RAMROD experience in Mount Rainier National Park, we can no longer offer the world-class experience that has earned RAMROD its reputation in US cycling and drawn thousands to celebrate triumphs and create enduring memories.

We want you to know, that the Redmond Bicycle Club Board is not resigned to this decision. We've hired a public affairs specialist and initiated conversations with Rep. Kim Schrier's office while reaching out to US Senator Patty Murray. The Board is committed to exhausting every avenue to keep RAMROD alive.

Your support is crucial in the fight to restore RAMROD. Please reach out to Rep. Schrier and Senator Murray's offices, expressing your desire to see RAMROD continue. We'll also be engaging with the media and other bicycle organizations. An announcement on our progress is scheduled for March 15th, 2024.

Thank you for being a part of our RAMROD community and for your patience with this process. We’re cyclists, and by our nature, we’re also optimists when tackling tough climbs or this challenge. We remain committed to expanding the positive impact that cycling can bring to individuals and our communities.

Joe Matthews
President, Redmond Cycling Club



Additional Information

To contact US Senator Patty Murray's office, use this Write to Patty form.

To contact US Rep. Kim Schrier's office, use this Email Me form.

To share feedback with Mount Rainier National Park, visit their contact page

Visit our updated faq for additional information information.

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RAMROD By The Numbers

1 Mountain
150 Miles
800 Riders
10,000 Feet of Climbing

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