Storyline - Adventuring Outdoors - Bicycling
A bike tour is a great way to combine exercise with nature, or vice versa. The Cascade Bicycling Club (CBC) sponsors daily rides year-round. Anyone can join any ride, ranging from leisurely 10-mile jaunts to strenuous 300-mile marathons. Monthly calendars are listed on the CBC hotline at 206-522-BIKE.

Pampered pedal pushers favor the Puget Sound for personalized inn-to-inn bicycle touring. All levels of cyclists able to bike 25 to 30 miles per day are encouraged to try a San Juan Islands tour for a 4- to 8-day trip. On an 8-day tour, the energetic beginner or advanced cyclist will average 35-40 miles per day, and will island-hop via ferries to five different islands: Whidbey, Fidalgo, San Juan, Orcas, and Vancouver. Terrene Tours of Seattle, (206-325-5569) or Bicycle Adventures in Olympia (Call 800-443-6060 or visit www.bicycleadventures.com) are among companies that offer these tours.

LOCALS SAY:

• The San Juan Islands are a perfect place to bike because hardly any cars use our scenic country roads.
• Friday Harbor has few stop signs and no traffic signals.
• Lopez is the flattest island. Passing motorists use their index finger to say hello.
• Orcas Island demands muscle-making climbs.