SEATTLE — The first Obliteride to roll through the Kitsap Peninsula has a big goal — to save lives faster and ultimately end cancer.
Riders raising money to help Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center will pedal across the Kitsap Peninsula on Aug. 9.
Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help give riders a fantastic experience.
“Being part of Obliteride is fun,” said Amy Lavin, Obliteride’s executive director. “People can volunteer as a group or individually and they will feel great about helping this amazing cancer research center that we are fortunate to have so close to home.”
Obliteride weekend includes four routes so people at all fitness levels can participate. The 150-mile riders will pedal out of Seattle on Aug. 9. Riders will catch the ferry to Bainbridge Island and ride through Poulsbo, Port Orchard and Gig Harbor to Tacoma, where they will spend the night before riding back to Seattle on the east side of Puget Sound.
Obliteride also has 25-, 50- and 100-mile rides that leave Seattle’s Magnuson Park on Aug. 10. People can still register to ride.
Obliteride is not just a bike ride, it’s an entire weekend of concerts, food and celebration. Michael Franti and Spearhead will perform at a kickoff celebration at Gas Works Park on Aug. 8. Famed Seattle chef Tom Douglas is catering a delectable salmon dinner for the event.
In Tacoma, riders will hear a live concert with Abby K and the Paperboys and all riders will celebrate at the finish line on Aug. 10, with a concert lineup of the three local contestants from the television show, The Voice.
The inaugural Obliteride raised nearly $2 million for cancer research at Fred Hutchinson and organizers hope to double that this year. One hundred percent of every dollar supports research at Fred Hutchinson to help end cancer.
Volunteers are vital to a successful ride. Positions needed on the peninsula include:
• Rest Stops – Volunteers at two rest stops near Port Orchard will help hand out food and drinks to riders. Eight people are needed at each stop and shifts are between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Course Marshals – Marshals help monitor intersections and help ensure riders are following the rules of the road. Shifts range from 4-10 hours.
Persons interested in volunteering, can contact volunteers@obliteride.org or 206- 667-1337.
