2025 RAMROD - Update 2

RAMROD 2025 is being scheduled for July 31, 2025. We will be riding in a clockwise direction from Enumclaw. We will probably NOT be able to access the Stevens Canyon corridor this year so we are planning to use the Skate Creek bypass. We anticipate returning to the Stevens Canyon corridor in 2026.

At this point the course is still in the early planning stages and nothing is final other than the date.

For those not already aware, the 2024 course was held in early September and we were allowed access to the Stevens Canyon corridor. We proceeded in a clockwise direction for the first time, all previous RAMRODS were run counterclockwise.

The 2024 course was a compromise negotiated for that year after we were unable to gain access to Stevens Canyon roads in July using our traditional course.

The unique problem we have for 2025 is due to a construction project on SR 123 between Cayuse Pass and the Stevens Canyon road. We are informed that this stretch of road will be completely closed to all traffic during the month of September. We have identified no feasible alternate route so we simply cannot have RAMROD as we have known it in September.

We have asked the National Park to allow us access to Stevens Canyon when the roads would be open but were told the Park will not grant a permit that involves Stevens Canyon access prior to September. We have asked them to reconsider this position but at this point we have to assume permission will not be granted to move the Stevens Canyon option to earlier in the year.

Skate Creek bypass has been identified as the most reasonable alternative for 2025 if we can’t do Stevens Canyon. By doing Skate Creek clockwise we avoid some of the dangers inherent in the prior Skate Creek bypass routes, which were run counterclockwise.

We will not have to cross traffic on US 12. We will also encounter typical rough patches on Skate Creek Road going uphill, which will be at slower speed with less risk.

Throughout the 41 years RAMROD has been in operation we have from time to time had to deal with road construction issues. The construction planned for 2025 is substantial and limits what we can do. We want to maintain the RAMROD tradition and encourage our riders to participate again this year with whatever course we are able to present.

Registration opens in March; please sign up and help us continue our great tradition as the premier endurance cycling event in the Pacific Northwest.

We will begin our planning process for 2025 shortly and will have updates as more information becomes available.

George, RAMROD Director