With iconic images of dozens of people biking off the ferry together, Cascade Bicycle Club’s Chilly Hilly ride has signaled the start of the bike events season for nearly half a century. As the name suggests, the February ride around Bainbridge Island is often cold and rainy, though riders warm up quickly pedaling up the many long climbs around the beautiful island just across Elliott Bay.
Chilly Hilly 2020 was held just days before the pandemic shutdown began. The 2021 ride was cancelled due to pandemic restrictions this winter, but now the club is trying to make up for lost time by holding the ride August 1. This will make it the only Cascade major event that will not have missed a year. It also sets up Chilly Hilly 2022 to be the 50th Anniversary ride.
Chilly Hilly rarely (never?) hits its rider cap, but that might not be the case this year. There are only 2,500 spots, and those might sell out for an August 1 event. There is no day-of registration, and registration closes July 23.
Traditionally the start of the riding season in the Northwest, Chilly Hilly returns in 2021 as a summertime spin for its 49th year. The 33-mile route around Bainbridge Island starts with a scenic early morning ferry ride across Puget Sound from Seattle, or you can join the crowd directly on Bainbridge Island. Join us for the ride Bicycling Magazine named “one of four classic rides” in the nation. It’s guaranteed to be hilly (though a lot less chilly) and always a heck of a lot of fun. So get the dust off your bike and get ready to tackle some hills and enjoy some chilly treats in town afterwards!
Registration Includes:
- A scenic cruise on a Washington State Ferry (Seattle start)
- Free food stop at Battle Point Park
- Route support
