Bike the Sea Gull Century, Maryland, USA
A 100-mile Bike Ride on the Scenic Delmarva Peninsula
Aug 20, 2009
For those cyclists who are looking for a challenge that provides a rural setting, beautiful scenery, pleasant fall temperatures, excellent ride support, and most importantly — flat terrain — Maryland’s Sea Gull Century is a "can’t miss” event.
Originally started in 1989 with fewer than 100 participants, the Sea Gull Century has become a premier bicycling event that attracts about 6,000 cyclists to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Held annually in early October, the ride starts and ends at Salisbury University in Salisbury, Md., and takes bicyclists out to the Atlantic Ocean and back in a scenic loop dominated by fields, farmlands, woods, waterways, and the ocean. There are four rest stops along the way, breaking the century into five segments that are about 20 miles each. A metric century option is also available, but it does not take riders to the ocean.
Ride organizers provide comprehensive support to all cyclists, including fully staffed rest stops with food, water, and restroom facilities; repair vehicle support; optional events the day before and after the century ride; t-shirts; photographers stationed at key points along the ride; and entertainment. Proceeds from the Sea Gull Century go to a variety of charities.
On the Way to Nassawango
Cyclists may start their journey anytime between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. The first leg of the Sea Gull Century is 23.5 miles long and takes riders out of Salisbury into the country. Passing by fields and woods, riders will end up along the Pocomoke River at Nassawango Golf & Country Club for the first rest stop. They can re-fill their bottles with water or Gatorade, and fill up on apples, oranges, bananas, bagels, and fig newtons.
To Assateague Island and the Atlantic Ocean
Upon leaving Nassawango, cyclists will bike for another 20.4 miles to the second rest stop at Whiton Crossing. There is no food here, but riders will be able to re-fill their water bottles again. At the 64.2-mile mark, cyclists will find themselves at the highlight of the Sea Gull Century — Assateague Island and the Atlantic Ocean. Riders should be on the lookout for wild ponies, herons, and egrets as they cross the bridge over Assateague Bay onto the island, and take comfort in the fact that they’ve finished two-thirds of the ride at this point while enjoying the incredible view of the Atlantic. The usual staples of water, Gatorade, fruit, cookies, and a variety of homemade breads are available at this rest stop.
Back to Salisbury
Back on their bikes, riders start the trek back to Salisbury University. They will pass through the town of Berlin, which is known for its Federal- and Victorian-style architecture. Riders should take note of the historic Atlantic Hotel in the heart of town. Berlin is also where the movie “Runaway Bride,” starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, was filmed. Continuing on, cyclists will reach the last rest stop at Adkins Mill Pond Park at the 84.5-mile mark, where pie and ice cream are served. From there, it’s 17 miles to the finish line. (Technically, the Sea Gull Century is 101.5 miles long.)
Rewards at the Finish
The fun does not have to end at the finish line. Considered by many to be one of the best organized century rides in the country, the Sea Gull Century rewards cyclists with music, a lawn party with a beer garden, 15-minute massages (cost is extra), an area to purchase bike gear, and a dinner buffet at the university (tickets must be bought in advance). And for those riders who still have energy left, there are two shorter, optional rides to choose from the next day, both of which end up at restaurants for a crab feast lunch. But perhaps the biggest reward of all is the feeling of accomplishment from riding a bike 100 miles in a single day.
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