Mark your calendar for the third weekend in May for the 25th Tour de Chesapeake bicycle event. The 2024 Tour de Chesapeake is set for 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 18, starting from Thomas Hunter Middle School, 387 Church Street, Mathews.
This tour is touted as the only coastal Virginia, Chesapeake Bay bike tour. More than a thousand visitors come each year to enjoy the flat roads, beautiful scenery, plus more than 100 miles of routes that are friendly for all levels. The ride is $35 for adults, and $20 for children 7-12. To register online, visit https://events.com/r/en_US/registration/tour-de-chesapeake- 2024-mathews-may-928849. Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 7.
Are you outdoorsy, active, and like to visit new places? Organizers say they guarantee this week will be authentic. Biking along the beautiful fields, peninsulas, and marshlands of Mathews County is one perk among the many ways you can experience the Chesapeake Bay lifestyle.
Here’s why this ride is unique:
• Flat scenic backroads.
• A water taxi — take a local watermen’s deadrise boat taxi from one bike route, across the East River, to another route on the other side of the county.
• You can book a kayak or detour between rides to paddle one of Mathews’ Blueways water trails, or visit the local lighthouses.
• You can celebrate your hard work Saturday night at a free party on William’s Wharf’s beautiful waterfront pavilion with live music, and seafood and drinks available for purchase.
Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or experienced rider, you will find routes appropriate for all skill levels. Come down for a day trip, Saturday May 18, or spend the weekend in Mathews to experience all this small, quaint Chesapeake Bay town of Mathews has to offer.
Ride features include:
• Beautiful, natural sandy beaches.
• Great scenery of marshland, waterfront views, and a bike route to the infamous New Point Comfort Lighthouse
• Historical Sites and an “Art deTour” Saturday to explore local artwork in town.
• Fully supported Saturday ride (rest stops and SAG).
• Free onsite camping available or local lodging options.
• Four route choices – more than 100 miles.
• Saturday Night Seafood Feast and Party at the Wharf (free admission).
• Dessert reception the ride headquarters, and other add-on meals.
• Plenty of restaurant options in town for fresh seafood, and local cuisine.
For information, visit tourdechesapeake.org or call 725-4229.
