Biking up Mt. Washington's auto road in 2024, I thought to myself: "this is the hardest physical thing I've ever done, there's no way I'm doing it again." About 10 minutes after finishing and Adele peeling me off my bike, I decided I'd be back in 2025 to try and beat my time! So, here we are again.
On August 16, I'll face one of cycling's ultimate challenges: the Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb. The 7.6-mile (12% average gradient) race climbs to the summit of the Northeast's highest peak, earning its reputation as the world's steepest cycling competition.
Fundraising for my ride supports Tin Mountain Conservation Center,. Some examples of the impact of donations:
$50: Get butterfly and frog nets into the hands of our summer campers!
$100: Send a local elementary school on an environmental field trip
$250: One child attends a week of Summer Camp
$500: A month of Nature Programs and adult/family field trips
$1,000: Helps employ a Research Intern for a month
Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb
The Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb is known as the toughest hillclimb in the world! It is 7.6 miles in length with an average grade of 12%, extended sections of 18%, and the last 100 yards are an amazing 22% grade! Sprint that to the finish!
Only a handful of times a year are bicycles allowed on the private Mt. Washington Auto Road, and this is the cream of the crop. There is no downhill riding; riders must arrange for auto transportation back to the base.
Mt.Washington is home to the worst weather ever recorded on earth. The highest non-tornadic wind speed ever recorded on earth was at the summit of Mount Washington at 231mph. Hurricane force winds are present 100 days a year on average. This is part of what makes Mount Washington the toughest bicycle climb in the world.
The Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb is more than just the “cycle to the clouds” as it has been called. Most racers and their families arrive the night before for event check-in at the base of Mt. Washington, to chat with other riders and see the competition, meet the Pro Riders, and visit the official race store, vendors and exhibitors’ tent. On the morning of the race, over 100 Tin Mountain Conservation Center volunteers converge on the race course to help with base parking, site setup, check-in, sale of merchandise, summit parking and timing, serving food, medical assistance, ham radio communications, the awards ceremony, and cleanup. While the first riders pass the finish in about one hour, the last riders cross around the three hour mark. However, all are recognized for the feat of climbing the “Rockpile” and supporting Tin Mountain Conservation Center programs.
When the riders and their supporters get back to the base, they will be able to enjoy lunch, a refreshing beer at the beer garden and cheer on the winners at the Award Ceremony. Since its start in 1973, the popularity of the hillclimb has continued to grow, attracting both elite professional riders and amateur cyclists from all parts of North America. We are offering 635 spots in 2024!
The allure of the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb: the extreme nature of the ride, the chance for amateurs to ride along side pros, the beautiful natural surroundings, the fabulous organization of the event, and the environmental cause it supports.
ABOUT
The Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb is the largest annual fundraiser for Tin Mountain Conservation Center.
Tin Mountain Conservation Center cultivates a deep appreciation for the natural environment through hands-on education and demonstrated stewardship. We bring nature-based learning to schools, camps, and communities while modeling environmental responsibility through land protection, scientific research, and sustainable practices in forestry, agriculture, and energy. Our work nurtures understanding of the natural world and empowers future generations to protect it.
The Mount Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb stands as one of the most challenging and prestigious cycling events in North America. This grueling 7.6-mile ascent to the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire tests cyclists against the mountain known for having "the world's worst weather."
Starting at the base of the Auto Road at 1,527 feet, riders climb an astounding 4,650 feet in elevation to reach the 6,288-foot summit. The average grade is 12%, with extended sections at 18% and the infamous final 100 yards at a leg-crushing 22%. The road surface transitions from smooth tarmac to packed gravel, adding another layer of difficulty to this already formidable challenge.
What makes this race particularly unique is not just its steepness, but the unpredictable weather conditions riders must endure. Competitors might start in warm sunshine at the base only to encounter dense fog, fierce winds, and temperatures dropping 30 degrees or more as they ascend. Wind speeds at the summit can exceed 75 mph, and the mountain holds the record for the highest wind speed ever recorded in the Northern Hemisphere at 231 mph.
The event attracts both amateur and professional cyclists from around the world. Participants must be well-prepared with appropriate gearing, clothing for varying weather conditions, and strong mental fortitude. Support vehicles are critical to the success of the riders; they bring warm clothes to change into, food, and shelter at the summit. Support drivers go up in advance of the field of riders.
After the race is complete, support drivers are released back to the base. Cycling down the steep grade is prohibited, as it would be extremely dangerous. Finishers receive a medal, and warm blanket, and a delicious fulfilling lunch, along with the deep satisfaction of riding one of cycling's most legendary climbs.
Registration often sells out quickly, as the event is limited to 635 riders to ensure safety on the narrow mountain road.
Tin Mountain Conservation Center (TMCC) & the Iconic Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb — A Perfect Match!
In the early 1990's, TMCC was approached by the Mt. Washington Auto Road to organize the Bicycle Hillclimb race. The Auto Road gives visitors from around the globe the opportunity to experience being above tree line and educates them about the natural and cultural history and traditions of the mountain. TMCC promotes an appreciation and understanding of the natural environment to all ages. For more than 25 years, TMCC and the Auto Road have worked together to give cyclists the opportunity to experience the full forces and beauty of nature on the only day the road is open only to bicycles.
Why Donate to Tin Mountain?
The MWARBH is TMCC's largest annual fundraising event and provides support for our many programs. With the help of event proceeds, Tin Mountain provides environmental education programs to thousands of students, operates summer camps, leads year-round community-wide nature programs and conducts conservation research projects. Tin Mountain, located in the heart of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and has been educating residents and visitors on the natural world for over 40 years. Beyond New Hampshire, their programs speak to anyone of any age who values education and the environment.
Tin Mountain Conservation Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations to this campaign may be tax deductible. Check with your tax professional.
TMCC — Planting Seeds to Enhance and Expand Programs and Trails
Tin Mountain is has recently expanded our offerings to include an accessible nature trail for those with limited mobility, and has increased weekend programming for locals and visitors to the center. Future plans include creating a natural playground designed to help children develop confidence, balance, and creativity, all while exploring the natural world. Event revenue and fundraising helps support and increase the type and number of diverse programs we provide to the public.