April’s 19th Annual Tour de Lopez was a new experience for me. I used to be a Backroads bike tour leader, but I’ve never attended a one-day, self-led, non-competitive bike tour, and what better place than Lopez Island? I’ve considered riding the RAGBRAI with my sister across the state of Iowa (“The oldest, largest, and longest recreational bicycling touring event in the world,” the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa is an annual 7-day bike ride in July, going strong for 52 years) but the Tour de Lopez is so appealing because it’s just a one-day event and a hop, skip, and a jump across the Salish Sea from Orcas Island.
Here is a description of it from the organizers:
Tour de Lopez is an annual, non-competitive bicycle ride that showcases the natural beauty and welcoming community of Lopez Island—often called “the Friendly Isle” of Washington’s San Juan archipelago. Whether you’re up for a leisurely coastal cruise or a challenging hill climb, our routes cater to every type of cyclist. With routes ranging from roughly 5 to 31 miles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Routes are open from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, giving you plenty of time to soak in the island’s charm at your own pace. Check-in is available the evening before from 3:00 to 5:00 pm or on the morning of the ride.
More than just a bike ride, Tour de Lopez celebrates community spirit, scenic backroads, and the laid-back island lifestyle. Expect friendly waves from local residents, rest stops with island-inspired snacks, and a chance to connect with fellow cyclists in a relaxed, festive atmosphere.
You can take your pick of 5 different routes, from 3.3 to 31 miles. Here is the route map:
And here are the individual routes:
Our younger son and I decided to do the Endurance Extravaganza. Plus extra mileage tacked on the beginning and end riding to and from the race start and end from the ferry landing, which gave us a beautiful 36-mile day on those rolling country roads past bucolic farm scenes and stunning ocean vistas.
Come along and see the sights we saw…
Mark your calendar now for next year!
Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience at this year’s Tour de Lopez! We are so happy to see our event through your eyes and hope to see you next year!