Fresh Connections – The Parfitt Way Blog

This February 22, the Chilly Hilly may only live up to half of its reputation. Unlike years past, the Chilly Hilly-a 33-mile community bike ride that draws crowds from across the globe-is scheduled for a day that boasts a sunny, 55-degree weather forecast. Chilly Hilly veterans-some of whom have embarked on this crazy ride since its origin 43 years ago-and first-timers can ditch the Gortex rain gear for colorful and whacky costumes to add to the herd of thousands-yes, many thousands!-of cyclists fleeing the ferry or hopping on in their own front yard. At maximum capacity, the Chilly Hilly has hosted riders from France, Canada, and states all across the country, riding 6,029 strong in 2010! The riders vary in ages too, ranging from toddlers to seniors and all ages in between.

Hosted by Cascadia Bicycle Club, the Chilly Hilly kicks off the cycling season with a wonderful event that combines creativity, exercise, community, and fun. For a small fee, anyone with wheels can enjoy what Bicycle Magazine named “one of the four classis rides” in the nation, according to Cascadia Bicycle Club’s website. The course starts at the very top of the off-ramp at Winslow Way at 8 in the morning and lasts until 3 o’clock, rolling along the island’s coastal vistas and forest roads for 2,675 feet of hilly climbing. Feel free to enjoy the course at your leisure, or treat it as race preparation-the only rules are that you have to enjoy yourself and remember, “It’s just a hill… get over it!”

For Seattle riders: day-of-ride packet pickup and registration will be held at Pyramid Brewing on 1^st Avenue S., with plenty of street, lot, and garage parking in the area. If your bike is on top of your car, avoid parking garages! Your registration includes one beer ticket at Pyramid Brewing Company as well as ferry fair to and from Seattle if you register there. For Bainbridge riders: day-of-ride packet pickup and registration will be held at B.I. Bicycle Shop in Downtown Winslow.

Once you reach Battle Point Park, take a break for some free food and refreshments (closes at 2 o’clock), but be sure to save room for the chili feast with vegetarian options and hot drinks at the finish line (closes at 3 o’clock) which benefits a different Bainbridge Island nonprofit each year. Along the way, enjoy the islands numerous coastal and forest parks and pockets of neighborhoods including Rolling Bay, Manitou Bay, Fay Bainbridge, Port Madison, Fort Ward, Grand Forest, Strawberry Hill, Lytle Beach, Lynwood Center, and many more! Register for the event at here and dust off your bikes, costumes, and sunglasses because this one’s going to be a bright and sunny event to remember!

Contributed by Christine St. Pierre

The time is now for another year of expressing your love and gratitude toward that special someone. Tempting though it may be to take a romantic ferry ride to Seattle and enjoy the city dizzy with love, cupid has struck many of our local businesses—and the weather—to align your perfect island Valentine’s Day. From flowers, wine, and chocolate to  full-course meals, sit back, relax, and enjoy your loved one in the community you love, too.

After an early morning of heart-shaped pancakes in bed and the welcoming of a beautiful 50 degree and, if the predictions are accurate, sunny day, step out for a Saturday brunch and velvety mocha at our local Pegasus Coffee House. Or, maybe you’d love that big city feel without having to leave the comfort of your sweatpants on a Saturday morning. In that case, you’re in luck: Lynwood Theater will present a live-broadcast of Iolanta/Bluebird’s Castle, a part of the Metropolitan Opera’s Emmy Award-winning series The Met: Live in HD. The screening features Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta and Bartok’s Bluebird’s Castle in a 9:30 AM live, double-broadcast, perfect to enjoy after waking up with the sun on this unseasonably beautiful Valentine’s Day.

While you’re out, allow Changing Seasons Island Florist to deliver floral arrangements right to your door—a bouquet of deep crimson tulips, or pastel spring flowers. After returning home to the beautiful blooms waiting at your doorstep, prepare a picnic and head to one of the island’s many scenic parks. Point White Pier offers rocky beachfront and beautiful southerly views, while Fay Bainbridge, on the opposite corner of the island, has a slightly different view, scoping the coastline from Seattle clear up to Everett. Just before dinner, treat yourselves to Bay Massage and Skincare’s Valentine’s Day package of one hour-long massage and 45 minute mini-facial. Experience pure bliss and leave feeling radiant, relaxed, and ready to wine dine, and maybe even dance a little.

“Music is only a mystery to people who want it explained. Music and love are the same.” To grasp the complexity in music, author Simon Van Booy could only compare it to one thing: love. This Saturday, Bainbridge Island is hosting an array of musical guests to satiate your desire to get close. Beginning at 7:30, the Katie King Jazz Trio will perform romantic jazz standards for you and yours at Bloedel Reserve. The Seattle jazz star had her start on Bainbridge Island and is eager to bring the love home. Tickets include a glass of champagne and dessert! On the south end, catch another musical performance by The Tropics at Pleasant Village’s Manor House. Included in this holiday package is a toast pour of sparkling wine, a “swag bag” of homemade confections, and a six-course tasting menu at The Beach House with stunning sunset views.

If you’d rather focus your taste buds on decadent wine and chocolate pairings, stroll over to Bainbridge Vineyards for tastings paired with locally-made truffles infused with their own raspberry wine. Perennial Vintners and Rolling Bay Winery will also feature chocolates from Theo Chocolate and Yukon Jackson alongside their wine pairings.

Contributed by Christine St. Pierre