A ride for Oso: Local cyclists help community rebuild one year after deadly landslide

OSO, Wash. -- It's been almost one year since the a landslide killed 43 people in Snohomish County. All these months later, the community continues rebuilding and healing.

Rain didn't deflate spirits on Sunday as more than 300 people turned out for the annual McClinchy Bike Ride, but this year is different.

"We changed our route to go through the Oso landslide zone and support the community of Oso and Darrington," said organizer Kristin Kinnamon.

The ride takes cyclists along SR 530, a lifeline destroyed on March 22, 2014 when a wall of mud came pouring down in Oso cutting off the communities of Arlington and Darrington.

Riders understand the significance of the journey.

"Being so close by and knowing people in Arlington, it was shocking last year, and to be down here all the time," said rider Jennifer Longstaff.

Some of the money raised from the ride will help build the Whitehorse Bike Trail connecting the communities impacted by the slide.

Other funds will help promote tourism in an area still trying to bring people back.

"I'm riding with my parents and some of my friends," said rider Natasha Lozano.

Lozano remembers what the landscape looked like a year ago. She was a first responder providing support to crews going out into the mud.

"A lot of memories come back to you about serving and seeing that tragedy happen, and the camaraderie that is definitely being shown today," she said.

Lozano says there is no place she'd rather be -- proof that the road to recovery is not easy. But if done together, sharing that road is less of a battle.

Organizers say they hope more people travel to Snohomish County with their bikes or to go hiking, to spend their money and help theses communities with that rebuilding process.

For more information on trails and activities, click here.