Cascade Bicycle Club’s 44th annual Chilly Hilly will once again kick off the bicycling season Sunday, Feb. 28.

The 33-mile ride is guaranteed to be hilly, probably chilly, and always a ton of fun. With 2,191 feet of climbing, this winter bicycle event is the perfect challenge to start the year.

A classic Northwest ride, day-of registration will be available in-person only from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at B.I. Cycle Shop (124 Bjune Drive SE).

Visit www.cascade.org/rides-major-rides/chilly-hilly for more information and registration details.

For bicyclists coming from the other side, the route around Bainbridge Island starts with a scenic early morning ferry ride from Seattle, with hundreds more riders joining the crowd directly on Bainbridge.

As the first ride in Cascade’s much-anticipated event season, Chilly Hilly lives up to its name by serving up hilly but paved terrain. In addition to a well-earned rest, riders are rewarded with a free food stop and finish line festival featuring several community organizations.

Bicycling Magazine named the Chilly Hilly “One of Four Classic Rides” in the nation.