A program of BikeWalk Virginia and Mathews County with special partners, Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
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May 14-16, 2010
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Advanced registration closed Monday May 3 at 5pm. Walk-in registrations will be accepted at event. See registration information for details.
- Read our recent updates on the Latest News Page
- Pre-order t-shirt sales are due April 12th. See the registration page.
- Volunteer with us. We need your help. More Information...
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The sponsors of the Tour de Chesapeake delightedly announce the first ever Bike, Bands and the Bay Festival. Mathews County, the home of the festival will host a fun-filled weekend of pleasurable bike riding, great music, and water activities that embrace the beauty of the bay. It's the perfect springtime weekend getaway.
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.This year's event, the 12th year, will have a special focus on the Chesapeake Bay. Event activities will include opportunities to not only enjoy the beauty, but also learn about the unique and precious waterway. A portion of event proceeds will benefit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's programs. .."The setting is beautiful, the hospitality warm and the roads and waterways unbeatable." (Cyndi Bashton, 2009 Participant)..
General Event Overview
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Mathews is a a great place to enjoy all your outdoor loves. The Bikes, Bands, and the Bay Festival will offer opportunities to listen to great music, eat great food, and to enjoy the beauty of the bay while taking part in a fully supported bike ride or in organized paddling tours. If it strikes your fancy do both in a single day!
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Bike Riding
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Riders can choose from a variety of routes that range in length from a short family ride for kids (4 miles) to longer routes that range from 20 to 80 miles in length. Fully supported rides with rest stops and vehicle support will be hosted on Saturday and a Cyclists for the Bay ride will be offered on Sunday for a limited number of participants. Cue sheets will be offered for additional route choices on Sunday as well.
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Paddling
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Our planners are working with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Bay Trails Outfitters and Chesapeake Board Sports to create some great opportunities to enjoy the bay by water.
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Music
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The sound of music will fill the air during this festival. Great local and regional talents will be joining us at a wide array of venues from music on the lawn on Friday at the Festival Headquarters to lunch at Williams Wharf and an outdoor concert in downtown Mathews on Saturday night.
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Food
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We pride ourselves in feeding our participants well.
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Start off the festival with our Fiesta Dinner on the lawn at Festival Headquarters (purchase tickets at registration) while you listen to live music or hop on over to the pig roast by Bay School for the Arts (5:30 - 7pm, $5.00 donation)
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Grab a hearty breakfast on Saturday at headquarters (purchase tickets at registration) and Sunday at Westville Christian Church.
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Either lunch or a snack is provided for registered riders depending on the type of ride you register to take part in.
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Celebrate the conclusion of a fun day of activity with dinner, drinks, and dessert in Mathews while you enjoy the outdoor concert. For full details on meals, what's included and what is a separate purchase option visit our food Page
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Lodging
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Participants can choose to camp free, camp with our "Sherpa", or choose one of the local homes that offer home hosting or a beautiful bed and breakfast. Hotel lodging is also available in nearby communities. Visit our accommodations page for details.
Learn More About Mathews
