Lopez Island Spin (Moderate)

Come cycle the friendly island! A few years ago, Bicycling Magazine called Lopez the best ride in Washington. The landscape blends woods with rolling farmlands and open spaces with shimmering vistas. This ride has it all - beautiful views, beaches, deer, sea lions, and maybe the occasional orca.  

Let's meet at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal in the bike lane at 9:00 AM to board the 9:25 AM ferry to Lopez Island. Be there, ready to go at the time listed above. Once on Lopez Island, we will start with a required safety briefing at the passenger drop off turnout just off the dock, wait for the cars to unload, and roll out when that's done.  All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

Route: This will be a clockwise tour around Lopez Island down to Agate Beach state park with a couple of stubs to interesting locations such as Iceberg Point, Shark Reef, and the Island Marble Butterfly Habitat where we will be stopping for photos. 

While Lopez Island is the least hilly of the San Juan islands, there is still a notable amount of climbing. Please be prepared. Also, while Lopez is a slower island there is still vehicle traffic, particularly along Center Road, so stay alert.

Pace:  The pace is Moderate at 14 to 16 mph. We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, but we will regroup frequently, usually after a long climb. 

Food and Water: You are encouraged to bring your own snacks/lunch and plenty of water as options are limited until we get to Lopez Village.  That being said, our first optional stop will be at the Islandale Convenience Store at mile 12 where they should have food for purchase. We will also stop for coffee/snacks at Lopez Grind in Lopez Village at mile 31. 

Restrooms: Restrooms are available at the start. We will stop along the way for restrooms and water at mile 16 at Agate Beach Park.  There is also a convenience store (the Islandale) at miles 12 & 18 with restrooms and snacks, if needed. 

Ferry:  Ferry fare for an adult w/ bicycle is $20.50 / $12.25 senior w/ bicycle. You only pay one-way from Anacortes to Lopez. There is car parking available at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal for a $13 day rate, however you may need to park in the upper lot and ride down if lower lots are full which can take more time. Plan on arriving at least 30 minutes early to park, purchase your ticket, and get into the bike lane. 

If we don't dawdle, we should be able to return on the 2:40 PM ferry to Anacortes, but at the latest, we should be able to catch the 4:25 PM passenger ferry.

Carpooling:  If you want to carpool, the Ash Way Park & Ride (16327 Ash Way) in Lynnwood and the Mariner Park & Ride (13102 4th Ave W) in Everett and  are two options to consider.

Mechanical:  Be prepared to handle mechanical issues if you have a problem e.g. flat tire.  Bring a spare tube, tools, patch kit, pump and skills to fix flats and have a mobile phone and a plan for rescue in case your bike fails. Other things to bring: phone; ID; cash and/or credit card; water and a small snack. Please have full fenders if the roads are wet, or you may be asked to ride at the rear of the group.

Weather cancellation:  If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed in the Weather Status or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will cancel the ride and all registered riders will be sent a notification email. If the ride is canceled at least two hours before the start, Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride.

We hope you can join us!