Lucky for you there are still 10 weeks to train! Park to Park is a debut cycling event for Vashon Island coming July 31, with a choice of 24 and 33-mile routes for enthusiasts of all ages. Sustainable Tourism on Vashon is the “tour de force” and all proceeds ($12-25 fee, depending on age and timeliness in registration) go back to this 501(C)3.

This all-day affair lets you jump in at either the North End or Paradise Ridge Park, and is self-paced with two suggested routes. If you deviate, there’s no cycling police, folks! The main purpose of the event is to get people to recreate on Vashon in a sustainable way.

For all the spandex-clad, uber game-faced cyclists that hit Vashon’s windy roads each weekend, this event welcomes off-island groups as readily as banana seat-straddling pedalers. Learn all the details at http://www.parktopark.org. And have fun!

The Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness has Islanders once again flinging open the doors to their chicken coops for a good cause on Mother’s Day. If you have ever thought about keeping chickens, or currently keep ‘em but want to get some shelter ideas, this is the day for you. It’s entertaining, makes a great excuse to get out and tour the island, and make a day of it.

Attached is a new coop from David Skrzypek (Birds & Bees) using the homeowner’s reclaimed materials. Most of them came from a remodel years ago of Pioneer Square’s beloved Merchants Cafe. The pieces find new life in Merchants Henhouse! (click) Merchants Henhouse – Vashon

Hope you can make the tour. More on tickets soon here.