BAINBRIDGE ISLAND -- Three Chippings braved rain, snow and gusting winds today to finish the 33-mile Chilly Hilly ride, the opening event of the Pacific Northwest cycling season. Scott Fraser, Bill Dunning and Johnny McCoy endured freezing temperatures, 2,700 feet of elevation gain and a wind chill that froze tears. At the halfway point of Battle Point Park, Scotty and Space retreated to Sanikans to get warm. Bill, bulked up in six layers of clothing, switched on the de-icer on his Trek hybrid.
Despite the adverse weather, the Cascade Cycle Club ruled out canceling the event. "We'll just wait till the roads thaw," a spokesman said. More than 5,000 cyclists registered but many light-weights, including some Chippings, stayed home. (Editor's Note: Some of these Chips think they're ready to ride up Mt. Etna next month.)
Bainbridge residents set up on their driveways to peddle hot chocolate, coffee and cookies and cheer on the numb cyclists. The Legionnaires gave away hot cider. The senior citizens served up chili. And the Chips powered on.
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