Cycle the Wave and Make a Difference
11. Jun, 2010 
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“This is the first time I’ve felt safe. Eastside Domestic Violence Program saved our lives.” Survivor
Domestic violence touches the lives of all of us; perhaps you have never had to deal with it, but since one out of four women experience it, it is likely you know someone who has. Think about the women you know, surely you know more than one who was a domestic violence victim. When things get so bad that a woman feels like she has no other choice but to seek a shelter, it is heartbreaking to not be able to help her. Sadly, for every one accepted at shelters, 13 are turned away. With a need like that in their local community, women from a local cycling club in Bellevue, Washington banded together to help. Thus was born another women’s ride with a conscience: Cycle the Wave (Against Domestic Violence.)
Cycle the Wave, now in its third year, is a well-organized, fun all-women’s ride that donates 100% of its proceeds to the Eastside Domestic Violence Program; (In their first two years they raised over $76,000!) Cycle the Wave takes its riders through cities and towns located east of Seattle: Bellevue, Issaquah, Maple Valley, Renton & Newcastle. Three different length rides are offered: a 25 mile Girly Girl ride, a 40 mile Middle Sister ride and the Burly Girl 62 mile ride.
- The local firemen give their support by handing out an approprate treat: hot tamale candy
Surprises Along the Way
Cycle the Wave, founded by passionate women with a desire to make a difference, provides a fun, nurturing, and uplifting experience from start to finish. I truly can’t think of another ride that goes to the trouble to decorate the port-a-potties with inspiring posters and flowers! The course winds along the shores of beautiful Lake Sammamish and because of the typical terrain on the west side of the Cascade Mountains, it is a bit hilly in spots. Just when they need it, riders receive a little special encouragement: local high school cheerleaders will be there, giving special cheers they have made up just for the occasion; cyclists will also find a drumming group is located at another spot and firemen will be on course to hand out their form of candy encouragement: hot tamales to all the cyclists. Enthusiastic volunteers will be at the rest stops along the way as well.
- Cyclists can cycle to the beat of drummers who are tucked into a tunnel at the top of a hill along the route.
Every cyclist will be given reusable bags full of goodies from the sponsors, chocolate truffles and offered massages at the finish line and a fabulous lunch (last year riders feasted on burritos, fresh tamales, fruit and more!) The celebration includes a raffle drawing, a tribute to domestic violence survivors and more. Sharon Anderson, the ride organizer, has said that the 2010 Cycle the Wave will be even bigger and better than last year! Riders can have a wonderful time and make a difference for a great cause!
The clothesline exhibit was created especially by Cycle the WAVE as a tribute to the courage of those who took action against domestic violence, and sought the services of Eastside Domestic Violence Program. Each voice is a testimony to the difference EDVP has made individually and collectively for more than 100,000 victims and their families since 1982.
Cycle the Wave is starting it all off with a big kick-off party at Maggiano’s Little Italy near Bellevue Square on July 15th.
With support from cheerleaders like these, cyclists will easily conquer a hill or two in the Cycle the Wave ride!
This is one of the best charity rides in Western Washington. Great cause, fantastic support leading up to & during the ride. All routes present the right level of challenge: from those on their first organized ride to those who are strong veterans. And the little touches make it special.
What a great ride!!!
I’ve thought about this event for 2 years. Oh so wanting to do the ride as riders go past my driveway. This year I am signed up to help the cause!