Tiptoe Through the Tulips

Here's a festival that reminds me it is, indeed, spring....even as the snow continues to come down (there was a fresh dusting of snow at the top of Cougar mountain this morning). It's time for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival up in Mount Vernon, WA which is about 60 miles north of Seattle. The festival kicks off April 1 and runs the entire month because you can't control the blooming schedule of the tulips. In the past, I've planned my trips toward the middle or latter part of the month but you want to time it when the fields are bursting with the brilliant colors of the tulips. And, we're not talking about a little patch of land with a few tulips. Oh no...we're talking *acres* of red, yellow, white, orange, and purple tulips....daffodils and irises are also planted in the same area but I think they bloom earlier in the month.

How is this an adventure? Well, you park your car on the outskirts of the field route, preferably towards Mount Vernon and close to the freeway exits. Then, hop on your bike and meander - here is a map of the fields and you can see that it's laid out in an easy grid so you can't get lost. For lunch, head into La Conner which is a little town that sits just southwest of the grid. Because it's in the valley, your route is flat - the only thing you'll have to watch out for are the cars and headwinds which can be strong at times (and they seem like hurricane force winds after an extended stopover in La Conner and a full stomach). There is also an organized bike event held at the beginning of the festival - The Tulip Pedal which has a 20-mile or 40-mile route option. Or, you can hook up with a local outfitter for a full-service experience. Check out Tulip Country Bike Tours. The biggest downside of cycling the route is you can't buy the fresh cut flowers by the armload - unless you have a pannier or trailer for your bike. I am a minimalist when I ride and will only carry things that I can stuff in the three back pockets of my jersey. Maybe I should get a little basket for the front of my carbon frame Trek 5200, and a little bike bell to go with it, oh and streamers for the handlebars. Ha!

Extend your adventure by heading west on Highway 20 and hopping on the Anacortes ferry. Lopez Island is a favorite destination for the casual cyclist because of its easy terrain and scenic route. You can sign up for the annual Bike Tour of Lopez Island which is held the latter part of April. Or, just go on your own using their handy-dandy map for three route options: 10, 17, or 31 miles.

Anyway, this is a fun excursion for the entire family - just be ready to deal with crowds if you plan on heading out on the weekend. And, don't forget your camera!! Enjoy!