Chilly Hilly

[MM_QFC!]

Yep, I've done this ride a bunch of times...
Alert though!! it's the opening ride of the cycling season, put on by the Seattle-area Cascade cycling club and it's always the last Sunday in February, so it's on 2/24 NOT March 24th - wouldn't want you to roll in a month late!

The weather is always the biggest question - per the time of year, it's often very appropriately named: chilly (often wet too) ...and, as it's around the perimeter of Bainbridge Island, it's hilly. It's a very well-attended event - lots of veteran riders, along with families and folks who are participating in their first supported ride, so it's good if you have group-riding skills and can keep an alert eye for those who wobble quite a bit trying to get up some of the climbs and may drift left or right.

Yes, the ferry ride is from Sea > Winslow, where the ride start is located. Oftentimes, Cascade has arranged for a bike-only ferry as there are thousands of bikes/riders lined up to take the boats during the 7:30-10AM range...the ferry fare is included in the rider registration, so your bib # is your ticket...
This ride has also been recognized as a classic in Bicycling magazine and is kind of a rite of passage for Seattle area cyclists - fun and very well-supported, with a well-located pub at the finish, plus a chili feed too.
Tailwinds!

[mimitabby]

what Mary said.
I've ridden it, and it IS hilly. make no mistake. There are some grinders, some shorter and some longer.
And there are tons of people who have never ridden before (or act like it)

so depending on the weather, i'll be there again!