On Saturday, August 15, 2026, I hope to again bike up Mount Washington, a 7.6 mile all-uphill race to the summit of the highest peak in the northeastern United States. I do not entirely know why I do things like this (truly, at the start line I kind of want to run the other direction and sleep)! Prominent among the reasons is the opportunity to honor the memories of two amazing educators and friends who left us all too soon - Peter Kaufman and Jean Whitney. These two are my wings up the mountain.
It's been a tough (to say the least!) year for the planet, for people, for peace. This has made it more challenging for so many simply trying to survive each day. As I acknowledge the enormous privilege of racing bikes just for fun in a world that is literally and figuratively burning, I keep coming back to the inherent value of place (the beautiful rockpile that Mount Washington is), people and building community. This event touches all three.
The race is a fundraiser for Tin Mountain Conservation Center (TMCC), which has provided environmental education to over 75,000 students, campers, and individuals throughout schools and communities in Northern New Hampshire and western Maine for over three decades. Their work matters and it deserves our support.
With immense gratitude,
Susan
Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb
The Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb is the largest fundraiser for Tin Mountain Conservation Center. Placing educators in every school district within the Mount Washington Valley and holding summer camp every year, Tin Mountain helps children foster an integral part of learning: curiosity
Just how steep is the course? 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 to the base. Weather at the top can be downright nasty, even during mid-summer. In August of 2007 the Hillclimb was canceled due to steady winds of 72 mph, freezing temperatures, frozen precipitation, and rime ice.
Mt.Washington is also 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 500 spots in 2026!
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.
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. Two missions matched perfectly! 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 currently expanding our offerings to include an accessible nature trail for those with limited mobility, as well as increasing weekend programming for the 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.