Chilly Hilly opens cycling season

So, how hilly is it? You're not the only one who's asking the No. 1 question on Chilly Hilly's FAQ list.

The famed annual February bike ride on Bainbridge Island gains 2,700 feet of elevation, mostly short climbs over an up-and-down, scenic route. The second-most asked question? If you can't make the entire 33 miles, not to worry. There's an option to take a shortcut back to the ferry that cuts 10 miles off the route. But you may be surprised at what you can do with the support of what Cascade Bicycle Club's Carry Porter calls the "wonderful rolling community" of 5,000 or so fellow riders offering help and encouragement. Though roads aren't closed to vehicles, most islanders are welcoming. And ride organizers are good visitors, donating a portion of the ride proceeds and food sales to Bainbridge Island charities. Sunday's Chilly Hilly is the unofficial kickoff to cycling season in the Northwest, and if you're not up to all those hills yet, it's still a good time to get your bike out of storage and back on the road or trail. Cascade Bicycle Club's mission to "Create a Better Community through Bicycling" includes advocacy for bike trails and a Web site with a wide variety of links to information on local rides, trails and other information for cyclists. Information on Easy Riders bike club rides, including an easy 10-mile, mostly flat ride on Alki on Sunday for anyone not quite up to Chilly Hilly, are listed in Cascade club information.

If you need more encouragement or gear before starting your cycling season, Cascade Bicycle Club has information on the Seattle International Bike Expo featuring bikes, gear and fitness info at Magnuson Park, coming March 10 and 11.

The details

Chilly Hill, day of race registration 7-10:30 a.m., ferries from downtown Seattle at 7:55, 8:45, 9:35 and 10:40 a.m. Sunday, or start at B.I. Cycle Shop, 162 Bjune Dr. S.E., Winslow. Day-of-ride packet pickup and day-of-ride registration are on Alaskan Way opposite the Pier 52 Ferry Terminal.

Registration: Advance registration is closed; day of ride registration welcome, $30 from Seattle including round-trip ferry fare, or $25 for Winslow start. Bainbridge Island Special, register noon-6 p.m. today through Saturday at B.I. Cycle Shop, $17.

Getting there: The ferry terminal is at Pier 52, 801 Alaskan Way, Seattle. For directions or information to the ferry dock, see www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries or call 511. Parking is available at paid lots in the Seattle waterfront neighborhood. Street parking is free on Sundays.

More information. 206-522-3222 or www.cascade.org.

Easy Riders: Alki, all levels of riders welcome; rain cancels, meet at 11 a.m. Sunday at Alki Bakery, 2738 Alki Ave. S.W., Seattle. More information at http://seattleeasyriders.net/.