06 Sep 09 Mount Baker

Things to Note

1. PASSPORT! You will NOT be allowed entry into the US without this. Non-Canadian citizens: be prepared to answer detailed questions, get finger-printed, and purchase a temporary visitor visa (less than $10). This process takes 15-30 minutes so you may want to leave parking spot a little before the rest of the group so you can be ‘processed’ and ready when the Canadians get through the border crossing.
2. Bring TWO water bottles and plenty of snacks.
3. Bring some US$ to buy more snacks, or take some money out at an ATM once across the border. Most of the stores along the way take CDN or US cash at par.
4. The ride down from the top is often cold, consider bringing a shell as an option (or at least put one in the car so you can decide later), as well as arm warmers and/or a cap/hat for under helmet.
5. 2 spare tubes, a patch kit, and pump or CO2 – please everyone, come prepared and know how to change a flat. This is a LONG ride and you need to be self-contained or ensure you have a designated buddy who is prepared to ride with you (and stop with you!)

 The Ride

1. Start in Sumas. Note Bob’s Beer N’ Burger joint just after the border. It’ll give you something to focus on on the way back. The ride starts off easy for about 2 miles then climbs a bench and goes through the small town of Kendall. There’s an intersection here – make sure you follow the signs for Mt Baker on Hwy 542. We sometimes stop in Maple Falls (water, toilets, and tourist information!).
2. Glacier is a small town 34 km from the border; it has a great bakery/café on the north side of the road and a nice general store on the South side of the road. This is the last chance to purchase more food or liquids. This is where we officially regroup and confirm the turn-around time (sometimes we change it based on overall speed of the group). There are no stores beyond this point, and the grade of the road increases.
3. The Snowsheds are a landmark 22 km from Glacier. After this the real climb begins!
4. Ski Area (+ 12 km): toilets, vending machines (which often don’t work) and water available in the washrooms. Note this is at approximately the 55 or 56 mile marker.
5. Artists’ Point: (+ 4.8 km past the Ski area): the last part of the climb is in the alpine and very spectacular. There is NO water at the top.

Getting There

from downtown Vancouver – three options:

1. Take East Hastings to #1 highway, follow #1 East to Exit 92
2. Take Terminal (turns into 1st to #1 highway, follow #1 East to Exit 92
3. Take 12th Ave to #1 highway, #1 East to Exit 92

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