(May 12, 2016) Jeff Bacon, sponsor chairman of the Iron Furnace 50 bike ride through the back roads just north of Snow Hill, doesn’t think people-watchers will get a whole lot out of the upcoming event.
“You’re probably going to see more deer and turkeys than people,” he said.
The Iron Furnace 50 offers three courses: a 50-kilometer ride (31 miles), a 50-mile course (80.5 kilometers) and a 100-kilometer (62 miles) trek, mostly through the flat backcountry near the Pocomoke State Forest.
Bacon said the rain-or-shine event will begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday and same-day registration is available. Furnace Town is north of Snow Hill on Old Furnace Road, of Route 12. The cost to participate is $50, and as the event is a joint production of the Snow Hill Rotary Club and Furnace Town, proceeds will be split between the groups.
Bacon said the Rotary Club would use the raised money to fund their scholarship programs, while the historic landmark will use its share to help pay for educational programs aimed at local students.
Those opting in at the starting gate will receive event T-shirts on a first come, first served basis, Bacon said, and an invitation to the luncheon following the ride. Those who registered early will receive a discount on admission and a guaranteed shirt.
“The registration process ensures we have enough for everybody,” Bacon said.
“We’ll have fried chicken, pasta salad, desserts plus soft drinks and beer, for those aged 21 and over.”
Which is practically everyone registered at this point, Bacon said, because most of the rider registrations he’s seen are for people aged 40 and over, with the oldest registered participant clocking in at 78.
“The course is relatively flat and winds through the forest and rural farmland. It’s a nice way to get out and experience harmony with nature. Ride at your own pace — this isn’t a race,” he said.
Along the course, three rest stops will offer drinks, snacks and treats.
“Chesapeake Bay Farms is sponsoring one of the stops, and they will have free ice cream at their stop. For me, that’s worth it right there,” he said.
Right now, Bacon said there were 140 registered participants, but he expects that number to swell to more than 200 by race day.
For more information or to register, visit www.ironfurnacefifty.org.
“You’re probably going to see more deer and turkeys than people,” he said.
The Iron Furnace 50 offers three courses: a 50-kilometer ride (31 miles), a 50-mile course (80.5 kilometers) and a 100-kilometer (62 miles) trek, mostly through the flat backcountry near the Pocomoke State Forest.
Bacon said the rain-or-shine event will begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday and same-day registration is available. Furnace Town is north of Snow Hill on Old Furnace Road, of Route 12. The cost to participate is $50, and as the event is a joint production of the Snow Hill Rotary Club and Furnace Town, proceeds will be split between the groups.
Bacon said the Rotary Club would use the raised money to fund their scholarship programs, while the historic landmark will use its share to help pay for educational programs aimed at local students.
Those opting in at the starting gate will receive event T-shirts on a first come, first served basis, Bacon said, and an invitation to the luncheon following the ride. Those who registered early will receive a discount on admission and a guaranteed shirt.
“The registration process ensures we have enough for everybody,” Bacon said.
“We’ll have fried chicken, pasta salad, desserts plus soft drinks and beer, for those aged 21 and over.”
Which is practically everyone registered at this point, Bacon said, because most of the rider registrations he’s seen are for people aged 40 and over, with the oldest registered participant clocking in at 78.
“The course is relatively flat and winds through the forest and rural farmland. It’s a nice way to get out and experience harmony with nature. Ride at your own pace — this isn’t a race,” he said.
Along the course, three rest stops will offer drinks, snacks and treats.
“Chesapeake Bay Farms is sponsoring one of the stops, and they will have free ice cream at their stop. For me, that’s worth it right there,” he said.
Right now, Bacon said there were 140 registered participants, but he expects that number to swell to more than 200 by race day.
For more information or to register, visit www.ironfurnacefifty.org.