The holidays are behind us, the days are starting to get longer and we’re all dreaming of spring. For cyclists, that means just one thing: Time to kick off cycling season with the Seattle Bike Swap, Chilly Hilly and the Seattle International Bicycle Expo.
Seattle Bike Swap
The Seattle Bike Swap, now in its 13th year, is a bike bargain-hunter’s paradise with up to 100 vendors under the same roof. Expect great deals on new and used bike-related goods of all types and sizes.
The Swap is scheduled at Seattle’s Magnuson Park, Hanger 30 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 21. Admission is $5 per person until 1 o’clock and free for the final hour. Kids under 15 are admitted free all day.
Chilly Hilly
After you’ve swapped out for new gear, and maybe a new bike, join thousands of cycling enthusiasts the next day for the 33-mile Chilly Hilly ride around Bainbridge Island.
A perennial Northwest favorite, the 35th annual tour includes 2,675 feet of hills and commences with the ferry trip across Puget Sound from Seattle. Or, you can join the crowd on Bainbridge Island. Last year, a near-record crowd of 4,341 riders rode the course and celebrated their accomplishment at the chili feed at the finish line. The course is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
2009 Seattle International Bike Expo
Don’t miss the 21st annual Group Health Bike Expo, March 14 – 15 in its new location at Hanger 30 at Magnuson Park. The doors will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday.
This year’s Expo promises to be better than ever with over 150 exhibits featuring cycling’s latest and greatest; test rides; retail, travel and manufacturer exhibitors; feature presentations and the popular photo contest judged by attendees. Not to be missed is the all-new Expo Youth Zone, Classic Bike Show, the Fat Tire Bike Show and free bike fits by Group Health.
Admission is $8 per adult at the door (cash only), but you can score a two-day pass for just $10. Kids 15 and under are free. Ample free parking is available at Magnuson Park and shuttle buses from the parking lot will run every 15 minutes to the hanger. Bike Works will be providing secure bike parking for a $2 suggested donation.
The Expo kicks off on Friday night with an appearance at the Sandpoint theater by the “voice of the Tour,” Bob Roll. Roll, a former American professional bike racer who rode with Greg Lemond, will present a 75-minute talk followed by a short Q&A and then a meet & greet/autograph session. Guests 21 and over (with ID) may attend. The event is a fundraiser for the Cascade Bicycle Club Education Foundation. Tickets cost $18 through Brown Paper Tickets.
For information on the Swap, Chilly Hilly and the Bike Expo, visit www.cascade.org.
“Worst Day of the Year Ride” Feb. 15
An estimated 3,000 cyclists will brave the elements for an 18- and 40-mile ride in support of the Community Cycling Center on the Worst Day of the Year Ride, Feb. 15 in Portland. The eighth annual ride begins at 10 a.m. at the Lucky Labrador and features belly-warming drinks on course and a finish line feast of fresh soups from Laughing Planet Cafe.
It has never rained on the Worst Day of the Year Ride, except for the last mile of the ride in 2007. In fact, the weather has always been warm, sunny and pleasant!
The meandering urban course is relatively flat and perfect for riders of all skill levels. This quirky, colorful parade of cyclists will snake around the city. This popular annual tradition will sell out and riders are encouraged to register early.
The Community Cycling Center is a non-profit that believes bicycles are a tool for empowerment and a vehicle for change. Founded in 1994, its mission is to broaden access to bicycling and its benefits through hands-on programs, volunteer projects, and neighborhood bike shop.
www.CommunityCyclingCenter.org
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