The Tour de Lavender Metric Century is for…
The Tour de Lavender Metric Century is for cyclists seeking a challenge or who want to push themselves to a personal best record in terms of distance or time—or both. The route is mostly over level or gently rolling terrain but incorporates several more challenging hill climbs. It follows backcountry roads and segments of the region’s premier scenic bikeway, the Olympic Discovery Trail. Elevation gained on the route is more than 2,000 feet.
64+ Mile Loop
It is a 64+-mile loop that heads west from the start, cuts south into the foothills of the Olympic Mountains on the edge of the Sequim-Dungeness Valley, runs east through the aptly named Happy Valley and on to Sequim Bay State Park. Turning westward again it skirts Sequim Bay and the Strait of Juan de Fuca (the Salish Sea) out to Agnew before returning to downtown Sequim. On the way, you’ll get to visit all the farms on the Tour de Lavender. Nearly every mile offers breath-taking panoramas including 1000-ft plus hilltop vantage points. You have the option of a short side-trip to visit the 3 Crabs Wetlands Reserve and the Dungeness Wildlife Refuge, both of which offer stunning views north across the Salish Sea to the San Juan Islands and Canada. If you’re lucky you might even be rewarded with the special appearance of seals or orcas playing close to shore.
Convenience Stops & Route Options
Ride the entire 64+ miles to reach your goal of chalking up your first (or one more) Metric Century. If, along the way, however, you decide you don’t want to “go the distance,” there are numerous options to “bail,” and reduce your total mileage. In any case, whatever lavender farms you visit, you’ll find a dedicated Tour de Lavender support station offering snacks, beverages, and quick access to mechanical support if your bike needs it. On the Metric Century there’s a mid-way stop at the Sequim Bay State Park just west of Blyn where snacks, beverages, and mechanical support are available.
The Metric route heads west at the start and you can visit all the lavender farms if you ride the whole loop: Fleurish Lavender, Purple Haze, Jardin du Soleil, In Bloom Lavender Farms, B&B Family Lavender Farm, Victor’s Lavender, Olympic Bluffs Cidery & Lavender Farm, and Martha Lane Lavender.
Whether you attack the route with a hard-charging pace, or make it a social ride with time to stop and smell the lavender, the Tour de Lavender Metric Century will be one you’ll remember fondly!
