RAMROD 2024 - Update 3

March 15th Update

It has been two weeks since the announcement of RAMROD's discontinuation in 2024, and we promised then to update you on our progress today.

Since the announcement, we have been grateful for the tremendous support we have received from Representative Kim Schrier’s office. Their staff and, in particular, District Outreach Officer Cody Olsen, have been responsive and have followed up on our concerns since our initial meeting two weeks ago. Representative Schrier initiated a meeting with the National Park Service, Mount Rainier National Park and RCC last week. Earlier today, Representative Schrier contacted me and shared her insights on the situation and possible solutions to explore. I shared initial feedback and proposed an additional solution.

The Park’s new 2024 Time Entry pilot program can be utilized to preserve the number of target visitors to the Park on July 25th by thoughtful balance of cars and cyclists. RAMROD’s 800 cyclists represent the equivalent of 800 visitors arriving via 235 vehicles and a savings of 2.7 metric tons of C02e emissions. In this manner, visitation goals are preserved, additional congestion is avoided, and vehicle emissions are reduced by 20% in the Park that day. We see wins for visitors arriving by all modes of transportation, a win for the Park and the environment.

Following our conversation, Representative Schrier expressed a commitment to discuss this solution with the Mount Rainier National Park staff.

We remain optimistic that a win-win-win situation is still available, enabling RAMROD to run in 2024 and within the Park’s goals for visitation and positive environmental impact. We appreciate Representative Kim Schrier and her staff’s attention and efforts. We also appreciate you for expressing the importance of RAMROD and the experience it brings to individuals and Mount Rainier.

When there is more to share, we hope to provide additional updates to you.