Rising Star Guild, an Eastside-based women’s group that raises funds for Eastside Domestic Violence Program (EDVP), and Lakemont Ladies’ Cycling Club will hots the 3rd annual Cycle the WAVE Women Against Violence Everywhere (WAVE), an all women’s cycling experience on September 19.

The ride will pass through Bellevue, Issaquah, South King County, Maple Valley, Renton and Newcastle. Proceeds benefit Eastside Domestic Violence Prevention, a non-profit dedicated to helping women and children who have experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse. A total of 1,200 women cyclists are expected to participate.

“Domestic violence is often thought of as a problem that doesn’t affect those we love the most, but the work that EDVP is doing right here in our community shows that abuse can touch anyone, anywhere,” said ride director, Sharon Anderson. “We’ve organized this event in an effort to bring women in our community together and to convey that we won’t stand for violence, not here or anywhere.”

The route weaves intentionally through Bellevue and Issaquah as a reminder that in 2008 EDVP served more than 2,000 women and children in these two cities alone.

“For every one person sheltered, EDVP is forced to turn 18 away,” says Barbara Langdon, EDVP’s Executive Director. “EDVP is blessed to have these groups of women rallying the community to say no to abuse.”

Participants can expect special touches with well-stocked rest stops, a post-ride reception, some much deserved pampering and lots of girly surprises.

Riders can choose between the 25-mile Girly Girl route, the 40-mile Middle Sister route or the challenging metric-century – 62-mile Burly Girl route. 
Registration opens and 6:30 a.m. Burly Girls depart at 7 a.m., Middle Sisters at 8 a.m. and Girly Girls at 9 a.m.

The Rider Reception following the event will be from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cyclists start and end at Tibbetts Valley Park in Issaquah.

More information is available online.