BP’s MRC Works the Chilly Hilly

Sunday, February 25, was the perfect day for the annual Chilly Hilly bike ride on Bainbridge: There were the usual hills and it was bone-chilling cold. Eight members of the Bainbridge Prepares Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) skipped the hills but braved the chills for 2.5-hour shifts to provide first aid to the riders. The team included Woofers (Wilderness First Responders), physicians, and RNs.

The MRC set up its tent at Battle Point Park, the midpoint of the ride, where the event host, Cascade Bicycle Club, was handing out water and snacks and where the sponsor, REI, was offering on-the-fly bike repair. A few of the tents tried to blow away during the 30 mph gusts several times during the event.

Happily, the first aid team saw only mild injuries, mostly cuts and scrapes and bruises.

This was the 52nd annual Chilly Hilly. The 2,500-or-so riders covered some 33 miles from start to finish.