Hello, everyone! It’s Caylie, again!

I am going to take you biking on San Juan Island.

So this week it was time to do something on land. And I wanted to knock something off my summer list; so I went biking! My boss, Anna Maria, shared this scenic and quick 6 mile loop around Turn Point, Pear Point Road that passes by Jackson Beach. I took her up on the idea and decided to go on a little afternoon adventure! I borrowed one of the Tucker House Inn’s bicycles, that are complementary for guests to use,  and headed off.

Now, I am not an avid biker. Actually, it’s been a few years since I rode a bicycle any distance. Back home, my transportation of choice was the family car or the bus. Thankfully, this distance was manageable for my first real ride. I have to be honest, there were a few hills and curves that caught me off guard. I rode solo…well with my selfie stick. This is a great family ride not only because the ride is fairly easy. It is off the main road with little traffic. For many years this loop was the last 6 miles of the island’s marathon route. Recently they changed the course.

Jackson Beach was the destination for my trip. At first, I thought I missed it but I found it toward the end of my ride. When you are approaching mile 4 start looking for the shore line and what looks like an abandoned pier. Take your next left turn and cruise down the giant hill down and you’re there!

Let me tell you it was great! Jackson Beach is the perfect beach for a picnic, pickup game of volley ball, barbecue or to launch your kayak. There is the added benefit of the beautiful shoreline and driftwood beach. I have never seen so much drift in my life.

With the help of my awesome boss, Anna Maria, we share some other tips for some awesome rides no matter what your skill level. We rate them like ski trails – green, Caylie’s ride that she shares today, blue and black diamond. Like I said, I don’t do intense biking, so I will stick with my green ride – Turn Point/Pear Point loop. Anna Maria is more of a black level biker.

Our biking recommendations, check out the map, offers a number of trail options based on whether you are a leisure or sightseeing rider, a family rider, an avid road rider, or someone who wants to climb and push the pedal to the metal. We also include a ride we lovingly refer to as “Dave’s Loop,” ideal for riders who prefer cruising, great scenery and gently rolling hills but prefer to skip the long arduous hill climbs. Dave has managed to find this picturesque 25 mile loop down the middle of the island with only a few hills. Just when you think a hill is in your future, serendipitously there is a turn off. In terms of full disclosure, there are some hills on this loop but they pale in comparison. This ride is certainly a manageable cruise particularly if you take it at a leisurely pace. I am working my way up to this ride by the end of summer.

For safety and health reasons, I have some suggestions in preparation of your ride:

– Wear a helmet

– Wear Sunscreen

– Bring Water

– Wear comfortable shoes.

You rather be safe and happy, right? That way, we can go on so many more travels! I wonder where we should go next?

Until next time,

Caylie