PORT TOWNSEND — Bicycle enthusiasts will descend in droves upon Port Townsend today (Sunday) to participate in the inaugural Tour de Forts, a reboot of the defunct Fort2Fort event.
“This is the first time this area has had a significant cycling event for a number of years,” said Kees Kolff, president of the ReCyclery, which is one of about 20 event sponsors.
Bicyclists can depart from Fort Worden, 200 Battery Way, at any time between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., and have the option of four routes: 12 miles, 17 miles, 35 miles and 62 miles.
12 miles, not 10
The shortest route is indeed 12 miles as opposed to 10 miles, as listed on the flier circulated for the event.
Kolff said the route was measured at 12 miles after the flier was published.
While preregistration is no longer available, registration is available the day of the event at the Fort Worden Guard House.
The cost is $10 for children younger than 13; $35 for the 12-, 17- and 35-mile rides; and $50 for the 62-mile ride.
For more information, see http://tinyurl.com/PDN-tourdeforts.
Kolff hopes that more than 150 riders from Port Townsend and elsewhere participate.
“I think this is an event that will bring riders from out of town who will help boost our economy and give them a real look at some of the best of what we have to offer here,” he said.
“And there are going to be a lot of local folks, so it is going to be a celebration of community.”
During the ride, participants will have the option of trekking from Fort Worden to Fort Townsend and Fort Flagler.
Riders also can stop at the Chimacum Corner Farmstand, 9122 Rhody Drive, and at the Chimacum Farmers Market, which opens Sunday for the first time this season.
Benefits ReCyclery
Proceeds from the event will benefit ReCyclery’s Step On It! campaign to promote biking and walking, especially to and from school.
The ReCyclery, 1925 Blaine St., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community bike shop that sells used bikes, new and used parts, and bicycle accoutrement such as gloves and helmets.
The organization also runs a full-service repair shop and hosts workshops to teach area residents how to fix and maintain their own bikes.
Members also educate local students to safely share the road with cars and other bicyclists.
The group’s ultimate goal is to increase bicycle ridership in Jefferson County.
The Step On It! campaign is raising money for several projects, including bike shelters at Blue Heron School and Chimacum Creek Primary School, a bike repair station along a busy bike commute route in Port Townsend and a mountain bike skills park at a location yet to be determined.
The money also helps fund the promotion of bike programs for kids and National Bike Month, held nationwide each May.
Altogether, ReCyclery needs to raise about $20,000. So far, it has raised about $8,000.
To donate, go to http://tinyurl.com/p5tgrxo.
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Chris McDaniel can be reached at 360-681-2390, ext. 5052, or cmcdaniel@peninsuladailynews.com.
