Bike Routes

Join a thousand other riders in bicycling flat, rural Mathews County, located on the western shore of the southern Chesapeake Bay. Never more than ½ mile from water, Mathews features quiet and picturesque roadways for cycling.

Bike, Bands and the Bay Festival is perfect as a family biking adventure. It will also give the intermediate rider and the experienced veteran a perfect spring warm-up. Various routes are available so that you can choose the mileage you desire.

For 2010 we'll offer the first family specific ride option ever. Look for a loop ride that's suited to children.

 

The Tour de Chesapeake is as close to a “create your own personal tour” as you’ll find. Mileage options range between 20 - 80 miles. 

All routes have fully-supported rest stops, route signage and SAG support. Routes open at 8:00 am and close at 5 pm. 

The tour map that you receive at registration will have a color map and complete details on all of the rides available.

Terrain and Bicycle
Mathews County is FLAT! Either road bikes, hybrids, or mountain bikes are suitable. Tandems are welcome. Shorter routes have been planned for families with children. Make sure your bike is in good working order. Bike repair services will be available for a nominal charge. Remember, for your safety, helmets are required for all riders.

Paddling Tours

Saturday

Bay Trails Outfitter kayak sampler

Saturday, May 15th.  Try a “kayak sampler” rental for 1 ½-2 hours.   As you ride out to Bethel Beach, plan to stop at Bay Trails Outfitter and take a kayak  tour of Winter Harbor.  You can park your bike at the kayak farm and hop in a kayak for a short paddle around Winter Harbor.  It is one of Mathews special harbors for just plain pristine marshland and water views!  The rental rate for the Pedal and Paddle for the Tour de Chesapeake is $15 for two hours in a single kayak and $30 for two hours for a tandem kayak.  Call Bay Trails Outfitters to serve a space. 

804-725-0626 or towne@visi.net  Toll Free: 888-725-7225 

Sunday

Splish......Splash

Or join the The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Educational Canoe Trip led by Brooke Newton.  Starting and ending at Williams Wharf Landing. Cost is $20 and includes a lunch on-site when you return to the Wharf. 

Contact: Jess Barton     JBarton@cbf.org    It's first come first serve!  Reserve early.

Lighthouse excursion paddle

Get up close and personal with a lighthouse!
Sunday, May 16, Bay Trails Outfitters will offer a Lighthouse Island Tour from New Point Observation Platform at 10:00 a.m. The cost (reduced price) is $50 per person. Children aged six through twelve go half-price. Price includes all equipment, basic kayaking instruction, guides, and a post-paddle snack.
Call Bay Trails Outfitters to serve a space.  804-725-0626 or towne@visi.net  Toll Free: 888-725-7225