Obliteride reveals routes for inaugural cycling event

The Center's new fundraising bike ride, Obliteride, has announced all four of its routes for the inaugural ride, Aug. 9-11. Starting at Magnuson Park in northeast Seattle, each of the four routes—25-, 50-, 100-, and 180-mile distances—offer various terrains that enable all levels of riders to participate and make his or her mark against cancer.

"Obliteride is a unique new ride for all cyclists," said Amy Lavin, Obliteride's executive director. "Everyone will enjoy a first-class experience with high-quality support, rest stops every 10-15 miles, and festivities that include local bands, amazing food and microbrews."

Route overview

Obliteride will feature an entire weekend of cycling, celebrations, and concerts Aug. 9-11. On Saturday, Aug. 10, cyclists will gather at Magnuson Park to embark on one of the four routes. Follow each link to see an interactive map and elevation profile for each distance. View short highlight videos for a taste of the scenery along each route.

• 25-mile: All levels of riders will enjoy a healthy dose of scenic lake views, flat bike trails, fun descents and 984 feet of climbing.
• 50-mile: 2,716 feet of climbing makes this route a great workout for both beginner and experienced riders.
• 100-mile: "Century" riders will experience the perfect blend of urban and rural riding. The 4,517-foot climb offers a mostly flat and downhill run to the finish.
• 180-mile: This two-day excursion from Seattle to Tacoma and back is the best way to see and explore the beauty of the Northwest. Day one has 3,638 feet of climbing. Day-two climbs aren’t big, but they do come often. Fortunately, 2,155 feet of climbing comes with a lot of downhill runs and unrivaled vistas.

Ways to participate

You can support Obliteride in several ways including riding, fundraising, volunteering and spreading the word. Or, support Obliteride participants by showing up along the routes the day of the ride.

"We would love to see people get involved by volunteering or lining the streets with signs honoring loved one's or friends who have battled cancer or are in the fight today, Lavin said. "Simply come to the end of your driveway and cheer on the riders. We'd love to see everyone out there!"

Anchor sponsorship from University Village and The Sloan Foundation, and other inaugural sponsors, will enable 100 percent of every dollar raised to directly benefit cancer research at Fred Hutch. So, ride, donate, volunteer and tell others. Ending cancer starts at Fred Hutch.

[Adapted from an Obliteride news release]