Cyclists have fun on event rides like Vancouver Bicycle Club’s Ride Around Clark County.
All things bicycle seem to be happening in May…the National Bike Challenge kicks off, communities around Washington are holding Bike Challenges and Bike to Work events, and May 6 is National Bike to School Day.
Bike riding season is in full swing and there are six May bike rides that support Washington Bike’s work to grow bicycling statewide:
May 2: Ride Around Clark County offers four beautiful routes through the southwest Washington countryside in Clark County. Organized by the Vancouver Bicycle Club, this ride starts and ends at Clark College in Vancouver. Online registration closes at midnight on April 29!
May 3: May Day Classic is a ride that challenges your strength and stamina. This springtime tradition offers three route options: a challenging 50 miler, a hard 70, and an even harder 100+ miles. May Day Classic is organized by Phil’s Bike Shop and routes start/end at Jersey’s Sports Bar in Federal Way. Proceeds from this ride benefit Washington Bikes and Orting Food Bank. Online registration closes on April 30!
May 2/3: Tour de Bloom is the first Washington race event to benefit bike advocacy. Organized by Wenatchee Valley Velo and held during the famous Apple Blossom Festival, this two-day event features a hill climb, a criterium, and a road race. Registration and additional details are at Wenatchee Valley Velo.
May 9: Skagit Spring Classic tours the scenic roads less traveled in northern Skagit and southern Whatcom Counties. In its 24th year, this ride is organized by the Skagit Bicycle Club and features four route options, end-of-ride showers (bring your own towels) and an all-you-can-eat pasta feed. More details an online registration at Skagit Spring Classic.
May 9: Group Health Inland Empire Century takes you through the rivers and wheat fields of eastern Washington. Ride options are from an easy 25 miles to challenging 50, 75 or 100 mile tours. All routes showcase the scenic beauty of the lower Yakima/Columbia River valley with its vineyards, wheat fields and fruit orchards. This ride is organized by the Kiwanis Clubs of Columbia and Tri-Cities Industries. Online registration is open.
May 9: Nitty Gritty Dirt Fondo is a gravel grinder’s delight. This event is a 65-mile ride featuring scenic roads (65% dirt/gravel) and over 3500′ of elevation gain around Coulee Hite and Deep Creek communities near Spokane. Organized by Emde Sports, the Nitty Gritty is a new ride supporting bike advocacy in 2015. Visit Emde Sports for more ride info and registration.
Make your pedaling count all summer long! Check the WA Bikes calendar for additional rides that support statewide bike advocacy with a contribution to Washington Bikes.
