BICYCLE HILLCLIMB ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020 OPENS FEBRUARY 1, 2020

The first 100 first time riders receive a special price.

[ALBANY, NH, January 27, 2020] — Registration for the 48th annual Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hill Climb (MWARBH) on Saturday, August 15, 2020, opens at 6:00 am EST February 1, 2020. Riders who want to compete in this annual, all up-hill race to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeastern United States can register at https://www.bikereg.com/MWARBH. For additional information, photos, and a look at previous races visit MWARBH.org. This iconic ride attracts riders from across the United States, Canada and around the world so early registration is encouraged as the race is capped at 635 riders. This year offers a discounted entry of $295 for the first 100 First Time Riders. After that, and for all other riders, the registration fee is $350 until May 1 when it increases to $375. All proceeds of the MWARBH support Tin Mountain programs, camps and conservation research.

Riders are encouraged to get sponsors, families and friends to support their ride and donate money to cover – and even exceed – the cost of registration as all proceeds benefit Tin Mountain Conservation Center, a 501(c)3 environmental education organization. All proceeds of the MWARBH and other events support the environmental programs Tin Mountain provides to students, campers, and countless families and communities in the greater Mt. Washington Valley. Tin Mountain members, volunteers and staff host the MWARBH. A portion of the registration fee and all funds raised above and beyond the registration fee are tax deductible. For more information and to see the programs funded through the MWARBH visit www.tinmountain.org.

The ride begins at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road in Pinkham Notch and climbs 7.6 miles at an average grade of 12% to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast. “Elevation is not all you gain,” said Jotham Oliver, MWARBH event director. “My favorite part is meeting the new riders as well as seeing people participate year after year,” he added.

The practice ride on July 19 is open to 300 registered entrants. All practice ride participants must leave the base of the auto road between 5 and 6 am. Questions about the MWARBH and the practice ride can be sent to Joliver.

Anyone over the age of 14, with drive, determination and strong legs is welcome to participate in the Hill Climb. First time rider Sarah had this to say:

“It is a great privilege and a gift to be able to spend a day on the mountain that way, and from what I could see, athletes, volunteers, and spectators were all delighted to be there.…. After a point, it becomes an internal battle of determination and courage, and I think those qualities are important. (I was also 3rd place in the female 40-44?!)… Thank you for an awesome day, and awesome event, and awesome work. I hope to be back again next year!”

Darby Field completed the first recorded ascent of Mt. Washington in 1642. Since then others have reached the 6,288 foot peak in a variety of ways. The first vehicle reached the summit via the Auto Road in 1861 and the Cog Railway’s maiden ascent from the west was in July 1869. Since that time, people have hiked, driven, run and cycled to the top. First held in 1972, the MWARBH climbs 4,618 feet in just 7.6 miles. Planning for the 50th annual MWARBH in August of 2022, is already underway.

The race contains six waves beginning with the elite riders at 8:30 am and continuing at five minute intervals with the next five waves. Mt. Washington is well-known for its unique weather and in the case of severe weather the race will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2020. Visit www.MWARBH.org for real time weather updates.