As is traditional, Chilly Hilly 2008 was held on the last Sunday in February, rain or shine. This year, no rain, but the weather at the outset was definitely on the chilly side under grey skies. I caught the 7:55 a.m. ferry, along with about 1000 of my closest cycling friends!
We filled the ferry, and this year, the snack bar was open with hot coffee and Alki Bakery muffins!
Leaving the ferry dock in Winslow, you face a slight uphill, take a right, and you're off on the 31+ mile counter-clockwise course around the island. Two foods stops are on the route, one at Battle Point Park, and my favorite at the American Legion post on the island, where we are treated to hot cider and lots of homemade cookies from the local Girl Scouts, in exchange for a donation.
As we turned the corner and headed back to the ferry from the south part of Bainbridge, the sun came out and we headed into a dry, cold north wind. Nice, with great views of Seattle.
The bikes filled the ferry, and there's plenty of time to inspect other's equipment. I must have seen one Trek for every other type of bike.
More of my photos are here.
Cascade Bike Club is to be commended for another well-organized and monitored event. There are interesting comments to read on their message boards, including the pirate feud with the Point 83 crowd, plus links to many other photos on Flickr.
50+ miles, door to door. We'll put this one on the calendar again for next year!
