7 Hills of Kirkland: Ride to Help Homeless Spins Through Town Monday

The 7 Hills of Kirkland, the big bicycle ride in town that spins off serious donations to help put homeless and at-risk families on the Eastside back in the saddle, will start and finish at downtown on Sunday.

Sponsored by and supported by the all-volunteer Kirkland Kiwanis, the annual event generates funding for KITH, the Kirkland Interfaith Transitions in Housing.

“It is our biggest fundraiser and it’s of huge importance to us,” said Christine Rose, development director of KITH, Kirkland’s grassroots agency serving the homeless. “The money goes to support our properties and case-management services that are really life-changing for our residents.”

KITH owns two townhouse complexes in Kirkland that serve as residences for homeless and at-risk families, serves a weekly supper at every Tuesday and provides a variety of services for people who need help on the Eastside.

Also supporting KITH this Memorial Day Weekend is the third annual Kirkland Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at on Saturday, starting at 7 a.m. It’s $7 for all you can eat, and every penny earned goes to KITH. Take a look at last year’s Pancake Breakfast .

The 7 Hills Ride starts at 7 a.m. and is limited to 1,500 riders, most of whom raise donations from friends and family for KITH, and Rose said there is plenty of space left. Last year’s ride netted $73,000 for the non-profit service agency, and KITH is hoping to beat that substantially this year.

Riders choose from three routes: the traditional 7 Hills Route (approximately 40 miles), the popular Metric Century Route (about 60 miles), or the challenging Century Route (100 miles). The traditional route climbs those seven hills, which are Market, Juanita, Seminary, Norway, Kingsgate, Winery and Rose.

Rose said State Rep. Ross Hunter of Medina is signed up to ride, as well as King County Councilmember Jane Hague of Bellevue. In addition, EvergreenHealth CEO Bob Malte will lead a team of 10 riders.

A variety of vendors will be on hand at Marina Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., along with friends and family greeting finishing riders.

KITH is still seeking volunteers for a variety of roles, including food preparation and service, registration and set-up. If you can help, please call 425-576-9531, ext. 104.

The City of Kirkland is advising motorists to use caution during the ride, which will have impacts on traffic from about 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. And KITH is urging cyclists to ride safely and follow the rules of the road as well.

Riders will be present on the following roadways throughout the day: Market Street, Juanita Drive, Holmes Point Drive NE, NE 145th Street, Juanita-Woodinville Way NE, 108th Avenue NE, NE 132nd Street, NE 144th Street, 124th Avenue NE, 119th Avenue NE, 132nd Avenue NE, NE 60th Street, 116th Avenue NE, Lake Washington Boulevard NE, Lake Street South, Kirkland Avenue, and Lakeshore Plaza Drive.

Rider are encouraged to pre-register, but may sign up on the morning of the ride. See the 7 Hills of Kirkland website for more information.