JC 911

I would like to do the Chilly Hilly next year (1st time). Can anyone tell me when I should look for registration to happen and if it sells out quickly or not?

BengeBoy 

I think Cascade's 2008 rides were ready for registration on Jan. 1 this year...maybe a little earlier?
I don't think it sells out.

BTW, it's a nice ride any time of year...


I rode it for the first time this year; I was on the first ferry. I won't do that again -- too crowded; too many people trying to be heroes on steep descents mixed in w/newbs struggling to hold their line and/or struggling with hills. Next year: 2nd or 3rd ferry, avoid the crowds.

mattm

it's a nice route! some good climbs for sure.

i haven't done it as part of CH, just with friends.

SeattleShaun

I don't believe that Chilly Hilly has a registration cap.

CliftonGK1

Watch the Cascade Bike Club's site for the registration to open up around the end of the year. I think Shaun's right that C.H. doesn't have a rider cap. The only issue is that if you aren't on the first ferry (bikes only) then you have to wait it out and board with automobiles on the later ferry runs.
If you haven't been before, the first ferry is a fun experience because they load something like 1200 cyclists. I took some great pix of the ferry just packed with bikes. It's quite cool.

1bluetrek

Hey, Where Would Be A Good Place To Stay If You Want To Catch The First Ferry?

mattm

anywhere downtown or on capitol hill would be a good spot i'd think.

there are a few hotels right on the waterfront i think, near pike place.

CliftonGK1

You could go the ridiculous route like I did and make Chilly Hilly into a century ride:

Start in Redmond, ride out to Woodinville and pick up the SRT/B-G Trail at Wilmot Gateway Park and ride down to the ferry dock and then reverse your route to get back home.

1bluetrek

Good Grief! I Think Someone Would Have To Send Out A Search Party For Me! I Would Be Lucky To Find The Ferry In A Car

CliftonGK1

It's easier to get there by bike, IMO; and on the day of Chilly Hilly it's definitely easy to find. Head to the waterfront, and follow the cyclists.

1bluetrek

Hey You May Be On To Somthing There. Give Me A Chance To Do More Riding In Your Neck Of The Woods.

1bluetrek

Hey I saw on the Cascade Bicycle Club that registration for club members will begin in January, then non-club members can register soon after.
I ran into a friend at work and he mentioned I should do the ride with him and friends. I have always wanted to! Anyone gonna ride it for sure?

ngateguy

It only opens and Jan 1st for members

But I don't think it ever sells out either. I have always signed up on the day of the ride

leakysieve

Chilly Hilly is a great ride. I live on Bainbridge so I try and do the route a couple of times a month. Its a real good trailing ride. If Im really feeling up to it, I'll do it twice in a row.

northbend 

Good advice!

CH is like a rural version of Critical Mass if you take the 1st boat.

I'll wait and register the day of the ride. If the weather to decent, I'll go. And start later when it's not so crazy.

norsehabanero

alot of people wait till closer to the event to register because of the weather
it is a good ride lots of fun

CliftonGK1

1BT -

I'll be there for sure. It's my second planned century ride of 2009; I'm starting from my apartment on Redmond Ridge, riding down to the Sammamish River/Burke-Gilman Trail, and heading into downtown for the first ferry. Yeah, it's crowded as all crazy get-out on the first one, but it's a fun ride.
The first ferry is bikes only, so it's neat to see about 1000 bikes rolling onto the boat.

STSCS

Hey leakysieve,

How is the parking on the island? I'll be venturing over from Bremerton (several of us) and need to put forth a bit of forward thinking in regards to transportation (seems most of the crew does not want to ride from Poulsbo).

In the midst of all the crowds, when should us newbies try to start? The last thing we need is be the cause of a bunch of newb-related chaos.

Thanks. Scott

CliftonGK1

I didn't find the crowd to be much of an issue, and I was on the first boat over. Sure, there was the standard issue that you'll find on any hill ride, which was all covered earlier (monster attackers on the same hill as slow fat guys like me), but overall it was a good scene. As long as people understand to ride to the right unless passing, (I know, a utopian dream, but it seems like for the most part it happens), then there aren't many problems.
Of all my rides in 2009, CH is possibly the one I'm most looking forward to.