9th Annual Tour de Lopez coming soon | Multimedia dispatch

The ninth annual Tour De Lopez, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, is Saturday, April 28, and this year there are new multiple route options and other events for bikers and locals alike.

April 24, 2012 1:05 pm
An image from last year's Tour de Lopez.
An image from last year's Tour de Lopez.

The ninth annual Tour De Lopez, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, is Saturday, April 28, and this year there are new multiple route options and other events for bikers and locals alike. Registration is now closed for the tour, but even if on foot there is plenty to do, The ride will conclude in the Village at Lopez Center for Community and the Arts grounds with a barbecue lunch presented by the Galley Restaurant 12:30-3 p.m. The menu includes spice rubbed grilled chicken, pulled pork, salads, a vegetarian option, cookies and hot dogs. There will also be a beer garden.

From 1 – 3 p.m., enjoy music by the Lucky Dawg’s – a jazzy band from Oregon, will perform in the outside pavilion.

If you want to get involved in the philanthropic side of the day, consider sponsoring a group of young riders from the Lopez Island Family Resource Center, who will be participating in the tour. Donations support the LIFRC’s Summer Workshop Program. For more info, about the LIFRC and the Lopez Summer Workshops, or to make an online donation, visit www.lifrc.org.

And if that’s not enough activity, Tour de Village is a new attraction this year and a fun way to acquaint yourself with Lopez businesses, April 26-29. Visit participating merchants in the village, which will be listed on your “playing card,” collect 12 stamps from participating partners, and then enter the completed card for a drawing.

Entries can be dropped off at the chamber office. The drawing will be Monday, April 30. Prizes include a two-night stay at Lopez Lodge, half a case of Lopez Vineyards wine and more.

If you’re traveling on the day of the tour, Washington State Ferries offers two alternate departures on Saturday morning that will make unscheduled stops on Lopez. In addition to the scheduled early morning run, the 7:35-8:30 a.m. departures will make unscheduled stops for bicyclists’ to Lopez. The 7:35 a.m. sailing has the most capacity. Complete daily schedule is at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries.

For more info on the tour, call the chamber at 468-4664 or visit www.lopezisland.com.