Sea Gull Century Returns Saturday, October 8
Note: At this time, the Sea Gull Century bike ride is a go for Saturday, October 8. Organizers are monitoring the weather as forecasts change and, currently, the impacts of Hurricane Matthew for our area are not predicted to be as severe as initially thought. This may change. Please continue to check the website for any additional information.
SALISBURY, MD---After a one-year hiatus, Salisbury University’s Sea Gull Century bike ride is back! On Saturday, October 8, some 7,000 cyclists are expected to again traverse the Lower Eastern Shore.
Participants may choose from the traditional 100-mile Assateague century, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and a glimpse of wild ponies, or the 100-mile Snow Hill century through a quaint Worcester County town, with galleries and beautiful homes. The 65-mile Princess Anne metric route winds through Somerset County.
Due to the closure of Nassawango Golf Course (which was used as a rest stop for all three routes), several other rest stops have been added and expanded, and some turns have changed. This year’s rest stops are: Washington High School, Furnace Town, Cypress Park, Byrd Park, Newark Park, Assateague Island State Park, and the Powellville VFW, where riders enjoy pie à la mode before their final leg. Riders should consult the Sea Gull Century website at www.seagullcentury.org for up-to-date maps and directions.
On Friday, riders enjoy a free welcome reception from 4-7 p.m. on the south lawn of the Patricia R. Guerrier Academic Commons, featuring beer and wine sampling with Evolution Craft Brewing Co., Eastern Shore Distributors and Sposato Family Vineyards.
On Saturday, a show-and-go start is 7-9 a.m.; riders should go straight on Bateman Street to South Division Street. Participants finish by 6 p.m. on the campus mall. A party with music is 12:30-5:30 p.m. in that area.
“After having to cancel for the combined threat of a nor’easter and a hurricane last year, we are so glad to be back for our 28th year!” said coordinator Amy Waters.
The Sea Gull Century is among the oldest rides of its kind on the East Coast. The flat terrain attracts riders of all ages from across the United States.
The ride has been called a “Best Bicycling in America” event and also was named among the top 10 century rides in the nation by Bicycling magazine. The Ride Magazine called it “one of the prettiest big rides in America.” Not only is it Wicomico County’s largest one-day tourism event, but the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business has estimated its annual economic impact on the Lower Shore at $2.5 million.
All proceeds from the Century support programs on campus and in the community, including student scholarships and faculty grants, Wicomico County’s Habitat for Humanity, Women Supporting Women, and other local nonprofits and civic groups. This year, some are riding in memory of late SU alumnus Rob Schultheis ’00, a runner and past cyclist, and two-term president of the SU Alumni Association. Sysco, where Schultheis was employed as a district sales manager, also is offering generous support and volunteer manpower.
Registration is $90. Online registration ends 5 p.m. Thursday, September 22. Onsite registration is 3-8 p.m. Friday, October 7. The Century is a rain or shine event with no alternate date. Merchandise is available on ride day or at www.seagullcenturystore.com.
For more information call 410-548-2772 or visit www.seagullcentury.org.