DOVER — The roads zigzagging through the Amish area in western Kent County will be filled with an anticipated 2,000-plus cyclists Saturday.
The 38th annual Amish Country Bike Tour is not a race, organizers say, but a chance for participants of all ages and skill levels to take in the scenery and baked treats offered up along the way.
There were a record 3,000-plus attendees two years ago.
“We welcome riders from all over the mid-Atlantic region to enjoy a truly peaceful and scenic bicycle tour across western Kent County, while rewarding themselves with freshly baked pie,” said tour coordinator Ryan Kennedy.
“There’s a special bond between returning riders and volunteers, making this event a true labor of love and one of Delaware’s most popular annual events.”
The journey starts and finishes at Legislative Mall and offers routes spanning 16, 25, 50, 62 and 100 miles.
The noncompetitive rides will get underway at 7 a.m. with the 100-mile riders and will continue with departures until 9:30 a.m.
To promote safety and ensure that rest stops are not overwhelmed, the starts will be staggered and include police escorts. This will enable everyone to finish around the same time, when the food and entertainment begin.
Packet pickups and registration will be available Friday from 4-7:30 p.m. and resume Saturday before 6 a.m. Advance registration can be completed at amishcountrybiketour.com.
This gathering offers one amenity cyclists won’t find anywhere else: Fresh, locally baked pie is served at the Amish schoolhouse on Rose Valley School Road, where every rider can stop.
Plus, there will be up to five rest areas available — depending on the distance chosen — with healthy snacks and beverages. Besides the schoolhouse, they are Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hartly, Harvest Ridge Winery in Marydel, Painted Stave Distilling in Smyrna and Felton Little League.
When the cyclists return to Legislative Mall, they will be greeted with a family-friendly after-party. Lunch and beverages are included for riders, provided by various on-site food trucks until 5 p.m.
In addition, music is planned from local band Glass Onion, as well as a DJ, vendors and other activities for tour participants and visitors.
Then, on Sunday, Bike Delaware volunteers are offering free “club rides” to tour riders who want to enjoy a full weekend of cycling.
They will explore additional scenic areas of Kent County, such as Dover Motor Speedway’s Monster Mile, the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover and another visit to Harvest Ridge Winery.
On both days, participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with bicycle laws, as roads will not be closed to vehicular traffic.
And, once again this year, signs early on the route will indicate the “Mile of Silence” in memory of Larry Yarbray, who was killed in a collision during the 2022 tour, as well as other cyclists who have died on the roads.
“Riders who take part in observing this recognition tell us that they appreciate the reminder and the quiet as they participate,” organizers noted on social media.
Staff writer Mike Finney can be reached at 302-741-8230 or mfinney@iniusa.org.
Follow @MikeFinneyDSN on X.
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