7 hills cycling weekend coming to Kirkland
Published 4:23 pm Monday, April 30, 2012
This year’s 7 Hills of Kirkland cycling to end homelessness ride, presented by major sponsor Evergreen Healthcare and supported by the Kirkland Kiwanis, will be held on May 28.
Bill Thorness, cyclist and author of “Biking Puget Sound,” will kick off the event on Friday, May 25 with a complimentary reception and special book signing event for registered cyclists at Evergreen Hospital (by reservation only).
The Kirkland Kiwanis will also put on their 3rd Annual “Pancaking to End Homelessness” Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 26 at the Peter Kirk Center. This event is open to all and ticket sales benefit KITH.
The main event of the weekend, the 7 Hills of Kirkland annual ride, begins and ends at Kirkland Marina Park and takes place between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Memorial Day, May 28.
The 7 Hills of Kirkland is one of the Northwest’s premier cycling events. Since 1996, this major fund raiser attracts riders from all over the Seattle Metro area and greater Eastside, California and throughout the west coast, and as far away as France and the UK. Renowned for its scenic and challenging routes, delicious food, great support, plus a bagpiper, the 7 Hills of Kirkland is a challenge not to be missed. Teams are welcome and encouraged.
Registration fees range from $30-$60. All proceeds benefit KITH’s programs to help Eastside families who are homeless to gain stability and self-sufficiency. The 2012 committee’s planning for sun and predicts a sell-out, so riders will want to register early.
Businesses and other local non-profits support KITH and the 7 Hills of Kirkland event by sponsoring the event at a variety of levels. A Village of booth sponsors at Marina Park on Memorial Day makes the event festive and informative for participants and friends who meet them at the finish line.
The 7 Hills of Kirkland is a volunteer-run event. There are many exciting and rewarding volunteer opportunities, from serving on the event committee which meets monthly or cheering cyclists on the route May 28, to serving up strawberry shortcake at Marina Park or driving Road Assistance Team Support (RATS) vehicles.
Go to www.7hillskirkland.org to register for the ride, volunteer, or learn more about the event.
