Fred Hutch’s Obliteride is Coming to Tacoma

Obliteride riders will cycle through dozens of local communities, including University Place, on Aug. 13 and 14, raising critical funds to help Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center obliterate cancer.

More than 1,400 people are signed up to ride in the largest Obliteride ever. “We’re excited so many people are riding this year and we’re urging people to make posters and come cheer us on as we ride through your neighborhood,” said Amy Lavin, Obliteride’s executive director. “Even better, come ride with us! There’s still time to sign up.”

People interested in riding or cheering on the riders can find maps of the routes on the Obliteride website.

Obliteride has routes for everyone, from rookies to road warriors, ranging from 10 to 165 miles. The 10-mile family ride around Seattle’s Lake Union is an easy pedal that takes about an hour and needs no training. One lane along Westlake and Eastlake avenues will be coned off for the ride, so it’s a good option for the entire family. Funds raised from this route benefit women’s cancer research at Fred Hutch.

Obliteride has raised nearly $7 million in just three years for lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutch; 100 percent of every dollar raised goes to the Hutch. People interested in participating can still sign up to ride, donate or volunteer. Riders have until Sept. 15 to complete their fundraising.

Obliteride is much more than a bike ride. It’s a weekend filled with parties, live entertainment and delicious food. All riders are treated to a kickoff party at Gas Works Park on Friday, Aug. 12, which includes a Tom Douglas salmon dinner. The Friday kickoff party is a private event to thank the riders who are required to raise at least $500 to participate.

To be part of Obliteride this weekend, sign up to ride or volunteer at www.obliteride.org.