Chilly Hilly

Event Description

Kick off the riding season with a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island on the 53rd annual Chilly Hilly. 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.

Communications

Two weeks before the ride, we'll start sending a weekly e-mail to riders. Make sure you're subscribed to our list to receive these communications.

Registration

Registration opens on January 7, 2025 at 10 a.m.

Registration closes on Thursday February 20, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. There is no registration in-person at the start lines. 

Prices reflect the starting point you select, the date you register, and your membership status. Prices increase $15 starting February 10.

Your registration fee covers mechanical support, SAG support, ham radio club support, Outriders and Medical Riders, officers at highway crossings, a fully supported rest stop with snacks and drinks at Battle Point Park, a baggage truck for your to store a dry change of clothes, and your fare on the WSDOT ferry (if you select the Seattle start line).

Packet Pickup

If you register between January 7 and February 10, your packet will be mailed to your listed primary address (check your profile).

If you register between February 11 and 20, your packet will be available at the start line you selected.

If you did not receive your packet or it was lost in the mail, please see us at the green Cascade tents at either start line for a replacement. 

Riders planning on taking the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge will need to pick up their replacement packet at the Seattle start line as your bib is your ferry ticket.

Route

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

NEW this year, we're providing a separate RWGPS map for riders who would like to ride the shortest option. 

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.

Click through to see the full map on Ride With GPS.

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): Located at Battle Point Park and supported by the Rope Skippers. 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 may provide additional support and 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 for $10. Chili prices at the door are $15, so save yourself $5 and purchase early!

NEW for 2025 : Bainbridge Island Rowing is excited to transform our boathouse into a cozy and inviting warm-up zone for riders, family and friends at the finish line. Baked goods and hot drinks will be available for sale. Get your bowl of chili at the Senior Community Center, then make your way across the street. Take a seat in our heated Great Room overlooking Waterfront Park. Kick off your clip-ins* and celebrate the day!

*Pack some shoes in your day pack. When you cross the finish line, pick up your bag at the bag truck, switch out your clip-ins for shoes, and help us maintain our indoor flooring.

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.

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 start at 11 a.m.

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. 

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. 

Thank You To Our Sponsors

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