SALISBURY - The weather might not have been perfect for a bike ride, but it didn't deter determined distance cyclists from taking on the challenging 100-mile route of the Sea Gull Century, which returned to Salisbury Saturday.
Participants from all over the country flocked to Salisbury University for the tour. Two courses, a 100 mile ride, and a 62 mile ride, took cyclists all the way up to Snow Hill and down to Assateague Island.
Cyclist George Nelson, an 8 year veteran of the tour, highlighted the mental aspect of the ride, breaking it down into segments and milestones.
“Normally what you do, you get the first rest stop – then look forward to the second, then the third – which is Assateague, you’re just kind of clicking off the miles and mentally thinking about how far you can go,” said Nelson.
Some cyclists, like Rod Young from California - say the rain was no sweat.
“The weather was perfect for me, it wasn’t too hot, it wasn’t too cold, it wasn’t too windy, it was actually kind of nice,” said Young.
Event Coordinator Amy Waters says an estimated 3400 cyclists took part in the tour, and each brought their own journeys with them.
“They all ride for a different reason, whether their riding in honor of somebody, in memory of somebody, as exercise, physical fitness, it’s kind of unique to get into the dialogue of different cyclists on why they ride.” said Waters.
Young added over 140 volunteers, staff, students, and facility from Salisbury University contributed to the event running smoothly.
