Chilly Hilly

Event Description

Kick off the riding season with a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island. This 33-mile loop around the island takes you along the shore to soak in Seattle’s skyline, through forested rural roads, and (true to name) up and down some memorable hills. 

This event is a fundraiser for Cascade Bicycle Club's programming in advocacy, education, and community rides, such as the Major Taylor Project, Let's Go, Your Streets Your Say, and Pedaling Relief Project.

Packet Pickup

Route

The route is 33 miles long, with two short cut options. 

We encourage you to wait until the day before the event to download these maps to your preferred device for easy access on the day of the event. 

Printed cue sheets are available at the start line tents. The route is marked with navigational markings on the road surface.

Event Schedule

Ferries

If you select Seattle as your start line, you will have your ferry fare included in their registration fee. Your rider bib acts as your pass on the ferry. If you did not select Seattle as your start line, you will need to purchase your fare separately.

Ferries from Seattle to Bainbridge Island depart from Seattle Colman Dock Ferry Terminal. Official ferry times are: 7:55, 8:55, and 9:35 a.m. only. You may return to Seattle on any ferry on the day of the event.

Inclusion

Everyone is welcome at Cascade events. We are committed to celebrating and promoting diversity in the bicycling community. We aim to provide safe spaces at start lines, finish lines, and official rest stops. Read our commitment to anti-racism and our participant code of conduct and grievance policy.

We would like to acknowledge that our rides take place on native land. Our offices are located on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present.

Food & Breaks

Midpoint (15 miles): You can refill your water and electrolyte bottles and enjoy light snacks that will power you for the second half of the ride. Fare includes energy bars, chips, nuts, fruit, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. 

Gluten free and vegan snacks and sandwiches are available.

Bainbridge Island community groups like the Rope Skippers and Girl Scouts may provide additional snacks.

Finish line (33 miles): You can purchase a bowl of chili (veggie or meat) directly at the finish line from Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center. You can purchase this in advance as an add-on.

Where to Stay

Bainbridge Island boasts camping spots, cottages, hotels, and resorts. See Visit Bainbridge Island for details.

Support During the Ride

This ride is supported by Cascade staff and volunteers, local community group volunteers, and municipal and county services.

Support and gear (SAG) vehicles are present on the route and dispatched when you call the ride support hotline. SAG vehicles can transport you and most models of bikes in the event of a mechanical or minor medical event. You should always call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.

Outriders are volunteers in white, green, and black jerseys that ride on the route, assisting you with minor mechanical and minor medical issues, like cuts and scrapes, dispensing advice and directions, and helping you to Ride S.M.A.R.T. 

Medical riders are volunteers on bike in red and blue jerseys that can assist you with minor medical issues like cuts and scrapes, dehydration, sprained joints, and other non-life threatening issues. 

Mechanics are posted at the Seattle start line, along Northwest Valley Road, and at the mid-point rest stop. They can assist with most common mechanical issues. Full service is available at Bainbridge Island Cycle Shop and Classic Cycle.

Traffic officers are posted at highway crossings

Weather

Wear layers and be prepared for rain. A baggage truck will be posted near the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal for you to drop off a bag with a change of clothes, which you can pick up at the finish line.

Get your bike tuned up and in shape to ride in slick, rainy, low-visibility conditions. Bring front and rear lights, install fenders, service your brakes, and clean your chain.

E-Bikes

E-bikes of all classes are permitted on this ride, as the route is entirely along public roads. 

Training

To help you prepare for this ride, you can check out our extensive schedule of Free Group Rides in the Puget Sound area. Find rides that fit your schedule and desired pace and distance.