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(Note: Sbubi
is a traditional Salish "rolling the hoop" game. When Captain
Vancouver first visited, the children tried rolling hard tack they got
from his ship's crew. For our purpose, we will be rolling bicycle wheels.
Swatixwtud
is the Lushootseed word for "earth". Lushootseed is the
indigenous language of the Salish, the original people of the inland waters
the Northwest USA and Southwest Canada.)
 USA / CANADA - Rolling the Islands of the
Salish Sea: Bicycle Tour of Puget Sound and Environs
Description, Schedule and Fact Sheet
For bicyclists who already love the northwest USA and southwest Canada,
or for those who are willing to fall in love with this region, your
imaginings will come to life on Ibike’s “Rolling the Islands of
the Salish Sea” (Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Gulf Islands, Vancouver
Island). This tour is very different from any other in the area.
It is a fascinating two-week journey into the heart and soul of the
magical ancestral land of the Coastal Salish Native American (Indian) people, and the
proud adopted home of other people from around the world. With a
carefully selected route, interpretive programs, and a variety of off-bike
activities, we bike and eat our way across eight islands from Seattle to
Victoria exploring the rich history and heritage, the geographical and
environmental diversity, and the economic, geological and cultural complexity
of the Salish Sea. Program participants have opportunities to: visit
Suquamish, Swinomish and other indigenous people; learn how Hawaiians were
early foreign trappers and traders here, Chinese built the infrastructure,
Japanese fed the people, Blacks and Jews outfitted the gold rushers and
other ethnic groups transformed the land, culture and economy. We visit
local markets; wander in historic towns, examine art and architecture,
identify flora and fauna and enjoy the extraordinary friendliness of the
people and inspirational beauty of the Salish Sea. Dinner cuisines include
Japanese, Greek, Thai, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Mexican, Vietnamese, Ethiopian, and more.
The rich cultural heritage of the Northwest is a virtually undiscovered
treasure and the quality of the bicycling is legendary. The program
is more than a bicycle trip; in addition to the physical activity you can
enrich your mind and nourish you spirit.
 Ibike sponsors immersion, people-to-people, educational programs for those
who want to learn more about the people of the world, as well as see the
beautiful sights. The primary mode of travel is bicycle. The cycling varies
from program to program but is generally easy to moderate. Side trips are
available for those with extra energy. Accommodations are a mix from
western-style hotels to hostels and local housing. All participants receive
comprehensive pre-departure materials with detailed instructions on setting
up their bicycle, packing, training and other information for program
preparation. The program is ideal for the realist who appreciates the world
and the wonderful rewards gained for the modest rigors of bicycle touring.
Sbubi begins in Seattle. The price
includes accommodations, two meals a day and variety of activities along
the way. The group is limited to 8 people so early registration is recommended.
Photo Essay: USA/Canada: Rolling the Islands
of the Salish Sea
Slideshows of
Salish Sea Tour by Eli Baron (download app on the page to view
slideshows)
Comments and Testimonials from Past Participants
Registration Information
Regional Background Information and Links
Getting
There: Multi-modal Options for Seattle, King County & the Northwest
Seattle Heritage Bicycle Tours (custom day bike tour programs)
FACT SHEET: Rolling the Islands of the Salish Sea: Bicycle Tour of Puget
Sound and Environs *
Schedule: Scheduled departure July-September (see schedule and status).
With sufficient advanced notice, custom departures are
available year around..
Program Price (lodging, two meals/day, guide, museum fees and more): US$
TBD
(less than six people add $100) (airfare is not included). Average out of pocket expenses per program $150 plus or minus $50.
Description: Day 1-2: orientation and cultural and historic exploration of
Seattle. Day 3-6: visit several islands in Puget Sound, the sovereign nations of the Suquamish and Swinomish
people and
several historic towns. Day 7-9: activities in the San Juan Islands; sea
kayaking, historic sites, cycling. Day 10-11: visit the Canadian Gulf
Islands and explore significant sites in Victoria. Day 12-13: return to Seattle
and celebrate with a grand meal. (route
map PDF)
Features: Small group exploration of the fascinating cultural and ethnic
diversity (Native American, Asian, Black, Pacific Islander
and European) and natural and social history of Swatixwtud.
Enjoy the extraordinary natural beauty of the mountains, San Juan Islands,
inland waterways and forest, six ferry boat rides, a sea kayak trip, museums,
public art, architecture, historic sites, visits with unique local people
and beautiful back roads bicycling.
Skill Level: Suitable for fit
Beginners/Intermediate/Experts
Mileage Daily / Total: 50-100km, 31-62 miles per day, starts with lower
mileage / 450km, 280 miles total.
Cycling Conditions: paved roads, mostly rolling and small hills,
occasional big hills
Accommodations: Modest hotels and motels, heritage hotels, no camping.
Van Support: no support vehicle.
Meals Included: Two meals per day, generally breakfast and dinner
(often ethnic cuisines).
Other Activities: Discussions, visits, walk tours, ferryboats and
other activities
Bike: Touring bikes are recommended.
Bike Rental: limited availability at local bike shop.
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* Itineraries, fares and dates are subject to change. 20% of
the land portion is U.S. tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, for those
registering directly with IBF.
Registration: It is easiest, and saves paper, if you
register online.
Or, you can register by mail by downloading and printing the
Registration Packet
(PDF file). Or, you can begin the registration process by sending your
name, address, phone number, name of the program(s) and a deposit of $300 (of which $300 is a
nonrefundable registration fee) to Ibike. Deposit and payment
may be made by check, money order,
credit card or
PayPal. Upon receipt of your this information a the registration packet will
be forwarded to you. It must be
completed, signed and returned before your registration is considered complete. Registrations
submitted less than 60 days prior to departure should include the full fee. Registrations
received less than 30 days prior to departure will be accepted subject to availability and
a late fee of $50. Payments within 30 days of departure must be by cashier's check,
credit card or
electronic transfer. Early registration is encouraged. Due to limits on group size and the
advisability of starting the reading list, registrations at least 90 days prior to the
departure date is suggested.
Full Payment: Due 60 days prior to departure. If payment has not been
received and no special arrangements have been made, we reserve the right to
assume withdrawal and fill the space.
Withdrawals: To receive a refund if withdrawing, submit a letter of
withdrawal in writing to Ibike. Our policy is as follows: (1) A $300
registration fee is forfeited for all withdrawals. (2) A fee of 50% is assessed
for withdrawals within 60-30 days prior to departure. (3) The full price of the
land costs is assessed for withdrawals initiated less than 30 days prior to
departure. Changes in medical circumstances are not considered as exceptions to
our normal refund policy. Insurance coverage for trip cancellation/interruption
is available from several companies.
Ibike Tours Registration
Information
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Please
contact us
IBF Homepage