Washington State Parks recently finished work to replace two bridges along the Willapa Hills Trail, connecting the trail from Chehalis to Pe Ell for the first time in nearly nine years. 

This summer, cyclists and families will have a chance to explore the trail between Chehalis and Pe Ell in the Willapa Hills Fat Tire Ride & Festival.

“This is not a race. We’re more targeted toward families or potentially individuals who want to see the countryside … and get to explore the farms along the way,” said volunteer marketing specialist Holli Schoonover.

Early registration costs $30 for individuals or $80 for a family of five, with each additional family member costing $10. Meal tickets cost $10 per person. Early registration ends May 15.

The ride’s route starts and ends at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis and includes a 50-mile round trip between Chehalis and Pe Ell. Organizers are working with farmers and businesses along the way to provide healthy refreshments for cyclists and to promote agritourism, Schoonover said. 

For more information, go to www.lewiscountytrails.org or search for the Willapa Hills Trail Fat Tire Ride & Festival on Facebook.  

**This information comes from The Chronicle: More details: http://www.chronline.com/organizers-prepare-for-willapa-hills-fat-tire-ride-festival/article_1bd4566a-b0fd-11e5-acc3-a345b3635f7e.html