Century, Metric-Century, and Family Bike Rides in 2022
Nothing says, “Get Training,” like signing up for a “Century” (100 miles) or “Metric Century” (62 miles) bike ride as an incentive to start peddling. New to cycling? Most of these annual cycling rides also have shorter routes.
The rides listed are all fundraisers and they have a fee. But that means they’ll be watching out for you with people available to repair bikes or pick you up in emergencies. Usually, they’ll have rest stops with energy snacks and water.
It’s cheaper the earlier you register. I’ve waited until the day of to register because I wanted to check the weather first, but be aware that some don’t allow that. Check the rules.
For fun cycling routes to train on, check out our “Cycling” page.
APRIL
Positive Strides Spring Classic
EASTON, MD – Cyclists start in Easton and can participate in a 25, 50 or 62-mile ride along some of the most scenic, and very flat, routes in Talbot County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
APRIL 9
Cost: $55
End Hunger Bike Ride
HUNTINGTOWN, MD – Ride the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay along the bay-front, marina, farmland and wineries. Routes ranging from 16 miles to a metric century.
APRIL 23
Cost: $39 to $49
Bikes and Beers: Smoketown Brewing
FREDERICK, MD – A 15, 30, and 50-Mile ride departing from Smoketown Brewing and traveling through the moderately hilly Frederick area.
APRIL 23
Cost: $75
Ocean to Bay Bike Tour
BETHANY BEACH, DE – Delaware’s Atlantic Ocean shores to Delaware Bay. Cyclists of all levels tour past beautiful beaches, bays, and farmland with 30-, 50-, metric century, and century rides on flat terrain
APRIL 29
Cost: $65 – $75, no day of registration
MAY
Six Pillars Century Blackwater Tour
CAMBRIDGE, MD – This ride through Blackwater Wildlife Refuge has three flat routes: 37-, 56-, or 100-miles.
MAY 7
Cost: $70
Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race
BALTIMORE – Kinetic Sculptures are amphibious, human powered works of art custom built for the race. The race covers 15 miles and cyclists follow along to watch the challenges along the obstacle course.
MAY 7
Cost: Free
Maryland Coast Bike Festival
OCEAN CITY, MD – Three bike routes to explore Maryland’s scenic coastal region: 18.5 miles to Assateague Island, 38 miles through Maryland’s Coastal backcountry, Metric Century to Assateague Island and through backcountry.
MAY 7
Cost: $35, $55 & $65, depending on which ride
C3 Tri-County Classic
EASTON, MD – This tour of Talbot, Queen Anne’s, and Caroline Counties, in the heart of Maryland’s Eastern Shore as two rides: 37.3 Miles or 66.2 Miles. Includes free one-way passage on the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry!
MAY 14
Cost: $50
Tour De Chesapeake
MATHEWS, VA – Scenic cycling with flat routes and views of the water, local eats, toe-tapping music located on Virginia’s Middle Peninsula. Multiple route choices and free onsite campaigning available.
MAY 21
Cost: $40, lower for children & early registration
JUNE
Tour de Talbot
EASTON, MD – Ride throughout Talbot County, one of the most scenic cycling areas on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Those among a 30-, 40-, or 62.5-mile (metric century) ride. It starts at the Easton fire hall.
JUNE 4
Cost: $25 without t-shirt, $50 with t-shirt
Bikes and Beer: Union Craft Brewing
BALTIMORE – Union Craft Brewing hosts this 15, 30 and 50-mile ride through Baltimore on bike trails in parks and parkways snaking throughout the city, with some routes along historic neighborhood streets.
JUNE 4
Cost: $80 for shorter rides, $90 for longer rides
Bay to Bay Ride
BETTERTON, MD – The tour consists of five routes between 26 and 102 miles in length. The flat loop routes take in the scenery of the heartland of the Upper Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware including farmlands, old country homes, quaint towns, and great country stores
JUNE 26
Cost: $50, cheaper if buy early
JULY
Heart of the Chesapeake Bike Tour
CAMBRIDGE, MD – Ride through Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and Vienna, MD, on the Nanticoke River. Rides: 65 miles, 52 miles or 32 miles.
JULY 23
Cost: approx. $60
Bike to the Beach
WASHINGTON, DC & BALTIMORE – Groups start from either DC or Baltimore and ride to Dewey Beach, Delaware, then take a bus back after the 100 mile ride. Hugely popular ride.
JULY 29
Cost: $50-$500 depending on which level you choose
August
Tour de Frederick
FREDERICK, MD – Ride scenic Frederick County through farmland, covered bridge and historic towns with a choice of four routes: 100-, 62-, 31-, and 10-miles. Long route goes through Catoctin Mountain Park. This is one of the few with a 10 mile ride.
AUGUST 13
Cost: $15 – $100, depending on ride. Also, cheaper if you register early.
Iron Furnace Fifty
SNOW HILL, MD – Ride through rural Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland on 50K, 50 Mile, and 100K routes among woods and farms.
AUGUST 28
Cost: about $60, cheaper with early registration
September
Civil War Century
THURMONT, MD – Five rides ranging from long and mountainous to short and rolling. The climbs range from relatively easy 970 feet to a very difficult 7,000 feet. This is limited to 1,600 riders and sells out.
SEPTEMBER 10
Cost: $70
DC Bike Ride
WASHINGTON, DC – This 20-mile ride goes past the monuments and historic sites in the nation’s capital and finishes with a festival in front of the U.S. Capitol.
SEPTEMBER 10
Cost: $60+, cheaper with early registration
Skipjack Bike Tour
DEAL ISLAND, MD – A ride across the flats of Deale Island Historic District and Deal Island State Wildlife Management Area. The ride is part of the annual Deal Island-Chance Volunteer Fire Company annual fundraiser, Skipjack Races.
SEPTEMBER 10
Cost: $30
Shorebird Metric Century
CRISFIELD, MD – The ride begins & ends at the American Legion next to the Chesapeake Bay. There are three routes: 15, 35 and 65 miles
SEPTEMBER 17
Cost: $65, cheaper with early registration
Ride for Clean Rivers
WYE MILLS, MD – Ride the beautiful back roads of Talbot and Queen Anne’s counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Choose from 20-, 35-, or 62-mile routes.
SEPTEMBER 18
Cost: TBA
October
Lifeline 100 Century Ride
MILLERSVILLE, MD – This is a ride through Anne Arundel County which includes Annapolis, Severn River, BWI and country roads. Choose 65-, 30-, and 15-miles. This can be hilly, but you’ll feel like you’re riding everywhere.
OCTOBER 2
Cost: $25-$50, depending on which ride
Seagull Century
SALISBURY, MD – Seagull is the grand finale of the Maryland cycling season. Two routes: 100 miles to Assateague State Park (the one with wild horses at the ocean) and 65 miles to Cypress Park. Limited to 5,000 riders.
OCTOBER 8
Cost: $75
