Registration open for Sept. 12 Amish Country Bike Tour
Planning for the 34th Annual Amish Country Bike Tour is underway.
Bike Delaware volunteers have been busy working behind the scenes to obtain sponsors and work with vendors, as well as mapping routes and consulting healthcare professionals as they finalize plans for this year’s tour Saturday, Sept.12.
The tour will begin at 8 a.m. on Dover’s Legislative Mall with its traditional Amish horse-and-buggy start. Routes of 15, 25, 50, 62 and 100 miles are planned for cyclists of all ages and abilities, with rest stops spread along each route. All routes include the famous Amish Schoolhouse and locally made, fresh-baked pie. Bike Delaware volunteers will provide support for riders until 5 p.m.
Longer routes also take riders past Harvest Ridge Winery on the state line in Marydel and feature a stop at Painted Stave Distillery in Smyrna where riders can enjoy healthy snacks and beverages.
When cyclists return to Legislative Mall for the conclusion of their ride, it will be time to celebrate being in the great outdoors with friends and family. There will be a catered lunch, music, and local beer and wine to enjoy. There will also be opportunities to make purchases not included with registration from vendors and sponsors.
Bike Delaware and the Amish Country Bike Tour Committee are actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation. Organizers are working with USA Cycling to identify resources and best practices for ensuring the health and safety of all participants in the tour.
“Rider packets and rest stops for the 34th tour will include health and safety items, and standards that have not been a part of any of the previous 33 tours,” said James Wilson, Bike Delaware executive director. “In addition, since USA Cycling has ended their ban on cycling events, we will be copying and implementing successful ideas from other events around the country held during the summer."
For more information or to sponsor, become a vendor or register, go to www.bikede.org/amish-country-bike-tour/.
