SEQUIM — The first day of racing in the 19th Tour de Dungeness is Saturday.
The annual biking event, which draws hundreds of riders from across the region to the Sequim area, will continue March 19.
The start is across the road from the Dungeness State Park and Recreation Area. The race finishes on Lotzgesell Road before the Cays Road intersection.
Registration is $35 and can be paid on the day of the event only.
Riders in different categories compete on a 12-mile course that includes Lotzgesell, Cays, East Anderson, Sequim-Dungeness Way, Woodcock and Kitchen-Dick roads.
Races will start at 9:45 a.m. each day and last until late afternoon.
“We race rain or shine,” event organizer Mike Van Doren said.
“We expect 400 to 450 riders each day.”
With so many riders on the road, Van Doren asks locals and visitors to be prepared.
“If you are driving in the Dungeness area on these days, please be aware of some [possible] very minor traffic delays,” he said.
“Use caution, be patient and let’s show them that we are a bicycle-friendly community.”
For event participants and spectators, Tim’s Custom Cabinets has loaned use of its parking lot at the corner of Kitchen-Dick and Lotzgesell roads.
The races are presented by the Garage and Audi cycling teams.
For more information about the Tour de Dungeness, call Van Doren at 360-417-5257 after 5 p.m. or at 360-775-7796.
