September 6, 2024 3:05 a.m.
Crater Lake National Park, in partnership with the Friends of Crater Lake and Discover Klamath, will host the tenth annual Ride the Rim days on September 7th and September 14th.
A National Park Service release said on these two consecutive Saturdays, East Rim Drive from North Junction to Park Headquarters will be closed to motorized vehicles at 7:00 p.m. on the Friday before the event until 4:00 p.m. that Saturday to allow nonmotorized recreation including, biking, hiking and running. The event is free, but normal park fees apply.
Superintendent Craig Ackerman said, “Ride the Rim has grown in popularity each year”. Ackerman said, “It provides an opportunity to experience East Rim Drive in a unique way under your own power, whether you’re on a bicycle or on your own two feet. It is a strenuous endeavor, but the rewards for a slower pace, opportunities for quiet reflection, and healthy, vigorous recreation make it a special experience for many people”.
Visitors on these days should expect a large number of bicyclists on park roads. Cyclists should ride single file when sharing the road with motorists.
West Rim Drive will be open for all travel. North Entrance Road will also be open beginning at 7:00 p.m. each Friday evening. Park staff recommend that cyclists avoid riding on West Rim Drive, if possible, because of increased traffic from Ride the Rim participants, shuttles and other park visitors.
Ride the Rim parking is at North Junction, Park Headquarters, and the Picnic Hill area of Rim Village. Participants are encouraged to share rides to help ease parking congestion.
The release said a free shuttle will transport participants to the start of their Ride the Rim experience or to their vehicles at the end. The shuttle will run between North Junction, Rim Village, and Park Headquarters. The shuttle does not carry bicycles in an effort to accommodate more people. Someone with each group will need to remain with the bicycles while others retrieve their vehicles. For single riders, there will be a limited bike valet at North Junction and Park Headquarters.
For more information, go to: www.ridetherimoregon.com