The 38th edition of Ride Around Clark County (RACC) is set for this Saturday and will feature the return of a “century” ride.
Starting at 6 a.m. on July 23 at the Bike Clark County shop in downtown Vancouver, hundreds of cyclists will embark on routes stretching across much of the county as part of the event. Organized by the Vancouver Bicycle Club, the annual ride this year features four routes ranging from 34 to 100 miles.
The shortest route, dubbed the Lacamas Loop, goes east through Vancouver and circles the titular Lacamas Lake before heading back to downtown. “The Metric” route, which is 62-miles, also heads to Lacamas Lake before heading north through Hockinson and Battle Ground, west toward Ridgefield and then south through Felida before returning downtown.
The 89-mile route, fittingly dubbed “The 89-er,” follows a similar route as The Metric, but heads north at Northeast 92nd Avenue for a loop that extends between Fargher Lake and La Center before it makes its way back on The Metric’s path. The longest route, “The Century,” is actually 102 miles long, and extends off of the 89-er north so it passes by the Cedar Creek Grist Mill.
RACC Coordinator Charles Lindner said the Lacamas Loop is for “anybody who is looking to get on a bike for the first time in a long while or is just kind of a casual rider.” The ride is relatively flat with a rest stop at the lake.
The Metric features a “steep long climb” on the back end of the route, Lindner said, providing a challenge for those who might not want to do the longer offerings.
The Century is “for the serious cyclists that like a challenge,” Lindner said. It features good climbs but also scenic views of North Clark County. The 89-er is for cyclists who want to do most of the 100-mile route but aren’t quite feeling the challenge of the full offering.
Lindner said RACC missed a year in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but came back last year with a strong showing, albeit shorter routes. He said the club is hoping to have between 500 and 600 cyclists in this year’s event. He noted around 150 people registered for the ride more than a week before the event.
This year, registration will remain open right up until the cyclists begin on their routes, Lindner said.
“You can sign up the day of (the ride), you can sign up five minutes before you head out on the ride,” Lindner said.
Proceeds from the ride support Bike Clark County, the Clark County Food Bank and Share Vancouver. Though RACC is the club’s biggest event of the year, Lindner said the club has different rides and events nearly every day of the week on its calendar. He said the Vancouver Bicycle Club’s strength is in its variety of members and skill levels, so a cyclist of any skill can feel comfortable taking part in one of their events.
“We have so many different ride leaders with different styles and different paces,” Lindner said.
He said RACC is a good way for new cyclists to get started with the club’s events.
“You’re going to be riding with a bunch of people who are experienced and can help you navigate traffic and streets,” Lindner said.
He noted the event features road support and mechanics that can handle any issues cyclists experience on the road.
“I can’t imagine a better ride to get started with,” Lindner said.
