Parks District Rails Against ‘Unauthorized’ Dirty Chilly Event Planned on Local Trails Saturday, Feb. 21st; Real Chilly Hilly Unfolds on Island Roads Sunday, Feb. 22nd

The Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District (the Park District) wishes to inform the public that the cycling event known as the Dirty Chilly, planned for Saturday, February 21, is not an authorized or permitted activity on Park District trails.

The Dirty Chilly is an alternative event to the authorized Chilly Hilly – staged for 53 years by the Cascade Bike Club – and planned for Sunday, February 22. The gravel bike ride follows the traditional Chilly Hilly route and adds gravel sections along the way, for a total distance of 46-plus miles.

Portions of the proposed route of the Dirty Chilly travels across Park District-managed properties and on private lands where use permission has not been granted. “In prior years, the Park District and affected private landowners have made repeated attempts to engage event organizers to establish communication, secure necessary permissions, and coordinate logistics,” says Lydia Roush, Parks District Division Director. “Those efforts have not resulted in meaningful collaboration or event approval.”

Large cycling events on multi-use trails require advanced coordination to ensure safety, protect natural resources, and minimize impacts to other trail users, Roush explains.

Unpermitted large-scale events:

• Create safety concerns for other trail users
• Accelerate trail wear and erosion during wet winter conditions
• Overwhelm staff capacity to monitor and maintain safe, sustainable trail conditions
• Cross private property without permission, creating trespass concerns

“The Park District encourages responsible, individual enjoyment of its multi-use trail system, where bicycling is generally permitted unless otherwise posted,” Roush adds. “However, large, unsanctioned events, such as the Dirty Chilly, undermine collaborative trail management efforts and may result in future limitations on biking access if impacts continue.”

“The Park District remains open to working with Dirty Chilly event organizers who wish to formally coordinate and obtain appropriate permissions in advance,” she says. You can contact Roush at: lydiar@biparks.org

Weather-permitting, Join the Masses for the ‘Real’ Chilly Hilly Sunday on the Roads and Byways of Bainbridge Island 

For many Bainbridge Islanders and fellow Pacific Northwesterners, cycling isn’t just a wonderful way to exercise and enjoy our beautiful PNW scenery, it’s a way of life and an environmentally friendly source of transportation—regardless of the weather or your cycling ability.

Join Cascade.org, and sponsors Tailwind Nutrition and Eleven Winery for the 53nd Annual Chilly Hilly 33-mile (2,173 feet of climbing) bike ride around scenic Bainbridge Island. The route begins with an early morning ferry ride from Seattle, or you can join directly on Bainbridge Island. There is no day of registration on the island.

The Chilly Hilly is a fundraiser for Cascade Bicycle Club’s programing and advocacy, education, and community rides, such as Major Taylor Project, Let’s Go, Your Streets Your Say, and Pedaling Relief Project. In addition, the registration fees assist Cascade.org in giving back to the communities and organizations that thrive here. To learn more, visit Cascade.org’s statewide advocacy

Midpoint (15 miles): Located at Battle Point Park and supported by the Bainbridge 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. Chili prices at the door are $15.

Bainbridge Island Rowing is transforming its 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, across the street, 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!

It’s looking like typical Chilly Hilly weather on Sunday: chance of rainfall is 60-70 percent. So bundle up and wear rain gear if you venture out!

Source Materials: Metro Parks District, and Cascade Bike Club. Founding editor Margaret Millmore contributed to this report! 

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