20th annual Ocean to Bay Bike Tour April 18, 2009

Cycling enthusiasts throughout the Northeast will pump up their tires, lube their chains and head to Bethany Beach, Delaware, for the 20th annual Ocean to Bay Bike Tour. The tour, scheduled for Saturday, April 18, is the traditional opening ride to the Mid-Atlantic leisure cycling season.

This award-winning tour, organized by the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce, offers a scenic, relaxing ride on flat terrain, along coastal and inland bay areas. Supporting Sponsors include Holiday Inn Express, Millville by the Sea, and PNC Bank.

“The Ocean to Bay Bike Tour is set up so anyone can enjoy it, from kids and beginners to Lance Armstrong-types,” said Chamber Executive Director Andrew Cripps. “Cyclists can choose from 25-, 35-, or 50-mile courses through “The Quiet Resorts” of Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island. Along the way they can pause at rest stops that include a seaside state park and a beautiful wildlife refuge.”

Early check-in and on-site registration opens Friday, April 17th at the Chamber’s Information Center, 36913 Coastal Highway in Fenwick Island, for those arriving for the weekend. Registration and check-in for those pre-registered will continue at 8:00 am Saturday, April 18th at Campbell Place and the boardwalk in downtown Bethany Beach. (Due to construction at Garfield Parkway and the boardwalk, Bike Tour registration and the Start/Finish line have been moved to Campbell Place and the Boardwalk -- just one block north -- in Bethany Beach.)

All the routes begin and end in downtown Bethany. The tour begins at 8:00 a.m. Saturday and has three rest stops with light snacks and refreshments along the way. “Sag wagons” will patrol the routes from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. to assist riders. Each pre-registered participant receives a goody bag and t-shirt at check-in. All other participants will receive shirts and goody bags on a first-come, first-served basis.

Riders can register by mail, online at www.TheQuietResorts.com, or at the Chamber the day before or of the event. Pre-registration is $30 per adult through April 11th, $35 after April 11th. Registration for students age 18 and under is $15. Children age 4 and under ride for free, but won’t receive commemorative t-shirts or goody bags. For pre-registered teams of 6 or more, the last rider rides for free!

Visit the Chamber’s web site at www.TheQuietResorts.com or call 800-962-SURF toll-free for more information or a registration brochure.

Official Website: http://www.TheQuietResorts.com