Long Beach Tour Lite

Event Description

Join us for this coastal trip on and around this unique peninsula, as we cling to seasides, bays, and rivers.

The beach isn’t the only long thing in southwestern Washington. So are the summer days, the stretches of roadway to the next junction, the staircase up the lighthouse, the histories of the landmarks, that bridge to Oregon (we won’t be riding that this time), the vistas across the waters, the list of craft brews at the pub, the burn from the local hot sauce, and the locals’ shaggy dog tales (and the tails on those shaggy dogs). Once in town, find Culbertson Park at the corner of 2nd St S and Washington Ave S, the start and finish for each day.  

If you're looking for a week-long riding experience à la RAW, this tour lite can be paired with the Grays Harbor Tour Lite.

This event is a fundraiser for Cascade Bicycle Club's programming in advocacy, education, and community rides, such as the Major Taylor Project, Let's Go, Your Streets Your Say, and Pedaling Relief Project.

Registration

Registration opens: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific.

Registration closes: Sunday, July 23, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

Register in advance online. Registration is not available the day of the event.

You'll get a free Cascade Tours jersey when you register for three or more Cascade tour lites by April 1, 2023! Jerseys will also be available for purchase.

Route

Event Schedule

Thursday	Opens	Closes
Rider Check-In	8 a.m.	8:30 a.m.
Course Support	8:30 a.m.	3 p.m.
Friday
Rider Check-In	8 a.m.	8:30 a.m.
Course Support	8:30 a.m.	3 p.m.
Saturday
Rider Check-In	8 a.m.	8:30 a.m.
Course Support	8:30 a.m.	3 p.m.

Thursday | Columbia River - Willapa Bay

Day 1 takes off on a breathtakingly scenic 47-mile loop south through Ilwaco to follow the mighty Columbia River eastward until the road bends north toward Naselle. The route picks up the southeastern tail of Willapa Bay and traces its shore through the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge back to Long Beach.  

Friday | Willapa Bay - South Bend

Day 2 can total nearly 90 miles from Long Beach all the way up along Willapa Bay to South Bend and back. If riders would like a shorter day, there are various turn-back points, and the Bay Center lunch stop at mile 35 would make it just a 70-mile day.

Saturday | Long Beach Peninsula

For a much easier last Day 3 riders will loop to the North up the Long Beach Peninsula, along the other side of Willapa Bay. Once at Leadbetter Point State Park, the route turns back South to ride along the Pacific Ocean, reaching Long Beach at mile 44. For those who would like to explore more territory, completing the full 55-mile loop, they can continue South through Cape Disappointment State Park.

Inclusion

Everyone is welcome at Cascade events. We are committed to celebrating and promoting diversity in the bicycling community. We aim to provide safe spaces at start lines, finish lines, and official rest stops. Read our commitment to anti-racism and our participant code of conduct and grievance policy.

We would like to acknowledge that our rides take place on native land. Our offices are located on the traditional land of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present.

Food & Breaks

Light snacks will be available at the morning check-in.

Lunch is provided and includes fresh fruit, sandwiches (gluten free and vegan options), chips, and other snacks and drinks.

Additional water and snack stations will be posted as needed.

Where to Stay

Preferred Partners

When you register for this tour lite, we'll send you instructions on how to redeem discounts for the following hotels.

• Chautauqua Lodge & Resort, 304 14th St NW,  Long Beach  WA  98631
• The Fireside Inn, 1401 Pacific Ave N,  Long Beach  WA  98631  
• The Breakers, 210 26th St NW,  Long Beach  WA  98631
• Oceanview Inn at The Arch, 208 Bolstad W., Long Beach  WA 98631
• Adrift Hotel, 409 Sid Snyder Dr, Long Beach, WA  98631
• Shelburne Hotel & Pub, 4415 Pacific Way, Seaview, WA 98644

 

Support During the Ride

This ride is supported by Cascade staff and volunteers.

Support and gear (SAG) vehicles are present on the route and dispatched when you call the ride support hotline. SAG vehicles can transport you and most models of bikes in the event of a mechanical or minor medical event. You should always call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.

Weather

August weather can bring many things: rain, extreme heat, and lots of sun. Winds along the coast can be excessive. Morning temperatures may vary drastically from midday temperatures. Wear or bring layers to have available on your bike with you.

Get your bike tuned up and in shape to ride on gravel and roads. Bring front and rear lights, backup batteries, install fenders, service your brakes, and clean your chain.

E-Bikes

E-bikes classes 1 and 2 are permitted on this ride, which uses recreational trails.

Training

The Cascade Training Series is a twelve-week ride series designed to prepare you for long-distance and multi-day rides. Riders of all paces will not only build their strength and endurance, but also their confidence.

To help you prepare for this ride, you can also check out our extensive schedule of Free Group Rides in the Puget Sound area. Find rides that fit your schedule and desired pace and distance.