More than 5,000 cyclists ride the 33-mile ride around Bainbridge Island called Chilly Hilly every year.
Named one of the top four rides in the nation by Bicycling Magazine, the Chilly Hilly offers a double challenge – 2,675 feet of overall climbing and the unpredictable and often disagreeable weather of late February.
Chilly Hilly has been an annual harbinger of spring for 35+ years. Riders from more than 20 states participate, plus British Columbia and Ontario. Past participants range in age from 1.5 to 78 years old.
Participants of the Chilly Hilly Bicycle Ride dominate the first four runs of the Washington State Ferry beginning at 7:55AM. The event begins at the corner of Winslow Way and the ferry off-loading ramp (where Olympic Dr SE meets 305).
Riders can enjoy:
- a scenic cruise on a Washington State Ferry for visitors
- free baked goods & hot cider at the Hot Cider Food Stop
- a modest entrance fee that supports 10 local Bainbridge Island charities
Finish Line Festival with fantastic chili feed that is a fundraiser for the Squeaky Wheels Bicycling Club and other activities.
The 33-mile course is open from 8 a.m to 3 p.m. If your are taking the ferry over from Seattle, the ride starts when you get off the ferry. If you are starting on Bainbridge Island, the ride starts at the top of the ferry off-ramp on Winslow Way.
Make it a Chilly Hilly Weekend!
For a fresh start on Sunday, visitors can come early on Saturday, explore the many attractions of Bainbridge, sample wines from our 7 island wineries, dine in a variety of island restaurants, and spend a night or two in one of our many fine lodging establishments.
If you’re taking the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, please make note of the ferry schedule.
More Chilly Hilly information is available at the Cascade Bicycle Club website.
