Former Seahawks Tight End Luke Willson to Ride Stinky Spoke 2022

Rotary Club of Redmond has announced that former Seahawks Tight End and avid cyclist Luke Willson, will ride Stinky Spoke on Saturday, January 29, 2022, with cyclists Tim Quinn and Derek Wilkerson. Willson will also be available to hand out prizes for the best poker hands of the day following the ride.

The ride will begin at Willows Run Golf Complex in Redmond at 10 a.m. Stinky Spoke earned its name because historically it’s been held on the “stinkiest” weather day of the year. For more information go to: RedmondRotary.org. Registration is available at: https://endurancecui.active.com/new/events/79553032/select-race?_p=16570642970281635

After the start of the ride, cyclists will ascend Heart Attack Hill, wind through the Tolt Pipeline Trail, through Trilogy and Farrell McWhirter Park before heading back to Willows Run on the Sammamish River Trail.

Riders along the way will pick up poker cards at each of the SAG stops to form the best poker hands that will earn prizes. In addition, there are other fun traditions at SAG stops, such as medals for those who ride all the way up Heart Attack Hill and hot potatoes with Siracha at the Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center stop in Farrel McWhirter park.

In accord with Rotary’s service mission, funds earned from the ride will be used to support local, regional, and international charities. When they register, participants can choose to fundraise for the Redmond Rotary Foundation, Hopelink, Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, Afghanistan resettlement projects, and Rotary water projects in Africa.

Redmond Rotary is no stranger to organizing bike rides—not surprising since Redmond is often called the Bicycle Capital of the Northwest. Redmond has also been recognized as a Silver City by the American League of Bicycle Friendly Cities. Redmond has 59 miles of public trails and 36 miles of roadway with bike lanes on both sides. Redmond Rotary organized the RedSpoke ride for over 30 years. RedSpoke was a summer ride that started in Redmond and finished in Spokane. It ended in 2018 due to declining numbers of riders. At the same time, Stinky Spoke’s original organizers were looking for a new host and it was a natural for Redmond Rotary. The last in-person Stinky Spoke ride was held in early 2020 before the pandemic took its toll, though a virtual ride was held on the Stinky Spoke trail last summer.

“Our Rotary club is very excited about hosting an in-person ride once again,” said Redmond Rotary President, Deana Hale. “This is our organization’s premier fundraising event for the year. The more funds we can raise, the more we can support our partner organizations, including: Hopelink, the Together Center, Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, 200 Orphanages, and Rotary’s international water projects in Africa. All of these organizations need our help now more than ever.”

Corporate sponsors are welcome to be part of the fun and exciting day. For more information contact Hans Gundersen at (206) 355-4503.

Redmond Rotary typically meets weekly on Thursday from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at the Family Pancake House at 17621 Redmond Way. Redmond, WA 98052, but is currently meeting virtually.