Sunny skies and island roads: The 20th Annual Tour de Lopez
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Ferries pulled into Lopez Island under clear, sunny skies, their decks loaded with cyclists eager to take part in the 20th anniversary of the Tour de Lopez on April 25. Riders of all ages had made their way from the ferry landing to check in, ready to roll out across the island’s rolling hills, coastal vistas and quiet country roads.
Among the hundreds of riders who streamed through check-in that morning was Dave Andresen, who made the trip from his home in the Hillman City neighborhood of South Seattle with his six-year-old son, Bija. For Andresen, this was his fourth Tour de Lopez. For young Bija, who had just turned six, it was his second.
“We love Lopez,” Andresen exclaimed while preparing their bikes, “and we love the businesses here, and the way that the Chamber puts this on.”
They weren’t alone in their devotion. All around them, the festive atmosphere buzzed with riders who had traveled from near and far. Christine Clare, a 12-year resident of Lopez, brought a tight-knit cycling group to the tour for their first time that had been biking together for well over a decade, visiting different places before finally doing a full tour of her own island with the group. Nearby, a lively group of women had traveled up from Portland, part of a running and friendship circle that had been together for more than 25 years.
The routes — ranging from gentle 5-mile loops perfect for families to the ambitious 31-mile challenge — offered something for every rider under the warm morning sun. Some riders experienced the “Lopez Wave” and other island hospitality to include historic tours of the first Lopez school, and Grange Hall, both of which also served as rest stops complete with free local baked goods, fresh orange slices, bananas and water.
After the tour, riders gathered at the finish area, where the aromas of David’s slow-smoked Texas-style barbecue and Mexican food from El Taco ‘Bout It filled the air. Live music from Sundown Rush and the student performers of MPPACT rounded out the day.
