The Cascade Bicycle Club’s 46th annual Chilly Hilly will once again kick off the Northwest bicycling season on Bainbridge Island Sunday, Feb. 25.

Called “one of four classic rides” by Bicycling Magazine, the Chilly Hilly boasts 2,191 feet of climbing over its 33-mile course.

There will be a free food stop along the way, at Battle Point Park, and a fantastic chili feed, at an additional cost, benefiting a Bainbridge Island nonprofit.

Also, new this year, the Amazon Outdoors team is upgrading the bag drop service.

According to Cascade Bicycle Club: “Feedback was given in 2017 that folks wanted their clothes at the finish line in order to hang out longer. We have responded! All bags will be driven from the ferry to the finish line and only available for pick up outside of the senior center on Brien Drive.”

Registration is open from 7 to 10 a.m. in Seattle, and from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Bainbridge.

There is a 5,000 rider limit, and a cost of $35 per member to participate ($40 for non-members).

The cost includes round-trip ferry pass. Bib numbers are assigned to reflect this registration type, and riders are reminded that the bib is their ferry pass, and they should have it with them throughout the entire ride.

Day-of Bainbridge-based registration will again happen at 7:30 a.m. at B.I. Cycle Shop (124 Bjune Drive SE).

Visit www.cascade.org/rides-major-rides-chilly-hilly/chilly-hilly-ride-details to learn more.