guards along Commercial Avenue , the main road in the city for the event . CMA also supports trash pick-up and a bike blessing booth which has been in the same spot for so long that all regular attendees know where to find us on their way out of town . |
Chuckanut Drive When asked to name a favorite ride associated with Oyster Run , the first to come to mind was Chuckanut Drive . Completed in 1896 , Chuckanut Drive is Washington ' s original scenic byway . This route has twisty curves and great views , just what riders look for while planning a ride . This is one of those rare outand-back routes that can be enjoyed no matter your direction .
The route is only 33 miles one way from the main entrance to Oyster Run at 11th Street and Commercial Avenue in Anacortes .
The trip leaves Anacortes heading south out of town on Commercial Avenue and turns left onto WA-20 . At about 9 miles , turn left onto Laconner Whitney Road . This is when the route starts to get interesting as the road hugs the shoreline and travels through farming communities with great ocean views on one side and North Cascades on the other . The route goes right past Bay View State
|
Park as you head north . The park has restrooms and picnic facilities , which is situated on the west side of the road . If you want to stop and enjoy the state park , turn right ( east ), then left to wind back under the road and into the park ' s beach area . From the park , continue north on Bayview Edison Road towards Bow , WA . Turn left onto WA-11 N / Chuckanut Drive . This is the best part of the ride as you cruise the jaw-dropping Chuckanut Drive , but be mindful that this is a very popular area , and you will have to share this wonderful road with cars . The next park on the route passes through is Larrabee State Park . Let the weather dictate if the views will be worth riding up to the Cyrus Gates Overlook by turning right on Hiline Rd . Otherwise , stay on Chuckanut Drive . The next landmark is Fairhaven Park which has picnic and restrooms available . From here , you can turn around and head back down Chuckanut Drive and get a different perspective of this hidden gem or find your way to your next destination . There are lots of restaurants in the Bellingham area as well . |
DECEPTION PASS RIDE Another of my favorite rides leaves Anacortes heading south out of town on Commercial Ave and turning |
left onto WA-20 . Then , at the roundabout at Sharpes Corner , take the first right staying on WA- 20 towards Whidbey Island . In about 10 miles , the road crosses Deception Pass . If you have never been through this area , you will want to stop on either side of the bridge to experience the view and natural beauty of the area . From here , you can continue south to explore Whidbey Island . The only way off the island is the Deception Pass Bridge you just crossed or either Clinton-Mukilteo Ferry or Port Townsend-Coupeville Ferry . Remember that on the Oyster Run weekend , ferry traffic is very heavy , and you may need reservations even if you are on a bike . Otherwise , head back across the bridge and take the first left onto Rosario Rd . This road will experience several name changes as you wind through the various communities heading north about 9 miles back to Anacortes .
Here is the link to the ferry schedule . https :// wsdot . com / ferries / schedule /
After finishing this article , we found out the City of Anacortes has canceled the official event for this year . This has happened in years past , but people still showed up in large numbers to support the local businesses and enjoy the rides and area . CMA
Dwayne and Donna Owens serve as State Coordinators in Washington .
|