By Kristen Oliphant, Events & Partnerships Manager
When people ask Leslie Robertson what she does for a living, “event planner” hardly tells the whole story.
As Events Manager for the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Leslie spends her days bringing people together: volunteers, businesses, visitors, and neighbors. She creates experiences that strengthen the community she calls home: Port Angeles, Washington. Whether it’s coordinating a six-week volunteer-run outdoor ice rink in the winter or one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic cycling events each summer, her work is rooted in a simple belief: communities are strongest when people come together around something meaningful.
That philosophy is exactly what makes Ride the Hurricane so much more than a bike ride.
Every year, on the first weekend in August, hundreds of cyclists gather in downtown Port Angeles. From there, they ride from sea level all the way to Hurricane Ridge. Yep, you heard that right! It’s a 36-mile round trip bike ride with an elevation gain of 5,240’ — one of the only opportunities each year to experience this winding road and its magnificent views completely free of vehicle traffic.
For cyclists, it’s a bucket-list ride. For Leslie, it’s something more: a chance to give back — both to the community and to the park practically in their backyard, Olympic National Park.
Leslie’s path to the Chamber of Commerce began as a volunteer. After years of lending a hand at Chamber events, she stepped into the Events Manager role eight years ago when the opportunity unexpectedly presented itself. What started as a leap of faith quickly became a career she loves.
“What I love most is seeing how events bring people together,” Leslie says. “There are volunteers, sponsors, businesses, participants — everyone plays a role. Community events remind us that we’re all in this together.”
That spirit has shaped the evolution of Ride the Hurricane. When Leslie first inherited the event, it was already beloved by cyclists, but she saw opportunities to make it even more memorable.
Over the years, she and her team transformed the experience. The ride now begins at Port Angeles City Pier, creating a true sea-to-summit adventure. Riders enjoy thoughtfully curated aid stations every few miles, each with its own personality and local treats. The finish is celebrated with an after-party featuring tacos, local beer, handmade truffles, and plenty of stories shared between cyclists who have just conquered the ride together.
Sustainability has also become a priority, with efforts to reduce single-use plastics and focus resources on creating the best possible rider experience rather than disposable giveaways.
Since 2020, Ride the Hurricane has sold out every year.
Most people assume the biggest draw of Ride the Hurricane is the rare chance to cycle Hurricane Ridge Road without cars. They’re not wrong. But Leslie believes the magic runs even deeper.
“There are really two kinds of organized rides,” she explains. “The really intense competitive rides, and the casual family rides. Ride the Hurricane is a combination of both.”
Because riders encounter fully stocked aid stations every few miles and enthusiastic volunteers cheering them on throughout the climb, the event is welcoming enough for recreational cyclists while still offering an unforgettable challenge for experienced riders.
Along the route, volunteers blast music, ring cowbells, and encourage every rider who passes by. At the summit, another cheering section celebrates each cyclist’s arrival. Some riders race to beat personal records. Others simply enjoy the journey. And if someone decides they’ve climbed high enough? They can turn around at any point and still enjoy one incredible downhill ride.
It’s enough of an accomplishment that everyone who does it feels like they really did something amazing.”
Ask Leslie about memorable Ride the Hurricane moments, and she’ll tell you about more than just impressive finish times. One story that has stuck with Leslie was about a rider who crashed during the descent and was taken to the hospital. During precautionary scans, doctors discovered a rare brain tumor that had previously shown no symptoms. Because of that accident, it was found early enough to be removed successfully.
“He came back and rode the next year!” Leslie exclaimed.
She lights up talking about another participant who completes the course on a unicycle. Or Tom, a paraplegic who returns year after year on a handcycle. Those stories remind us that Ride the Hurricane isn’t about who’s fastest up the mountain — it’s about showcasing the impressive force of the human spirit.
Ride the Hurricane has long donated a portion of its proceeds to Washington’s National Park Fund in support of Olympic National Park. Last year, the Chamber expanded that commitment by introducing a National Park Champion registration option, allowing participants to make an additional $100 gift to support the parks. The response exceeded expectations.
It started with something Leslie noticed during the pandemic — riders voluntarily giving extra to support the parks. “We realized people really wanted the opportunity to help,” she says. “We wanted to give our cyclists as many ways as possible to support Olympic National Park.”
“Our national parks are our crown jewels,” Leslie says. “Having Port Angeles be the gateway to Olympic National Park is a relationship we can’t value enough.”
One statistic tells Leslie everything she needs to know about Ride the Hurricane’s impact: nearly 80 percent of participants either return year after year or sign up because a friend recommended it. That kind of enthusiasm isn’t created by accident. It’s built through thoughtful planning, dedicated volunteers, supportive partners, and a community that genuinely cares about every rider’s experience.
When registration closes each year, Leslie spends months answering emails from participants, helping them prepare, and learning their names long before they arrive in Port Angeles. Her favorite part? Finally meeting them in person.
“I love walking around the afterparty, introducing myself, hearing about their ride, and listening to their stories,” she says. “That’s my favorite part.”
When asked to describe Ride the Hurricane in just three words, Leslie doesn’t hesitate: “Bucket. List. Ride.”
We couldn’t agree more. But what makes Ride the Hurricane truly special isn’t just the climb to Hurricane Ridge. It’s knowing that every mile ridden, every volunteer who lends a hand, every business that participates, and every National Park Champion who chooses to give a little more helps ensure Olympic National Park remains a place that future generations can experience and love.
That’s what being a Trailblazer is all about.
Washington’s National Park Fund is the official philanthropic partner of Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. Donations fund vital park projects, including trail maintenance, science and research, youth and family programs, and more.
Photos courtesy of Leslie Robertson