The roadsides were crowded on September 20, as 604 women participated in Cycle the WAVE 2009, a community bicycle event benefiting Eastside Domestic Violence Programs.

“The event was a huge success this year and we couldn’t be happier with the results,” said Sharon Anderson, the Cycle the WAVE Ride Coordinator.

In its second year, Cycle the WAVE (Women Against Violence Everywhere) raised more than $50,000, doubling the amount raised in its inaugural year.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the ride will benefit EDVP, a non-profit organization helping women and children who have experienced physical, emotional or sexual abuse. The organization has served more than 96,000 such victims by raising community awareness, education and money.

Cycle the WAVE was launched in 2008 as a way to support EDVP’s efforts. A group of women bicyclists created the Rising Star Guild in 2002 as a way to give back to the community and later partnered with the Lakemont Ladies Cycling Club to produce Cycle the WAVE.

Riders traveled the streets of Bellevue, Issaquah, Renton, Maple Valley and Newcastle. Each rider had the option to ride either the 25-mile Girly Girl route, the 40-mile Middle Sister route, or the 62-mile Burley Girl route.

A group of Sammamish High School and Issaquah High School cheerleaders volunteered their time on Sunday, cheering the riders on.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.

Check out all the photos at www.cyclethewave.com.