It’s that time of the year again when bikers lubricate the chains and tune up the brakes on their bikes in preparation for the Tour de Whidbey, an event that, for 22 years, has been bringing hundreds of pedalers from Whidbey, 23 U.S. states and Canada.
There is still time to join the 448 people that, as of Monday, have registered for the tour that takes place Saturday, Aug. 17, according to the event’s website.
The WhidbeyHealth Foundation’s brand new director, Rainy Simpson, said she is excited for her first Tour de Whidbey, which in a press release she said is “more than just a bike ride.”
The tradition was born in 2002 to promote physical activity as well as to raise funds for surgical and diagnostic equipment, scholarships for medical professionals and other enhancements to the services offered by WhidbeyHealth. This year, the event has raised over $46,000, according to the website.
The bike ride is open to people of all skill levels and ages, with six different scenic routes to choose from. All riders start and finish at Coupeville High School.
The Whidbey POWER is the toughest of them all, traveling 162 miles along the perimeter of the island with an elevation of almost 11,000 feet. This race starts at 5 a.m., and counts ten break stations.
The Century route is 100 miles long with an elevation of over 6,000 feet and seven break stations. Bikers will depart at 8 a.m. and ride through Penn Cove, Oak Harbor, West Beach, Mutiny Bay, Langley, Freeland and Greenbank, finally returning to Coupeville.
With the 66-mile-long Metric Century, which starts at 8:30 a.m., riders can enjoy the views of Admiralty Bay, Smugglers Cove Road, South Whidbey State Park, Greenbank, Freeland and the Langley waterfront. This route includes five break stations to recharge and face the 4,305 feet of elevation.
The Half Century is 50 miles long and has an elevation of 2,695 feet, with three break stations along the way. This ride kicks off at 9 a.m., taking riders on a tour of North and Central Whidbey landscapes including Penn Cove, Oak Harbor, West Beach, the historic Fort Ebey and Fort Casey and downtown Coupeville.
For those who want an adventure without sweating too much might enjoy the Half Metric Century, a 33-mile-long trip with 1,764 feet of elevation. The ride, which starts at 9:30 a.m., includes two break stations and goes though Penn Cove, Oak Harbor, North Whidbey’s farmlands and beaches and finally Ebey’s landing before returning to the high school.
The easiest route, the Family-Friendly, is ideal for families and riders who want to enjoy the scenery without sweating too much or waking up too early. This ride starts at 10 a.m. and takes parents and children on a 10-mile loop with views of Cockett Lake, Admiralty Bay, Fort Casey and Coupeville.
The tour has a cut off time of 6:30 p.m. The deadline to register online is at midnight on Aug. 16, but people can also register in person the day of the event.
Participants are also invited to attend the Tour de Whidbey afterparty, which starts at 11:30 a.m. at Whidbey Tides and Taps, located at 103 South Main Street in Coupeville.
For more information, visit tourdewhidbey.org.
