Lopez Island Spring 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 with your ferry ticket in hand at 9:30 AM to board the 10:05 AM ferry to Lopez Island. 

You must be on the 10:05 AM ferry to make this ride. There are no other ferries to Lopez until the afternoon. Plan on arriving 30-60 minutes early to park, purchase your ticket, and get into the bike lane. WSDOT recommends being in line to purchase your ferry ticket at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

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 few stubs to interesting locations such as Sperry Road, 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, slower on the climbs and faster on the descents. We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, but we will regroup as needed, usually after a long climb or where the route takes a turn.  

Food and Water: Bring your own snacks/lunch and plenty of water as options are limited between the Islandale Convenience store at mile 12 and the  Lopez Island Market at mile 35.  

Restrooms: Restrooms are available at the start. We will stop along the way for restrooms and water at mile 20 at Agate Beach Park.  The Islandale convenience store at miles 12 & 22 also has restrooms, if needed. 

Ferry:  Ferry fare for an adult w/ bicycle is $19.50 / $11.75 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.  

If we don't dawdle, we should be able to return on the 3:05 PM ferry to Anacortes.  The next ferry doesn't leave until 4:20 PM.

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 are two options to consider.

Mechanical:  While there is a bike shop (Village Cycle open 10-5) on the island, be prepared to handle mechanical issues if you have a problem (e.g. flat tire) because the shop is located near the end of our route.  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!