By Scott Rasmussen he San Juan Islands have been a mecca for bicyclists of all levels and skill since the day they were first “discovered,” some 40 years ago. A trademark of all four ferry-served islands are their two-lane roads that twist and turn along miles of rural countryside, or that trace along a glistening waterfront or meander through a shady, forested glen.
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Lopez Island
The island’s flat terrain is ideal for bicyclists of any caliber. The island offers a perfect opportunity for a relaxed and scenic ride. The trek from the ferry landing to Odlin County Park is about a mile, and Spencer Spit State Park, situated along the shore of Swift’s Bay and
Lopez Sound, is about two miles away, to the east of the county park. The ride from the ferry landing to Lopez Village is an easy four-mile ride. From there, heading south, on either Fisherman Bay or Center Roads is perhaps 10 miles away, at best.
Orcas Island
Its hilly terrain is a hallmark of Orcas Island. Of the four main islands, it can prove the most challenging, if you let it. From Orcas Village, where the ferry comes and goes, Eastsound, the island’s commercial core, is about nine miles to the north. There are a few hills along the way, but so is the picturesque, postcard-perfect farmland of Crow Valley. Not far from Orcas Village is Deer Harbor Road, an attractive, mostly level, though curvy, route that leads to
island’s westside. Rosario Resort and Moran State Park, among the state’s largest, are about four miles east of Eastsound. Moran State Park is home to Cascade Lake and Mt. Constitution, which is 2,409 feet.
San Juan Island
The terrain of San Juan and its bicycle routes are somewhere in between those of Lopez and Orcas, with a healthy dose of hills and flat farmland. Four main roads lead out of Friday Harbor. Bicyclists prefer either the northern-most route, Roche Harbor Road, which leads to Lakedale Resort, and then to Roche Harbor Resort, or the southern-most, Cattle Point Road. The Cattle Point trek takes you to South Beach, and American Camp. And West Side Road has views of the Olympic Mountains.
Shaw Island
The peace and quiet of Shaw makes for an extremely
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unt at 20% Disco Grill e id s n e the Gre
San Juan Golf and Tennis Club 806 Golf Course Road, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island (360) 378-2254 Email: sjgolfproshop@rockisland.com Website: www.sanjuangolfandcountryclub.com
• 9 Holes of Championship Golf • 3 Sets of Tees • Pro Shop stocked with Major Brands of Golf Equipment & Apparel • Driving Range • Professional Golf Instruction by Tom Parkhurst • 2 Championship Tennis Courts • Excellent Food & Beverage at the Greenside Grill
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springtide 2012/13
• Putting Greens & Chipping Areas • Tournaments Welcome • Electric Golf Rentals • Club & Pull Cart Rentals • Excellent Banquet Facilities Available • Catering Services Available • Golf & Tennis Memberships Available
he islands have spectacular backgrounds to accompany any golf game. Imagine teeing off in the midst of rolling farmlands and a view of snow-peaked mountain ranges. And because of the island’s location in the Pacific Northwest rainshadow you will have your fair share of sunny days. Just take a look at the following golf clubs and tournaments to get a taste of island “greens.”
Golf clubs and Island tournaments San Juan Island
• San Juan Golf & Country Club, 806 Golf Course Road,
pleasant ride. Though you’re unlikely to encounter much traffic, the main route, Blind Bay Road, has some sharp bends, so remain vigilant.
Bicycle & Moped rentals Lopez Island
• Lopez Bicycle Works, 2847 Fisherman Bay Road. 360-468-2847, www.lopezbicycleworks.com • Village Cycles, bike rentals, repair and accessories, 9 Old Post Road, Suite A, Lopez Village, 360468-4013, www.villagecycle.net
Orcas Island
• Dolphin Bay Bicycles, Orcas Village, 360-376-4157, www. rockisland/~dolphin/ • Orcas Mopeds, Orcas Village, 360-376-5266, www. orcasmopeds.com • Wildlife Cycles, 350 North Beach Road, Eastsound, 360-376-4708, www.wildlifecycles.com
San Juan Island
• Island Bicycles, 380 Argyle Ave., Friday Harbor, 360-378-4941, www.islandbicycles.com • Susie’s Mopeds, 125 Nichols St., Friday Harbor, 360-378-5244, www.susiesmopeds.com
360-378-2254, www.sanjuangolfandcountryclub.com Tournaments: May 31 & June 1, Celebrity Charity Golf Classic; Leo’s Tournament, June 2; San Juan Open, June 21 - June 23. Junior golf camp: Ages 8+, June 24 - 27.
Orcas Island
• Orcas Golf Club, 2171 Orcas Road, Eastsound, 360-376-4400. www.orcasgolf.com Tournaments: June 30, Orcas Christian School benefit w/auction; September 7, Orcas Center Classic (18 years).
Lopez Island
• Lopez Island Golf Club, 589 Airport Road, Lopez, 360-468-2679, www.lopezislandgolf.com Tournaments, members only: McConaghy Tournament in May; President’s Cup, June; Club Championship, Aug. 13 and 15; King and Queen Tournament, Sept. 8.