The Season for Spinning

Yes, the election is only six weeks away, and spin doctors are pedaling in overdrive about their candidates.  But a different kind of spinning gets our adrendline pumping in Maryland every fall.

I always look forward to this edition of Spokes Magazine because it features so many major cycling competitions, fund-raising rides and fun tours that take place throughout Maryland.  This issue was chock full of news about the first successful Tour de Frederick, certain to be come an annual event in the historic piedmont region.

However, the feature article was about the upcoming Seagull Century which originated 21 years ago as a function of the Salisbury State Bicycle Club.  From the first outing with 68 riders, the Century has grown to the largest bicycle event in the Mid-Atlantic region.  It is on track to exceed the 8,300 registered riders who participated last year.

As a three day event, the Century has significant economic impact in addition to being a rally for cycling enthusiasts.  As a "ride" and not necessarily a race (although there is determined competition among some teams who participate) the Century attracts cyclists of all skill levels to Maryland's Eastern Shore.  It also fills hotel rooms all the way to Ocean City.

Because of the growth of the race, an additional route is being added this year to prevent overcrowding and to give riders another slice of Eastern Shore hospitality.

The St. Mary's Century takes place next weekend, starting and finishing in Leonardstown at the College of Southern Maryland.  Formerly known as the Amish 100, this 21st annual ride sponsored by Patuxent Velo offers the traditional century (100 miles) plus a 62 mile or 35 mile course. 

The routes take riders through the scenic peninsula along the river and bay and farmland of Southern Maryland.

Like the Seagull, the St. Mary's event is considered a tourist boon because of all the overnight visitors it brings to enjoy Maryland hospitality.

Leafing through the pages of Spokes, I was very encouraged to see how many Maryland counties had display ads touting their cycling appeal.  Talbot County, which dedicated six heritage bicycle trails last year, portrayed the beauty of the trails and countryside in a colorful collage.  Dorchester County, the "Heart of the Chesapeake" showed cyclists enjoying a trail ride along a tidal basin.  Caroline County offered their free cycling guide with 11 bike routes through picturesque small towns, while Worcester promoted their View Trail 100, encouraging visitors to explore the beach and countryside.

Fall is definitely the time to pedal around Maryland, whether you enjoy the challenging grades of the mountains, or the gentle roll of the seaside trails.  The competitions are fun and exhilarating, but the everyday outings with family and friends remind you how much our state has to offer in outdoor recreation facilities.

Check out these sites to plan your next adventure, get some exercise, or simply explore Maryland.

AND SPEAKING OF CYCLING,  Terry is still working on that proposed "Tour de Maryland" at a future date.  There should be more to report in a few months.

Flacco Pulls Through for. . . . Shorebirds?

That's right.  The word from the Shore is that first baseman Mike Flacco (younger brother of You Know Who) went three for three last night against the Lakewood Blue Claws and drove in the winning run.

Team Terry just visited the Shore and paid a visit to Perdue Stadium, home of the Delmarva Shorebirds, and were very impressed by the attractive multi-use stadium in Salisbury.

Minor league ball is a big draw in Maryland.  Not only do we have nice community stadiums that offer families the opportunity to see the Orioles of Tomorrow in an affordable setting, but the teams themselves have interesting promotions that make them even more fun to attend.

This week, the Frederick Keys are continuing their  local celebrity bobblehead series as Bryan Voltaggio, chef of Volt in downtown Frederick, will be featured with the first 1,000 fans receiving the bobblehead giveaway tomorrow.  Voltaggio gained national recognition as a finalist on the Top Chef reality series, a competition which his brother eventually won.

Volt will also run a concession stand that will raise money for the charity Share Our Strength that night.

So whether it's in Frederick, Hagerstown, Waldorf, Bowie, or Aberdeen, the minors of Maryland have major impact on quality of life and tourism.  And they are great facilities for a multitude of events that bring economic dollars to Maryland.

Team Terry on Tour -- Explore the Shore

Next week tout le Team Terry will be crossing the bridge to check out the natural resources and facilities that comprise the Eastern Shore sports scene.

Our primary destination is Somerset County, home of the Somer's Cove Marina in Crisfield -- largest state-owned marina in Maryland.  It is also a popular venue for public events and maritime activities like fishing tournaments and boat docking competitions.

(Boat docking contests among the watermen is somewhat like rodeos are to cowboys.  It's the opportunity to establish supremacy working the tools of the trade, and it's something to behold.  Virtually all maritime festivals and celebrations feature boat docking contests and they are real crowd pleasers.)

But I digress.  This trip will give Team Terry the opportunity to see some real gems in our state park system, like Janes Island, which has some of the best water trails in Maryland.  Tweety and Blogue are planning a little kayaking adventure there.

Hopefully, we'll have time to follow the Old Indian Trail (one of Maryland's Scenic Byways) to Assateague Island in Worcester, where the flat terrain, beautiful wetlands and ubiquitous wild ponies make it a favorite for recreational cyclists.

We know there's a lot of sports and recreation facilities to see on Maryland's southern Eastern Shore and our itinerary is still up in the air.  But look for it on the blog next week.

Touting de Tours

This is the week Terry and representatives from Medalist Sports will meet in Annapolis to determine the level of support for staging a week-long, statewide Tour de Maryland in 2012.  Terry invited tourism representatives from every jurisdiction, because an event of this magnitude brings visitors from all over.  It cannot happen without support from local governments to assist with logistics, either.

And yes, while corporate support is the lifeblood of any professional event, the place where the gears shift and the tread hits the trail is with the fans and cycling community.  This is where the outreach occurs and the volunteer base germinates.  Fortunately, Maryland has a thriving network of clubs, activities and events that will only be enhanced by the presence of a high profile, multi tiered event like Tour de Maryland.

The cycling community has many components, from the folks who use it as basic transportation to the daredevils who push the envelope with tricks and obstacle courses to the environmentalists who enjoy the experience of the many natural resources Maryland has to offer, to the fitness buffs who compete in triathlons and other challenges.

A large scale professional race like a Tour de Maryland taps into all these enthusiasts.  It gives them a platform to advocate cyling issues and draw attention to local businesses and resources that support bicycling.  It also includes them in the festivities and attractions in a festival atmosphere.

A good regional example of this model is the recent BikeJam in Baltimore.  I went last year and saw the professionals as they whizzed through Patterson Park in a day-glo colored blur.   Reminded me of a psychedelic poster I had in my dorm room.  But the races were only one of the attractions.  There were recreational rides, seminars on health and safety, and demonstrations of trick riding.

There are other bicycle events in the coming months that focus more on recreation, health, and fitness.  Tour Dem Parks, Hon in Baltimore began eight years ago as a way to showcase the newly opened Gwynns Falls Trail.  It has expanded over the years to include four different routes.  The 14 mile family ride (that's the one I did,) a 25 mile that adds Druid Hill Park, a 35 mile which includes even more of Baltimore, and a metric century (64 miles) that extends to Patapsco State Park.

You can tell who's there for the long haul.  They show up in matching spandex and sunglass ensembles.  They are either part of a racing team or a triathlon training program.  And they carry more water than a camel.

The event has grown every year.  In 2009, more than 1,000 participated.  Even more are expected this June 13.

Because almost all the courses take riders through the Camden Yards complex, this is a good way to learn how bicycle-friendly and easily accessible the stadiums are.  This year, a large map of the Gwynns Falls Trail and Baltimore will be in place at the corner of Warner and Ostend.  This will remind all our visitors just how convenient we are to downtown and the public/alternative transportation routes.

The inaugural Tour de Frederick is a little more ambitious, lasting the weekend of August 13-15 and giving participants the opportunity to take in the piedmont experience with trips to the ballpark and museums. (Can you see the tourism factor now?)

In October, the Sea Gull Century is planning its 22nd annual event, beginning and ending at Salisbury University and taking in many of the sights of Maryland's Eastern Shore.  Last year, more than 6,000 participated.

So you can already see how well the bicycle community is organized in three major regions of Maryland with entirely different demographics.  Just imagine an event that would showcase the entire state's bicycle community and enhance the many resources and activities we already have.

We'll find out a lot more of what is possible and what needs to be done to make this happen in Maryland.

If you are part of the cycling or tourism communities and want to learn more about this informational meeting, blip Tweety at info@marylandsports.us.

Wow of a Weekend!

We have an abundance of riches here in Chesapeake Country.  There are sports events celebrating our natural resources as well as our cultural history and heritage.  From the boxing ring in Salisbury to the ice rink in Laurel, there are spectator sports and recreational tournaments.  Let's take a look at what's happening in Maryland this weekend.

OPENING DAY OF TROPHY ROCKFISH SEASON, April 17.

If you think you were gnashing your teeth during all those blizzards, you have no idea what it was like for all those outdoorsmen (and women) just waiting to board the boats and cast their lines.  Tomorrow is Opening Day of Rockfish season, and the head boats will be out at dawn. 

With all our emphasis on spectator sports and games, we tend to overlook the economic importance of the field and stream community that support the hunting and fishing industry in Maryland.  This includes marinas and lodges and all the equipment shops that service and supply them. 

Bay fishing will really take off now.  You can follow the events and learn more about the sport at Maryland Saltwater Sportsfishing Association.

On another front, Salisbury fighter Fernando Guerrero heads into the ring at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center on Friday when he defends his North American Boxing Organization interim middleweight title against Michael “The Midnight Stalker” Walker.

Guerrero is a hometown favorite, and undefeated in the middleweight ranks.  His continued success takes him out of his adopted state, so the opportunities to see him here are becoming fewer.

This is a televised event (Showtime) which we always like to see here in Maryland.  The excitement, though, is seeing it live.  Tickets are still available to get in on the action in Salisbury tonight.

An entirely different challenge will take place on the campus of St. John's College in Annapolis, where the annual St. John's-Naval Academy croquet match will take place Saturday.

For the 28th year, the Imperial Wickets of the two colleges will rally their teams on the battlefield of the third oldest college in the country.  Though separated by only a wall, the two institutions are about 180 degrees apart in philosophy and decorum. This one Saturday in April, however, they come together  for a day of croquet, dancing, and great merriment in the Historic District of Annapolis.  (And yes, there is tailgating for this event.  As I have said previously, people in Annapolis tailgate before meetings of the City Council and rallies at the State House.  It's a part of the culture.)

The croquet match is a genuine tourist attraction, and St. John's College invites all to visit.  If you go, be sure to visit the many other attractions within walking distance.  The State House, City Dock, and US Naval Academy are only a few blocks away.

Back to healthy recreational activities.  This is the weekend of the St. Charles Half-Marathon, which begins in Waldorf and incorporates the 13 mile Indian Head Rail Trail in its course.  The half-marathon is more than one event on one day.  It showcases the county's tourist attractions, which also includes Regency Furniture Stadium.

Events Saturday and Sunday will include a half marathon (13.1 miles), a 5K run/walk, one-mile fun run and a runners expo.

The half marathon is part of a 15-city nationwide series sponsored by the U.S. Runners Association, and is expected to raise at least $5,000 for the United Way of Charles County. 

This is the first of what will hopefully be an annual event and attraction for those eventers who try to do at least one race in every state every year.

(The thought of such fitness is mind-boggling, but I their commitment is admirable and financially beneficial, so let's hear it for them.)

Of course, tomorrow is also the Smart-Link "Day of Rivals" here at M&T Bank Stadium. We're expecting over 20,000 (with a few noisy guests zooming overhead.)  I was just surveying the stadium and the ESPNU guys have their festival area well underway.  I sincerely hope the weather is as beautiful tomorrow as it is right now, but no matter the elements -- we know these four teams will be down and dirty in their respective grudge matches.

In addition to the pagentry and tradition that accompanies every Army-Navy encounter, you can anticipate a hard-fought struggle between two "home" teams (Maryland and Johns Hopkins) who are both nationally ranked, and who both expect to be back in on Memorial Day.

Marylanders have a lot of action to enjoy this weekend, and quite a few visitors to welcome.  And speaking of welcome -- Terry comes back from Columbus tonight and will have all sorts of tales from the hustings to share with us over the weekend.

We'll be reporting throughout.  Tweety is heading for Waldorf; Blogue will be floating between Baltimore and Annapolis.  Stay tuned for the latest and greatest.

Wow of a Weekend

We all know Maryland is a four season state.  There is never a weekend (or day for that matter) when there isn't a happening in the world of sports.  But something about fall -- when the beach is still beckoning, the mountains splendorous, the air crisp and the temperature moderate -- brings people of all ages from all over the country to experience Maryland.

This weekend is a real challenge for Team Terry in our efforts to be everywhere on top of everything.  Today our eponymous leader was in Cabin John today for the opening of the 2010 South Atlantic Regional Figure Skating Championships, which is an early Olympic qualifier.  It's a big deal in the world of competitive skating.  Tomorrow's darlings of the ice will be skating in tournaments like this today.

On the other end of the spectrum are the bass fishermen, who will be in Smallwood State Park for their own regional championship.  No, it isn't exactly a spectator sport (unless you count the festivities at the weigh in) but fishing -- whether it be deep sea off Ocean City, wading in the Savage Creek, or on a boat in the bay -- is a big business in Maryland.

Of course, tomorrow is the Baltimore Marathon (now known as the Running Festival) which will pretty much dominate the town as 20,000 runners, friends, and family descend upon the town.  The event continues to grow in the number of participants, sponsors, and media recognition every year.

Ordinarily, that would be enough to send me scurrying to Annapolis to avoid congestion, but there is an even greater iconic event taking place there -- the first of the Annapolis Boat Shows.  While not a sporting competition, it is a can't miss activity for all those who participate in any aspect of sailing.  And yes, they come in from all over the world.  I know.  I've competed for parking against them (and those Aussies are cutthroats.)

The presence of the boat shows pretty much rules out watching the Navy game at my favorite watering hole.  Even with my son running interference, I wouldn't get close.  So it seems like a good idea to cross the bridge and look at another popular event that attracts participants from all over -- the Sea Gull Century bicycle race, in Salisbury.

Blessed with flat terrain and spectacular scenery, the Sea Gull did not take long to develop from a 68 cycle enthusiast challenge to what is recognized as the most attractive "century"  (100 mile or 100 k) race in the Mid-Atlantic area.  The University-sponsored event is now in its 21st year, with a pre-registered field of 7,800 participants and a weekend of activities for family and friends.  This is an all-inclusive event.  The oldest participant is 87, the youngest is 5.  Sounds like my kind of crowd (especially the dude on the unicycle.)

As if Salisbury won't be hopping enough, there is also a Fight Night at Perdue Stadium Saturday night, with the featured bout being a rematch between Alexis Guerrero and Rodrika Ray.

Other options for the weekend include the cyclocross in Hyattsville, tennis match in Cross Keys, and the Discovery Cup (an elite soccer tournament) at the SoccerPlex in Boyds.

Maryland is definitely the place to be.  Whatever you're interested in, it's here.  Whoever you have to drag along with you will also find something to do. (It's so thoughtful of those Century folks to have a wine tasting, concert, and kayak tours to entertain tagalongs.)

So much to do, so little time.  I hope I can talk Tweety into driving.