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

v1: 2009: Risk = reward

Willy Nilly
February 22, 2009

A common northwest outdoor activity maxim: "If you don't go, you won't know!"

A handful of moderately inspired Willy Nilly riders decided to heed this maxim for 2009 and it paid off with ideal February riding conditions. The slightly damp Vashon scenery was mostly green from what I can remember, the hills were aplenty (particularly in relation to most of our fitness levels this time of year), and some decided to extend the ride into some funky side-routes. Add to this an easy ferry experience, no registration fees, no "herds" of riders to contend with, and a quick duck into the aptly chosen Red Bicycle in the village for some malty liquid carbs and french fries to fortify us before the final leg...already Jonesing for next year...

A special thanks to Manny who, while unable to ride due to a residual headcold, was awaiting us at our finish line (Beverage Place Pub) with a pitcher of his namesake brew.

Also, honorable mention is due PW, who showed up at the Beverage on time but fell victim to chaotic communications.

True to the spirit of Willy Nilly, we benefited from the few surprises that spiced up our day.