The third part in a series of dispatches covering Cycle Across Maryland.
Off-and-on rain hit the 18th Annual Cycle Across Maryland on Friday, not that it was a bad thing.
As the ride entered its second day and amateur bicyclists took on the first serious distances of the four-day event on the Eastern Shore, early morning humidity gave way to showers.
But when the downpour hit the first wave at about the 40-mile mark, it was a welcome relief.
“I don?t mind a little rain,” smiled John Kurpjuweit, of Anne Arundel County.
The longest trek offered was a 78-mile spin that left the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, the hub of this year?s tour, and led cyclists east past soybean and corn fields and the Wicomico Equestrian Center.
Tandem bike riders Kathy and Jim Wesloh, of Columbia, were pedaling together in their 10th Cycle Across Maryland and took on the 78-mile journey with an eye at the triple-digit ride Saturday.
“I don?t have to worry about the map, gears or anything, and I can look around and enjoy everything,” said Kathy Wesloh.
“She?s pushing to do the century [mark] tomorrow,” said Jim Wesloh. “I guess we?re going to attempt it.”
Three shorter rides are also offered Saturday, but Washington?s Greg Diamond, who raised $5,100 for Food and Friends, a D.C.-based nonprofit that also serves Maryland, as part of his participation, will tackle the 100-mile challenge to honor a friend who recently died of an AIDS-related illness.
“That?s my motivation this year,” Diamond said. “I?m going to keep him in the front of my mind. I?ll persevere.”
