Inaugural Obliteride invites the community to a free festival with live music

The first-ever Obliteride is more than a bike ride, it is a community celebration and gathering around the ultimate goal: ending cancer. So, grab your family and walk, pedal or take the bus to Seattle’s Magnuson Park on August 10 and 11 and join the festivities. 

“Cancer affects all of us and we want the entire community to feel welcome to come on out to Magnuson Park and cheer on all the riders who have raised money for cancer research at Fred Hutch,” said Amy Lavin, Obliteride’s executive director. “We’re lucky to have such an amazing institution right in our backyard.”

A finish-line festival with a full lineup of entertainment, including family-friendly bands, is planned for Obliteride weekend. The Nowhere Men, playing music of The Beatles, 80s Invasion, and Kalimba, an Earth, Wind and Fire cover band, are just a few of the groups that will contribute to the celebration.

Saturday, the Radio Disney Kid’s Zone will keep the little ones entertained. Sunday, the Not-Its!, a popular adult-savvy children’s group playing cool kids’ music, takes the stage. Children will also enjoy an 18-foot slide, a hydro blaster, bouncy house, bike-related crafts, a prize wheel and more. Guests can purchase food and beer at the park, with cash and proper photo ID. Parking is limited at Magnuson Park,

People interested in riding in Obliteride still have time to register. “Nearly anyone can do the 25-mile route,” Lavin said. “There are a few hills but nothing too intimidating, so dust off your bike or borrow a friend’s and join us!” 

For more accomplished riders, there are 50, 100, and 180 mile routes. Maps

Community members are invited to get involved by lining the routes - three of which run through a large section of Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and perhaps a few Shoreline streets - and cheering on riders as they come through neighborhoods throughout western Washington. Bring signs honoring loved ones or friends who have battled cancer or are in the fight today.

Riders will leave Magnuson Park at 7:30am and most will return between 10am and 2pm on Saturday. The 180-mile riders finish on Sunday after spending the night at University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. Maps of the four routes make it easy to support the riders.

Register to ride or volunteer. 

About Obliteride

Driven by the goal to end cancer, Obliteride is a new, community-wide effort to accelerate lifesaving cancer research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. We are creating a movement of people committed to obliterating cancer and saving lives faster. It culminates in a fundraising bike ride Aug. 9-11, 2013 that will be quintessentially Northwest. Thanks to anchor sponsors, University Village and The Sloan Foundation, and other inaugural sponsors, 100 percent of every dollar raised goes directly to breakthrough cancer research at Fred Hutch. Join us. Ride. Donate. Volunteer. Tell others. Ending cancer starts at Fred Hutch.