It’s that time of the year again! For the past 45 years, thousands of bicyclists have spun their legs across Bainbridge Island to take part in the annual Chilly Hilly Bicycle Classic. This year the big race takes place on Sunday, February 26. Bicycling Magazine even named the Chilly Hilly “One of Four Classic Rides” in the nation.  You can arrive via the scenic Seattle-Bainbridge Island Ferry the morning of the ride, or you can make a weekend of it! Arrive on Friday after work and stay for two nights. You’ll enjoy a leisurely Saturday with lots of things to do.

While on Bainbridge Island, visit a wine tasting room, stroll unique shops in the quaint downtown Winslow, visit art galleries, enjoy a critically acclaimed meal at a chef-owned restaurant … or, for a more casual meal, fish and chips or a top-notch burger with Island-brewed beer. A quick look at just who rides Chilly Hilly:

The Chilly Hilly record number of riders is 6,029 (set in 2010)
Each year riders come from far and wide including Alaska, British Columbia and France
Typically 25% of riders are female; 75% are male
The oldest registered rider was 78 years old. The youngest was one and 6-months old… no official word on the latter’s actual bike.
Visit the Cascade Bicycle Club website for more info.

The Bainbridge Island Lodging Association (BILA) is comprised of 25 vacation rentals, guest houses, bed and breakfasts (B&B), boutique hotels, inns and cottages on Bainbridge Island, in Washington State. BILA is dedicated to bringing you quality accommodation on our beautiful island in the Pacific Northwest. Visit our website for Bainbridge Island events and attractions, and of course, for your vacation rentals.