Popular Cycling Events
Shorebird Century | May 6 | shorebirdmetriccentury.org
Honor those who have been affected by cancer while celebrating the gift of cycling. Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the Shorebird Century bike ride takes advantage of the quiet roads of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, whether it’s for 15, 35, or 65 miles. Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ride this year and enjoy the beach breezes.
Wilmington Grand Prix | May 20 | wilmgrandprix.com
One of the premier criterium bike races in the country, this is one to see—a series of short, thrilling races among pro and amateur men and women through the streets of downtown Wilmington. A fair features a beer garden, live music, amusements for the kids and more. Start on Friday night (May 19) by watching racers ride the 3.2-mile Monkey Hill Time Trial through Brandywine Park.
Gran Fondo | May 21 | wilmgrandprix.com
This part of the Wilmington Grand Prix is for you, the rider: a 31- or 62-mile route (your choice) through the beautiful Brandywine Valley and beyond. Start at the Delaware Art Museum. End at Woodside Creamery, where a cold ice cream cone awaits. Sign up for the Media Fondo (31 miles) or the Gran Fondo to kick off your summer.
Broad Creek Bike & Brew | June 3 | broadcreekbikeandbrew.com
Tour the historic areas of Laurel and Bethel and the scenic waterways of western Sussex, including Trap Pond. Choose routes from 15 to 100 miles. Afterward, enjoy a barbecue provided by Abbott’s Grill and a cold brew from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery.
Delaware DoubleCross | July 1 | whiteclaybicycleclub.org
Join the White Clay Bicycle Club on a ride that crosses the state twice. From the start at Smyrna High School, you’ll ride through several wildlife refuges between Maryland and Woodland Beach via a flat figure-8 route, which means you can stop midway.
Shorefire Century | Aug. 26 | whiteclaybicycleclub.org
Need a good endurance ride to end your summer with? The White Clay Bicycle Club sponsors a century ride that starts at Middletown High School, then takes you through the farmland of central Delaware. Choose between routes of 35, 65 and 100 miles.
Amish Country Bike Tour | Sept. 9 | amishcountrybiketour.com
Immerse yourself in the beautiful uniqueness of Amish farmland. Starting and ending at Legislative Mall in Dover, this ride offers 15-, 25-, 50-, 62- and 100-mile loops. Enjoy a barbecue hosted by Where Pigs Fly after.
River towns Ride & Festival | Sept. 23
Year five of this popular event promises to be the best yet. Ride—or race—on routes of various distances between New Castle and Delaware City. Festivals are held in both towns. And there is plenty of craft beer.
Tour De Sussex | Sept. 23 | dtcc.edu/about/news/events/tourdesussex
Support your community by signing up for the Tour De Sussex, with proceeds funding scholarships for Delaware Tech students. Choose between 25-, 50-, 62- and 100-mile routes that loop from as far east to as far west as you can go in the county.
Savage Century | Sept. 30 | whiteclaybicycleclub.org
Are you looking for a real challenge? White Clay Bike Club’s Savage Century tests your skills on the hills of Chester and Lancaster counties. Sign up for 40- or 60-mile loops for a few short climbs, or destroy yourself on the 75- or 100-mile loops, with all the big hills they have to offer.
Bike to the Bay | Oct. 7-8 | main.nationalmssociety.org/bikems
This special fundraising ride provides fully catered rest stops every 12 miles. Choose a route from 20 miles to 175. Your participation contributes to research and services for those who suffer from multiple sclerosis.
Clubs to Join
Delaware Trail Spinners | trailspinners.org
Care about the environment and mountain biking? Join Delaware Trail Spinners to take part in weekly rides in Delaware and beyond, and help maintain your favorite trails. Don’t miss out on Jamboree, the club’s biggest family friendly mountain biking event of the fall, in nearby Fair Hill, Md.
Easy Striders | 945-7302
Easy Striders provides weekly hiking opportunities for senior citizens. Practice healthy habits and take Sunday morning strolls through Sussex County’s state parks and preserves. With more then 100 members, it’s a great way to meet people who share your passion.
First State Webfooters | 388-5740, mdvolks.org/FSW/
Start your journey in volkssporting with First State Webfooters. Participate in 5k and 10k walks year-round in Rehoboth, Smyrna, Newark, Dover and Bethany. Grab your family and make it an event. It’s good for your health and soul.
Sierra Club | delaware.sierraclub.org
Organizing about a dozen major walks a year, the Sierra Club offers great ways to get outdoors while learning about the environment. Hikes and events run throughout the state.
White Clay Bicycle Club | whiteclaybicycleclub.org
The White Clay Bicycle Club welcomes anyone who shares its 400 members’ love for the sport. With five or six group rides to choose from each month, roadies have options suitable to their pace and endurance. There are subgroups for racers and tandem riders.
Wilmington Trail Club | wilmingtontrailclub.org
Whether you’re a beginner cyclist or pro hiker, Wilmington Trail Club has options for you. Try out two free activities before signing up. As a member, you’ll gain access to weekly hikes along White Clay Creek and other popular trails. Expand your cycling horizons through trips across the Mid Atlantic.
