Some 2,000 cyclists left the Seattle Center on Sunday for the LiveStrong Challenge ride through Seattle and the eastside cities of Mercer Island, Bellevue, Redmond, Newcastle and Renton.

Together with the runners, the group raised nearly $900,000 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The most money -- $143,963 -- was raised by blogger Elden Nelson's team -- Team Fat Cyclist: Fighting for Susan.

The cyclists faced a grueling day. Although a partial cloud cover promised to keep temperatures lower, there were plenty of climbs the cyclists had to deal with.

Participants were even greeted by The Devil, above, on the first major climb of the day. Later on, the cyclists faced the toughest climb through the Monteaux neighborhood that connected to Lakemont Boulevard on Cougar Mountain ...   more »

Temperatures in the low 60s didn't deter painted bicyclists at Fremont Solstice Parade on Saturday.

Keeping warm under 8 ounces of body paint, the cyclists celebrated the first day of summer along with thousands of onlookers who jammed the parade route in the Seattle neighborhood of Fremont.

Although a few wore a strategically placed loincloth or pasty, most only wore their paint. While some just covered themselves in one color from head-to-toe, others painted themselves in elaborate wardrobes or costumes.

It's a lot of work, and many showed up at Hale's Ale for the painting to begin at 7 a.m. The parade didn't start until noon. ...   more »

Early arrivals for the LiveStrong Challenge bike ride check out the LiveStrong Village at the Seattle Center on Saturday.

Some 2,000 cyclists and runners have raised more than $700,000 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

They'll hit the streets Sunday morning for 5K runs or bike rides of up to 100 miles.

Those bike riders will pass through Seattle, cross the Lake Washington bridges and head into the hills on the Eastside before heading back to the Seattle Center finish line. ...   more »

The 2,000 participants in the inaugural LiveStrong Challenge in Seattle this Sunday might be disappointed to learn that Lance Armstrong won't be appearing at the charity bicycle ride.

Instead, Armstrong announced Tuesday that he and teammates Levi Leipheimer and Chris Horner will be racing at the Nevada City Classic that day.

Responding on his Twitter account to a discouraged fan, Armstrong wrote:

"I hear ya. If it weren't for the TdF then I'd be there. Have to get some racing in prior to the big race. Tough to balance it all." ...   more »

Sometimes when the planets align correctly and all other conditions are just right, we have the perfect storm of recreational bicycle tours. It's a good thing.

Such is the case this weekend.

If you live in Washington state and you can't find a ride this weekend, then you aren't trying very hard.

I count eight organized bicycle rides this weekend from Seattle to Winthrop to Walla Walla. Seven compete for our attention on Saturday, while the LiveStrong Challenge has Sunday all to itself when 2,000 hit the roads in the Seattle and the Eastside.

Here's a rundown (also available on the June Bicycle Ride Calendar at BikingBis):

Saturday

-- Painted Cyclists Solstice Parade: Leave the spandex at home for this ride. Participants in the annual Fremont parade ride au naturel beneath about 8 ounces of paint ...   more »

Bicycle thefts on college campuses can be frequent and commonplace, but I've been surprised this year by some of those held responsible.

First was the case of the University of South Florida dean whose involvement in a bicycle theft at the campus hospital was caught on tape. The dean, who earned $384,000 a year, is shown on tape helping his handyman take the bike.

Now, Washington State University in Pullman has suspended two freshmen football players from team activities after they were arrested in connection with bicycle thefts from a dormitory ...   more »

From early reports, it sounds like the new Hood Canal Bridge is a vast improvement for bicyclists.

The mile-long span was a narrow, traffic congested -- yet unavoidable -- link between the Kitsap and North Olympic peninsulas. The few times I used it, I always had the desire to kiss the ground on reaching the opposite bank.

The replacement floating-bridge, whose installation was completed last Wednesday after about five weeks of work, has 8-foot wide emergency lanes all the way across that bicyclists can use ...   more »

Volunteers ensure the success of the hundreds of the bicycling charity events that take place every year in the U.S., and the LiveStrong Challenge bike ride is no exception.

Checking last night, it looked like the LiveStrong Seattle is in dire need of volunteers, with more than 450 volunteer positions open for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Check volunteer registration page.

The LiveStrong Challenge in Seattle takes place on Sunday, June 21, with a 5K walk/run and bicycle ride options of 10, 45, 70 and 100 miles. It's preceded by LiveStrong Village at the Seattle Center on Saturday and followed by a post-ride party, also at the Seattle Center from 9 to 5 p.m. Sunday ...   more »