What and when?

Next Willy Nilly: v18 - Sunday, February 22, 2026

The Willy Nilly is a free-form version of an annual season-opening bicycling spin that happens on beautifully weird Vashon Island.


Willy Nilly Basics

> Registration/fees: None (for the record: this is not a ride that is "organized" for, or by, anyone...)
> "Ride your ride": Willy Nilly riders choose their ride details...start time, route, distance, pace...lycra, wool, or denim...maybe some road, gravel, or single track (there are trails on Vashon)...
> Number of riders: People frequently ask about this...basically the numbers are unknown, as riders start/finish in different locations, at different times...and ride different routes...plus weather factors year over year, etc...we've estimated hundreds some years, and dozens other years...
> One of many Vashon routes (a "standard"): map

Scroll down to view hastily-scribed blurb posts about past Willy Nillys...

Click here to sign up for Willy Nilly ride news (Willy Nilly season-opening, Sunride summer solstice, Ogriteride gravel celebration of/thanks to Fred Hutch)

Willy Nilly Gear

> Willy Nilly t-shirts ($0 profit): view/purchase

Willy Nilly History

> In January 2009, a handful of cycling friends were discussing options for a wintery road bike ride to kick off a new season. None of us were game for the iconic Chilly Hilly on Bainbridge Island. While the Chilly Hilly (CBC) does an amazing job of inspiring thousands of riders to register and ride the designated route, a structured ride of this ilk just wasn't our particular cup of tea (loose analogy: we feel more aligned with backpackers vs cruise ship passengers). To each their own, right? We decided to ride a more personalized and free-form ride on the same day as the Chilly Hilly, in solidarity with the herd to the north of us. Thus the present-day Willy Nilly was born.


Click here to sign up for reminders about upcoming Willy Nilly rides

v17 All Hands On Deck (and in gloves)

Willy Nilly
February 23, 2025

Despite a dire weather forecast, those who took the risk and headed out found that Willy Nilly morning offered quintessentially beautiful Vashon scenery, with just a hint of dampness...chilly enough to require some finger-warming (along with warming coffee and pastries at Burton Coffee Stand).

As referenced in Willy Nilly blog blurb v1 (2009), "if you don't go, you won't know" is a handy year-round maxim about weather factors when planning Pacfic Northwest outdoor activities.

Special nod to the addition of the riders of the "Tasty Little Ride Series", riding their own ride in the spirit of Willy Nilly.