Newton's Revenge registration now open.

February 12, 2010 Pinkham Notch, N.H.

The Tin Mountain Conservation Center in Albany, N.H., happily announced this week its annual combination of good news and bad news and more good news to cyclists who want to pedal up the ultra-steep Mt. Washington Auto Road this summer.

The good news: The field for the 38th installment of the grueling Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb was filled to its 600-rider capacity on February 2, less than 34 hours after the Tin Mountain web site opened for registrations. The race's appeal, even in an economic recession, brings unwavering support for Tin Mountain's summer camps and its school and community programs that promote appreciation for the natural world and sustainable lifestyles. All riders' entry fees help deliver this message.

The bad news? Only that the Hillclimb, which will take place on August 21, cannot accommodate more riders (unless someone drops out in which case there's a waiting list).

The further good news: For the fifth year in a row, the Mt. Washington Auto Road will be open for an additional race up the same 7.6-mile course to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast. Registration is now open for Newton's Revenge, which was created in 2006 to accommodate the swelling demand for a chance to bike to the summit of Mt. Washington. Newton's Revenge will take place this year on July 10, following the same format as the August Hillclimb. Cyclists can register on line at www.newtonsrevenge.com.

Frequently described as a climb more difficult than any in the Tour de France, the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb is a major attraction for professional and serious amateur cyclists. A strong ride at Mt. Washington helps an aspiring pro to establish credentials as one of the world's best climbers and to attract the attention of top-tier racing teams. Course record-holder Tom Danielson (49:24) and 2004 winner Justin England both went on from Mt. Washington to higher-profile careers racing in Europe.

For amateurs, the race is a challenge like no other "an extreme sport before there were extreme sports," as the race program often describes the event.

First held in 1973, the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb operated under various directorships until the 1990s, when the Tin Mountain Conservation Center became the organizing body for the race, and the race became the primary fundraising event for the conservation center. The event's popularity grew along with the growing popularity of cycling in the United States and the rising visibility of American cyclists on the European circuit.

In 2006, in response to the ever-rising demand for places in the Hillclimb field, the Mt. Washington Auto Road company inaugurated Newton's Revenge, which follows the same course up the windswept mountain. Registration for Newton's Revenge opens as soon as the field for the Hillclimb has reached capacity. As of today, approximately 100 riders have already registered for Newton's Revenge  a much larger number at this point than in previous years. Of that number, 23 cyclists have signed up for both the Hillclimb and Newton's Revenge.

A complete list of riders registered for the Hillclimb is available at www.bikereg.com or at the race web site, www.mwarbh.org.

Both the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb and Newton's Revenge are part of the Bicycle Up the Mountain Point Series (BUMPS), in which riders accumulate points based on their finishes in nine uphill bike races in the Northeast between June and October. The men's and women's champions for the series are crowned following the final race in the series, at Mt. Greylock in Massachusetts. For further information see www.hillclimbseries.com.

The entry fee for the Hillclimb is $350. The entry fee for Newton's Revenge is $300, except that a discounted entry fee of $150 is offered to anyone entering Newton's Revenge who is already registered for the Hillclimb.

The Mt. Washington Auto Road is open to cyclists only four days each year: the two race days, plus a practice ride for each race. This summer the practice rides are on June 6, for Newton's Revenge, and July 18 for the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb.

In its 7.6 miles the Auto Road climbs 4650 feet at an average grade of 12 percent and a wall-like 22 percent in the final 50 yards. And then there's the always unpredictable

2010 Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb and Newton's Revenge Registration Information

2010 - ON LINE Registration for Newton's Revenge is now OPEN. Visit the web site at www.newtonsrevenge.com or via www.bikereg.com. Newton's Revenge will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2010. Registration fee for Newton's Revenge is $300.00. If you are registered for the MWARBH receive 50% off the entry fee. That's right! $150 to race Newton's. After MWARBH sells out an email will be sent to all those that are registered for MWARBH with information to register for Newton's.

MWARBH Wait List is open

If you have not used Bikereg in the past you should take the time now to set up your profile. Go to the Bikereg web site, on the left click New Member Sign Up. If you have an existing profile with Bikereg but your address, email etc. have changed go to the Bikereg web site, click on Update Profile.

Registration for the MWARBH and Newton's Revenge is on line only and first come first serve bases for limited field of 600 racers.

Our new, 2010 on-line Fundraising page is ready for YOU! When you register for the MWARBH race you automatically have a personal fundraising page set up. All racers raising over $500 are included in a drawing for great prizes AND a grand prize awaits the racer raising the most money! After you register you will receive an email explaining how to get started. All you need to do is tweak your fundraising page so your donors know why you are doing a crazy thing like bike up Mount Washington!

When you download and print the Personal Fundraising sheet from this web site please check the box that is appropriate for you:

"All Pledges Are Donations to TMCC" and will help raise additional funds for their environmental education programs

OR

"I want to GET IN FREE" (If you register at $350.00 and collect pledges for $200 dollars TMCC will send you a check for $200 dollars. If you register at $350.00 and collect pledges for $350.00 TMCC will send you $350 dollars! Donation over $350 are considered donations to TMCC) TMCC thanks you for your support!

When you click on your Personal Fundraising page a smilar feature will be coming soon.

Please note: All Pledges must be in before the start of the race to be considered for prizes. No refunds will be issued unless pledges are received by September 1, 2010! TMCC will issue you a check up to the amount of your entry fee, but not to exceed $350 registration fee.

DISCLAIMER Tin Mountain Conservation Center reserves the exclusive right to determine who will participate in the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb.

RACE DAY DISCLAIMER - We will delay the start time, postpone or cancel the race if the following conditions are reported on the road or summit on the morning of race day : ICE, SNOW, VERY HIGH WINDS or HARD DRIVING RAIN. We will stop the race if conditions are deemed unsafe for the riders in the race. We will not cancel the race for "uncomfortable" conditions. You are participating in a race where the venue, Mt. Washington, is noted for having very challenging weather conditions, please come prepared for the weather.

If weather should cause cancellation both days, your entry fee will be graciously accepted as a donation to Tin Mountain. Sorry,there will be NO REFUNDS.

REGISTRATION DISCLAIMER - Refund and Exchange Policy for the Mt. Washington Auto Road Bicycle Hillclimb Refunds will only processed after the Hillclimb registration has closed and to the extent that there exists eligible replacements on the wait list. All refunds will be processed at the entry fee level less $50.00 service fee. Exchanges will not be processed after July 1st. 2009 and No refunds will be given after June 1st, 2009.

In the event of cancellation a non supported ride will be available. Choose between 40 miles or 80 miles. See race officials for directions.

Lunch will not be cancelled; all racers are encouraged to stay for lunch. We will serve lunch between 11:45 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. Plan your time accordingly.

Riders that have registered for the Hillclimb may not trade, sell, or exchange their registration with anyone else without the expressed permission of TMCC.

Please make sure you understand our Disclaimers and Policy's before you register for this event. There will be NO exceptions.

What does "Weather Date" mean? We will move the race to the Weather Date if the following conditions are reported on the road and summit the morning of race day - ICE, SNOW, VERY HIGH WINDS and HARD DRIVING RAIN. We will stop the race if conditions are deemed unsafe for the riders in the race or cars heading down. We will not cancel the race for "uncomfortable" conditions. Your are participating in a race where the venue is note for having the most challenging weather conditions - Mt. Washington. If weather should cause cancellation both days, your entry fee will be graciously accepted as a donation to Tin Mountain. Sorry, NO REFUNDS.

Emergency Event Support

1. Along the 7.6 mile course - there are brown mile marker signs and brown elevation signs.

2. Central NH Amateur Radio Club (CNHARC) This club is with us every year on a volunteer bases. We could not hold this race without their support. Possitioned at the base of the Auto Road at every mile marker,1/2 way and the summit. They will be in vehicles signed CNHARC or look for the many antennas attached to their vehicles.

3. If you do not make it to the summit please make sure you check in with the Amateur Radio Operator. If you walk back down to the base check in at the base station located on the Auto Road to the left of the entrance to the tent area. The building will be signed Amateur Radio Support.

4. Emergency Medical Support possitioned at the base, 1/2 way and four EMT's at the summit.

5. Water will be provided at the summit after you cross the finish line. There are no water stops along the course - you will need to carry your own water during the race.

Official timing ends at 3 hours from the start of the race. We will sweep the road starting at 11:45. Please do not enter if you will be unable to complete the course within that time.