Phil Gaimon gunning for Mount Baker Hill Climb KOM
Gaimon plans to race Whatcom County’s Mt. Baker Hill Climb in September and feature the event on his YouTube channel. There are less then 40 places left so register now! SAVE $10 with our discount code!
There are than 40 places left! The event is capped at 450 riders between the heats. They currently have 92 in the social division, 180 in the recreational division and 140 in the competitive division.
Gran Fondo Guide fans and followers can save $10 on registration fees using code GF23S10.
Photo: Ex-professional Phil Gaimon (Worst Retirement Ever) is looking forward to climbing Mount Baker!
One of the most isolated and scenic ascents in the U.S., the Mount Baker Hill Climb is a long and spectacular climb up Highway 542, close to the Canadian border in northern Washington.
This is your chance to climb it with hundreds of fellow cyclists, "closed to all traffic", this September 17, 2023.
This challenge is not for the faint hearted, but the views are simply stunning!
Retired professional cyclist Phil Gaimon from Worst Retirement Ever will be participating and stated, "I've heard great things about Bellingham and Mt. Baker, and I'm excited to finally cross this event off of my bucket list!"
Gaimon, who raced for UCI World Tour teams Garmin–Sharp and Cannondale, retiring in 2016, will feature the race and climb on his YouTube channel as he attempts to take the mountain’s Strava segment from another former pro.
Gaimon continued, "There’s not that many hill climbs in the country, and I’ve been trying to check them all off. I sort of go region by region for budget’s sake, so I’m going to drive somewhere and do a little road trip. The Pacific Northwest is the one I haven’t managed to hit yet and it’s time to give the Mt. Baker Hill Climb a shot."
Gaimon is well-known for riding other famous US Hill Climbs including Mt. Washington in New Hampshire, Mt. Evansand Pike’s Peak in Colorado
Whilst everyone is excited to have Phil join the challenge, it certainly won't take away from the amazing athletes right here in the Northwest corner of the states. Bellingham's own Cal Skilsky took 3rd in 2019 and has won it the last two years with times of 1:23:07 in 2022 and 1:23:27 in 2021. We know our local athletes like Cal, Ben Shaklee, Deborah Eckhouse and Dieter Fox will give him a run for his money and we can't wait for some friendly competition!
Photo: Mount Baker is the undisputed “Most Scenic Climb in the United States”
Starting at Chair 9 in Glacier, you’ll climb up 4,400+ feet over 22 miles. The grade increases as the route switchbacks in places up the mountain ridge. The parkway dead ends at Artist Point with incredible views of Mount Shuksan and the Cascades.
Photo: Breath-taking: starting at Chair 9 in Glacier, you’ll climb up 4,400+ feet over 22 miles!
There are three categories for all abilities of cyclists, both competitive and non-competitive. Tandems and e-bikes (social ride only, untimed) are welcome! The Social Ride starts at 7:00 am, the Recreational Race at 8:00 am and the Competitive Race at 8:30 am.
Photo: The parkway dead ends at Artist Point after 4400+ feet of climbing over 22 miles!
The ride is timed for those wishing to take part in the competition. There is a custom medal and winner’s jersey for the fastest female and male in the following age divisions; 13-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each age division will receive a custom medal too.
Photo: 2022 Mount Baker Women’s and Men’s podium awards!
On route, cyclists will benefit from two aid stations with hydration, nutrition and toilet facilities after 12 miles and more hydration after 17.5 miles to keep you going. There will SAG wagons and motorcycles patrolling the route.
Transportation and bag drop are available for those who want to get changed and for those who don’t wish to ride back down afterwards.
Chair 9 will be serving pizza, burgers, soup, salad, beer and more after the ride.
“You can also ride in style as custom Voler Jerseys, shorts, and caps will be available for purchase (limited sizes) at packet pickup on Saturday and Race Day.”
Less than 50 Places Left
Mt Baker Lodging and Snowater Resort both offer accomodation very close to the start of the race at Chair 9.
If you love climbing on closed roads, make sure you add this incredible challenge to your Bucket List in 2023, you won’t be disappointed!
Gran Fondo Guide fans and followers can save $10 on registration fees using code GF23S10.
For more information, please visit: https://bakerhillclimb.com or click the button below to register now.
