Submitted to The Dorcheter Banner/Active.com
The Dorchester County YMCA’s Heart of the Chesapeake Bike Tour has become an annual tradition for local cyclists.[/caption] CAMBRIDGE — With over 1,700 miles of shoreline and 600 square miles of land, Dorchester County hosts a rich and diverse history. The Heart of the Chesapeake Bike Tour on July 21, takes you through these landscapes and waterscapes. Choose from the Metric Century (66 miles), Half Century (52 miles), Ragged Point Ride (32 miles) or the Family Ride (9 miles). The ride is organized by the Dorchester County Family YMCA. The event supports the Dorchester YMCA Bob Brannock Endowment Fund. “Mr. Bob” was an integral part of the Y family and volunteered countless hours to help make the Y a better place. The Heart of the Chesapeake Bike Tour winds cyclists through the beautiful county of Dorchester and all rides are flat and in low-traffic areas. Come for the day or the weekend and really experience Dorchester County. Tour the countryside, visit the scenic marshes and wildlife of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge or Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery. Stop by the photogenic Choptank River Lighthouse, JM Clayton’s (the oldest crabhouse in the world). Visit the Richardson Maritime Museum, the Harriet Tubman Museum or the Chicone Indian Village ... all in Dorchester County. Take a ride on the Nathan of Dorchester skipjack, get a taste of the Eastern Shore at the amazing restaurants in downtown Cambridge, named as one of the top 10 small towns in America. By all means, don’t miss checking out RAR, the local brew pub and the breathtaking sunsets at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina. There is more than one way to experience the tour. The Metric Century event is 66 miles throughout the county. It begins at 7 a.m. , registration fee is $50. The Half Century is 52 miles, also beginning at 7 a.m. with a 50 fee. Then there is the Ragged Point Ride, at 32 miles, 7 a.m. start, $50 fee; and the nine-mile Family Ride, 7 a.m. start with a $35 fee. All events also charge a $3 sign-up fee. To register for the event, go to runsignup.com, and search for Heart of the Chesapeake Bike Tour. For information, call the YMCA at 410-221-0505.