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Rain and cold didn’t dampen Mount Baker Hillclimb Spirits

Over 300 riders’ braved torrential rain and cold to conquer the 22 mile climb up the most scenic paved roads in America

The Mount Baker Hillclimb is one of only two times each year that the Mt. Baker Highway is closed to vehicles for a race. With steep elevation and several switchbacks, this ride is not for the faint of heart but the views were stunning.

Rain and cold didn’t dampen Mount Baker Hillclimb Spirits

There are three divisions to choose from Social riders, Recreational Riders and Competitive Racers allowing anyone to enjoy the challenge of climbing 5,000 feet to Artist Point and compete. There were Cash prizes and medals for top 3 overall female and top 3 male racers, plus age category awards too.

Everyone benefited from a bike mechanic at the start line and two Aid Stations along the way with basic bike tools, water, and snacks. There was also an Aid Station at the Finish Line at Artist Point to help racers refuel after the race.

The rain didn’t dampen the spirits of those taking part and the volunteers who supported the ride.

In the women’s race Kathleen Abadie from Seattle was the fastest female in a time of 1h 26m 28s ahead of Florence Chardon and Stacey Cleveland.

In the men’s race Alexander Fraser-Maraun from Vancouver was the fastest male in a time of 1h 20m 14s ahead of Thomas Schellenberg and Cal Skilsky.

Age Group Awards

Female 13-29

1.            456         Kathleen Abadie              27           F              Seattle  15.2        1:26:28
2.            477         Florence Chardon            27           F              Seattle  14.3        1:31:58
3.            527         Alesha Miller                    27           F              Vernon 13.7         1:35:46 

Female 30-39

1.            471         Suzie Brown                       32           F              Bellingham          13.2        1:39:27
2.            493         Deborah Eckhouse             32           F              Edmonds             11.7        1:52:07
3.            402         Angela Serrano Brummett  35           F              SAMMAMISH      10.8        2:01:18 

Female 40-49

1.            479         Stacey Cleveland                41           F              Penticton            14.2        1:32:37
2.            500         Lora Genaille                       41           F              Vancouver          11.9        1:50:04
3.            541         Dana Reid                           40           F              Hood River          10.8        2:02:11 

Female 50-59

1.            550         Jennifer Slawta                   55           F              Talent                 12.8        1:43:01
2.            240         Nancy Asselin                     51           F              Surrey               11.6        1:53:37
3.            562         Sherri Tongue                     57           F              Port Moody        11.3        1:56:13 

Female 60+

1.            529         Kelly Molaski      61           F              Bellingham          10.7        2:02:33
2.            93           Linda Lundgren 62            F              Bellingham          7.5          2:54:43
3.            155         Karen Schwallie 62           F              Bellingham          6.4          3:26:09 

Male 13-29

1.            498         Alexander Fraser-Maraun            27           M           Vancouver          16.4        1:20:14
2.            443         Thomas Schellenberg                 19           M            Chilliwack            16.4        1:20:17
3.            572         Cal Skilsky                                   23           M            Bellingham          16.4        1:20:21 

Male 30-39

1.            495         Manuel Fehlmann              35           M            Enderby               16.3        1:20:31
2.            571         Andreas Criuellin               39           M            Oberndorf             16.3        1:20:36
3.            535         Spencer Paxson                34           M            Bellingham          16.2        1:21:20 

Male 40-49

1.            478         Dave Cleveland                45           M            Penticton            15.3        1:26:10
2.            513         Jeff Kowalenko                 43            M            Calgary               15.1        1:26:53
3.            505         Brian Hodges                    42           M            Shoreline             15.1        1:27:17 

Male 50-59

1.            561         Ken Timewell                   55           M            North Vancouver             15.9        1:22:40
2.            497         Dieter Fox                        52           M            Seattle                            15.9        1:22:50
3.            263         Andrew Cummins            53           M            Portland                           12.7        1:43:17 

Male 60+

1.            517         William Letham               62           M            Gibsons                13.3        1:38:49
2.            461         Gary Asselin                   62           M            Surrey                   12.8        1:42:54
3.            537         Tim Petrick                     65           M            Burien                   11.6        1:53:40 

Lead organizer Anna Rankin commented We just gotta say, our volunteers are AMAZING! Our check-in team was up and ready to work before dawn, running racer check-in while it was still dark. The crew from Incite Cycles efficiently packed cars in the parking lot with limited space. Along the course our volunteers set up the Aid Stations; providing sustenance to racers, helping change flat tires, and cheering on racers as they kept climbing. At Artist Point, volunteers from Shifting Gears braved the weather all morning; calling numbers, setting up, breaking down, and delivering snacks in the chilly mountain air.”

“They did ALL of this with smiles on their faces and we are so grateful for their support. We are happy to be able to provide charitable contributions to these organizations (mentioned above) with proceeds from the race.“

 volunteers from Shifting Gears braved the weather all morning

Link to full results: bit.ly/MtBakerHillClimb2019-Results

Racers Photographs are available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/skitosea/albums/with/72157710816643343

Lead organizer Anna Rankin concluded Huge kudos to all the people who braved the elements to take place in the Mt Baker Hill Climb. Each and every one of you deserve a medal for showing up and riding! Thank you to everyone who helped and we hope to see you next year!”

For more infomation, please visit: http://bakerhillclimb.com