Fit & Fun |

The unofficial kickoff to bicycling season begins Sunday with the aptly named Chilly Hilly. It's often nippy (think refreshing) when thousands of bicyclists take on about 2,600 feet of hill climbing during the 33-mile route around Bainbridge Island.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the event, which draws about 4,000 riders each year but attracted more than 6,000 riders in 2010, says event organizer Cascade Bicycle Club.

The course is open from 8 a.m. through 3 p.m. All riders are urged to obey the rules of the road and make safety a priority.

There is still time to sign up at www.Cascade.org.

Riders also can sign up on event day.

Seattle registration will be under the Alaskan Way Viaduct across from the ferry terminal from 7 to 10 a.m., and the ride starts when you exit the ferry on Bainbridge. Registration will be $35, which includes round-trip fare.

Riders starting on the island can register for $30 at B.I. Cycle Shop, 124 Bjune Drive S.E., Winslow, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., and the ride starts at the top of the ferry offramp on Winslow Way.

Fit & Fun is a weekly notice about active recreational opportunities in the Greater Seattle area. To suggest a future item, contact Richard Seven: rseven@seattletimes.com.