(May 11, 2017) The seventh annual Iron Furnace Fifty charity bike ride provides pedal enthusiasts an opportunity to explore rural roads throughout the Lower Eastern Shore, while simultaneously supporting the Furnace Town Living Heritage Village in Snow Hill.
The fun ride will take place this Saturday at 8 a.m., starting the Furnace Town Village on 3816 Old Furnace Road. Same-day registration begins at 7 a.m. and costs $65.
Patrick Rofe, Furnace Town executive director, said this year’s event is expected to draw up to 300 riders and has attracted a larger crowd each year.
“The money raised … supports Furnace Town’s educational interpretive program and the Rotary Club of Snow Hill’s scholarship program,” he said. “The Iron Furnace Fifty is our largest fundraiser and continues to grow.”
Participants can take their pick of routes totaling 50 miles, 50 kilometers, or even 100 kilometers in distance.
Regardless of which path riders choose, Rofe said all would be provided with a tasty treat.
“This year we made sure all the routes take you to the pit-stop at Chesapeake Bay Farms Dairy where you’ll get a free sample of ice cream,” he said.
In addition, each course will have a trio of stops where riders can find water, fruit, snacks and restroom facilities.
Billed as a “flat, fast and fun” ride, Rofe said participants typically rave about the scenic views as they wind through the Pocomoke Forest and area farmlands.
“The riders … tell us they like the ride because it’s flat and all the routes take you through some beautiful rural areas of the Lower Eastern Shore,” he said.
Afterwards, bicyclists will receive a complimentary fried chicken picnic lunch with all the fixings, which Rofe said is not to be missed.
The post-ride feast will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the entire event winding down at roughly 2 p.m.
“The fried chicken lunch is always a big hit,” he said.
In light of long distance riders’ heightened hydration requirements, drinks will be provided, including beer for those of legal drinking age, as well as water and soft drinks.
Rofe said an additional perk for participants is free admission to Furnace Town.
“Furnace Town is great place for the family to visit,” he said. “You step back in time as you walk through the village and visit with our artisans in our historic buildings.”
For those interested in a more hands-on experience, Rofe said classes are available in a variety of period disciplines.
“Now we’re passing along these cultural traditions of 19th-century life by offering classes from our artisans in the Furnace Town Folk School,” he said.
For more information on new and upcoming classes, visit www.furnacetown.org.
The fun ride will take place this Saturday at 8 a.m., starting the Furnace Town Village on 3816 Old Furnace Road. Same-day registration begins at 7 a.m. and costs $65.
Patrick Rofe, Furnace Town executive director, said this year’s event is expected to draw up to 300 riders and has attracted a larger crowd each year.
“The money raised … supports Furnace Town’s educational interpretive program and the Rotary Club of Snow Hill’s scholarship program,” he said. “The Iron Furnace Fifty is our largest fundraiser and continues to grow.”
Participants can take their pick of routes totaling 50 miles, 50 kilometers, or even 100 kilometers in distance.
Regardless of which path riders choose, Rofe said all would be provided with a tasty treat.
“This year we made sure all the routes take you to the pit-stop at Chesapeake Bay Farms Dairy where you’ll get a free sample of ice cream,” he said.
In addition, each course will have a trio of stops where riders can find water, fruit, snacks and restroom facilities.
Billed as a “flat, fast and fun” ride, Rofe said participants typically rave about the scenic views as they wind through the Pocomoke Forest and area farmlands.
“The riders … tell us they like the ride because it’s flat and all the routes take you through some beautiful rural areas of the Lower Eastern Shore,” he said.
Afterwards, bicyclists will receive a complimentary fried chicken picnic lunch with all the fixings, which Rofe said is not to be missed.
The post-ride feast will begin at 10:30 a.m. with the entire event winding down at roughly 2 p.m.
“The fried chicken lunch is always a big hit,” he said.
In light of long distance riders’ heightened hydration requirements, drinks will be provided, including beer for those of legal drinking age, as well as water and soft drinks.
Rofe said an additional perk for participants is free admission to Furnace Town.
“Furnace Town is great place for the family to visit,” he said. “You step back in time as you walk through the village and visit with our artisans in our historic buildings.”
For those interested in a more hands-on experience, Rofe said classes are available in a variety of period disciplines.
“Now we’re passing along these cultural traditions of 19th-century life by offering classes from our artisans in the Furnace Town Folk School,” he said.
For more information on new and upcoming classes, visit www.furnacetown.org.