Sea Gull Century Welcomes 6,600 Participants" 

SALISBURY, MD---Decorative flags will once again be on display throughout Salisbury celebrating the East Coast’s biggest cycling event, the 100-mile Sea Gull Century. Started 12 years ago as a challenge among friends, this year’s ride on Saturday, October 14, welcomes some 6,600 participants from throughout the country.

Eastern Shore scenery, from calm woods along the Pocomoke River to picturesque ponies at Assateague Island, has proven a powerful magnet for bicycling enthusiasts. The Sea Gull Century draws riders from as far away as California, Washington, Texas, Rhode Island, Canada and England. The League of American Bicyclists named it one of three Century Challenge Winners in 1997, and Bicycling magazine has named it one of the Top 10 rides in the country for the scenery, route and organization.

Many area motels and hotels have been booked for months, and cyclists will stay as far away as Easton, Ocean City and Dover. Marketing studies indicate that Century riders will bring $1.5 million into the local economy, some of which will be re-spent locally for a total economic impact of $2.5 million.

For information on the Sea Gull Century, call 410-548-2772 or check out the following Web site: www.seagullcentury.org.