Tour de Whidbey starts at Greenbank Farm where everyone joins
in a Pancake Breakfast before heading out.
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The first rest stop is Coupeville, 15 miles into the ride, which is both
a good regroup point as well as a good place for refreshments.
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From Coupeville you continue north along the water to Oak Harbor
and rest stop number two at beautiful Flintstone Park.
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After Oak Harbor the route makes a wide loop across the top
of the island and then heads south again along West Beach Road.
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The route starts to bend inland, meandering through island countryside,
on its way back to Coupeville and rest stop number four.
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Tour de Whidbey is noted for exceptional scenery
of both inland farms and Puget Sound seascapes.
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The ride is also noted for sparsely traveled country roads,
and more than it's share of hills to climb.
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From Coupeville south with a minor route change, riders can loop
through Fort Casey and the Keystone Ferry Dock, along sandy beaches.
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This route diversion not only adds extra adventure but
allows for a quick stop at the annual Whidbey Island Kite Festival.
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After the Kite Festival, we continue south and slightly inland
towards Greenbank and our point of origin.
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Greenbank Farm is the mid-way rest stop before heading out
on the southern island loop as well as the ride start and finish.
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The farm is also the site of the after event chili dinner as well as
some great entertainment and after ride socializing.
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Tour de Whidbey is well supported with friendly smiling volunteers,
even some to sing you a song while you relax at the rest stops.
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With a 100 mile loop it takes awhile before all SBTC cyclists are back
and all are tired after a wonderful day of cycling, ready for home.
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Next year we will be back for one of the Pacific Northwest's
best events -- good food, great scenery and outstanding support.
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