The inaugural ride of the 2017 Northwest biking season delivered on all fronts this year.

It was chilly and it was hilly, but it was also quite rainy.

More than 1,000 riders turned out to tackle the wild-and-wet 33-mile route, including all 2,191 feet of climbing, of the Chilly Hilly Sunday, Feb. 26.

Named “one of four classic rides” in the nation by Bicycling Magazine, the annual event sees riders from Kitsap County and Seattle — and some further afield locales — descend onto island streets for a day to enjoy the ride, the views, and also a food stop at Battle Point Park for finishline festivities.

Visit www.cascade.org to learn more.