Cape Charles to Host 2015 CBES Bike Tour

By DONNA BOZZA
Citizens for a Better Eastern Shore

December 15, 2014

Next year will be Cape Charles’ turn to host the annual CBES “Between the Waters” bike tour. Held each year on the fourth Saturday in October, the tour attracts upwards of a thousand participants – 90 percent of them not from the Eastern Shore.

This year’s bike tour was held in Onancock, headquartered at the historic Onancock School, with excited riders streaming to check in and start one of the tour’s four routes: 25, 40, 60, or 100 miles. Event Coordinator Phyllis Tyndall estimated about 800 cyclists, up some 50 participants from last year.

“It’s about the fifth or sixth time for us,” said Don Pratt, 70, of Southern Shores, NC, as he saddled up in the school parking lot. “It’s a good ride and it’s flat like the Outer Banks where we train.”

Nearby, Brad Dougherty, 60 of Virginia Beach, riding with his coach Mellissa Kuch, shared how triple bypass surgery prompted him to do the tour. “I made it part of my therapy to train and do the 100 mile tour — it’s my goal.” Dougherty finished shy of his mileage goal but logged an impressive 73 miles. “I’ll be [in Cape Charles] next year to do the full 100,” he promised.

CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE

As in the past, about ninety percent of the Bike Tour participants came from off the Shore, including a couple from Texas. Many riders were from the Hampton Roads area, North Carolina, Maryland, and D.C.

In 1992, the tour was created to support and promote eco-tourism at a time when the concept was not very familiar to Shore residents. Now with tourism in the region recognized as a core economic development initiative, the CBES event continues its leadership role.

CBES Board Member Emeritus John Chubb remembers when the tour began with under 100 riders. “We even had a water crossing as part of the tour back then,” he said, recalling the Carolina Skiffs that would carry bikes and riders across a creek. “Folks loved it, but as our numbers grew it became too unwieldy.”

Chubb also emphasized the tour’s financial importance to CBES as its main fundraiser. “It helps to continue our work for the Shore.”

Adding to the weekend festivities is a free, Fun Ride on Friday before the main ride. An authentic oyster roast further celebrates all things Eastern Shore.

Returning cyclists are the norm for the Bike Tour. “Out of all the bike tours we’ve done, this one tops them all,” said Rick Massaro, a D.C. resident who attended the 2014 tour with his wife, Jean. “It’s amazing how well organized it is, how clearly marked the route is, and it’s so peaceful here.”

The tour never gets old for the repeat customers, as the routes rotate between four of the most picturesque areas of the Shore: Onancock, Cape Charles, Wachapreague, and Nassawadox.

CBES prides itself on a full service bike tour, including well staffed rest stops with snacks and beverages, free event t-shirts, and a full picnic lunch that even includes strolling musicians, the Shore’s own Malcolm and Carol Russ. There is also a repair service available for cyclists. However, Tyndall or a volunteer will help pick up stranded riders. This is after all, the neighborly Eastern Shore.

That volunteer spirit keeps the bike tour rolling along year after year. It takes between 50- 75 volunteers to make it all happen.

“I do it because of the people, its so cool meeting them,” said Lynn Allison, a long time volunteer and past CBES Board Member. “It’s a great way to share the Shore.”