Why Signing Up for Cycle Chelan Is Your Best Summer Plan Yet
Let’s be honest, winter has us dreaming a little. Fewer daylight hours, heavier layers, and that itch to plan something fun for when the sun sticks around longer. If you’ve caught yourself thinking, “I should totally do something awesome this summer,” this is it. Cycle Chelan gives you something to look forward to: open roads, lake views, beautiful vineyards, a lake crossing, and a whole community rolling together. It’s not just a bike ride, it’s the kind of summer day you’ll be glad you planned ahead for! So gear up for June 20th, 2026, it’ll be here before you know it.
It’s About the Ride, But Also About the Feels
Sure, winter riding has its place, but Cycle Chelan is pure summer energy. Long stretches of road, warm air, and views that remind you why you love biking in the first place. Whether you’re cruising with a grin or grinding up a hill, there’s a route that fits your vibe.
The Cycle di Vino is a relaxed 30-mile ride along the lake with scenic winery stops. Perfect for beginner to intermediate riders or anyone already counting down to sunny afternoons. E-bikes are welcome, too, so you can focus on enjoying the ride without worrying about every climb.
TIP: Take advantage of the Wine Taxi that carries your wine purchases back to the Cycle Chelan home base!
If summer goals include a little more sweat and a little more bragging rights, the Lake Loop, the Metric Century and the whopping 100-mile Signature Challenge 100 bring the distance, the elevation, and the views that make training through winter totally worth it.
Tips from Insiders
Signing up now gives you something to aim for and a reason to keep pedaling through the colder months. A few friendly tips from riders who look forward to this event every year:
- Think of training as future-you prep. Every winter ride, spin class, or trainer session is just setting you up for a better summer day on the bike.
- Pace yourself like it’s a celebration, not a race. Cycle Chelan is about enjoying the ride. Take in the orchards, vineyards, and lake views. You’ve earned it.
- Treat the climbs like mini victory laps. Even the challenging bits are really just opportunities to look up, breathe, and then enjoy the reward at the top.
TIP: A great playlist helps. - Make it a weekend escape. Winter is the perfect time to look ahead and plan a Chelan stay. Reservations book fast, so increase your options by booking now and planning the ultimate Lake Chelan itinerary!
- Snacks always win. Pack a few favorites and thank yourself later, especially on the longer routes.
TIP: Load up on our provided snacks at Cycle Chelan home base.
Wine Stops That Feel Like Cheers From New Friends
For anyone choosing Cycle di Vino, summer doesn’t get much better than this. Participating wineries along the route hand out poker chips. Buy a glass or better yet, a bottle, and earn extra chips for prize drawings at the end! And thanks to the complimentary Wine Valet, your bottles get a safe ride back to the celebration in the park while you keep pedaling worry-free.
It’s relaxed, social, and very “this is why we waited all winter for summer.”
You Don’t Have to Be Super Fit, Just Willing to Have Fun
One of the best parts of Cycle Chelan is how approachable it is. E-bikes are welcome on most routes and riders of all levels show up. Some chasing miles, some chasing views, and some just happy to be outside in short sleeves again.
Everyone rides at their own pace, and the encouragement along the way makes it feel more like a rolling community than a competition.
Let’s Be Real… This Is the Plan You’ll Be Glad You Made
Every year, riders talk about how the scenery, the people, and that sense of accomplishment stick with them. There’s something refreshing about a day spent outside with good company and good energy, and at Cycle Chelan, you get all that plus the quiet satisfaction of signing up for something that feels a little adventurous, a little social, and totally worth it. And, knowing all monies raised support local student scholarships and community-building activities adds great meaning to the day.
So go ahead, choose your route, and start imagining the breeze, the views, and that finish-line celebration. Summer will be here before you know it, and you’ll be really glad you planned this one!
