A "recreational" biking event will bring 800 cyclists to Mount Rainier National Park this week for the 30th Annual RAMROD, or Ride Around Mount Rainier In One Day.
With the ride set for Thursday, park officials are warning other visitors what to expect and what to watch out for.
"Due to safety concerns and to minimize impact to other park visitors, the number of riders participating in this non-competitive recreational ride has been limited to 800 pre-registered riders—all rider slots have been assigned and registration for the 2013 RAMROD has been closed," Mount Rainier officials said in a release. "Motorists coming to the park that day should expect some traffic delays, congestion around designated checkpoints and support areas, long lines of bicyclists sharing the roadway and extra emphasis by law enforcement of speeding and other traffic violations that could pose a risk to riders."
Park officials also stressed that "(D)rivers and pedestrians are cautioned that bicyclists in large numbers will be sharing park roadways, including the road east from Nisqually Entrance, Stevens Canyon Road, State Route 123 and State Route 410 throughout the day."
More so, "(S)low traffic along the riding route should be expected, as road shoulders are narrow or non-existent along many sections. Drivers may encounter bicyclists walking their bikes up the long grade or riding slowly to maintain control over sections of the roadway. Motorists are requested to use extra care when passing bicyclists, and to do so only when there is sufficient road clearance and an unimpeded line of sight to do so safely."
Comments
That well may be when it comes to the NPS decision making process. But what about PEER or some of the members of this board? What is their excuse for the hypocrisy of decrying a pro event while remaining silent on an amateur event with far more impact? They aren't ruled by precedent and certainly don't care about CYA.