Sequim Gazette staff

With breathtaking speeds and colorful uniforms, hundreds of riders are returning to the Olympic Peninsula for the 16th Tour de Dungeness races.

The races, set for Saturday, March 16, and Saturday, March 23, feature male and female riders in various divisions hitting the 12-mile course north of Sequim along county roads.

Races start at 9:45 a.m. each day and last until late afternoon, rain or shine.

The course includes Lotzgesell, Cays, East Anderson, Woodcock and Kitchen-Dick roads and Sequim-Dungeness Way.

The start/finish line and parking are at the north end of Kitchen-Dick Road across from the Dungeness Recreation Area.

Race organizer Mike Van Doren said he expects 400-450 riders each day, from across the Puget Sound region and east of the Cascades.

On-site espresso is provided by Bada Bean Coffee from Port Angeles on March 23.

To register or for more information, call Van Doren at 775-7796 or 417-5257 after 5 p.m.