The gentle landscape of the Delmarva Peninsula, that spit of land that separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Chesapeake Bay, makes it the perfect destination for cyclists. Why? Because it is just about as flat a place as exists.
Flat is good, so long as you prefer scenery and long, crab-centric meals to endurance-testing workouts.
In Delmarva—named for the three states in the region, Delaware, Maryland, and
Virginia—wildlife and green spaces abound. Migratory birds, in particular, are
attracted to its miles of waterways, making the peninsula a major stop on the Atlantic Flyway.
For human travelers, Delmarva, often called the Eastern Shore, has dozens of welcoming towns steeped in U.S. history and boasting unique architecture.
STEP ONE
Plot a Course
Narrow your options with a guide to Delmarva's miles of bike routes. At least one guidebook, Twenty-Five Bicycle Tours on Delmarva, focuses on cycling the backcountry.
An excellent all-around resource is Spokes magazine, which covers bicycle touring in the mid-Atlantic region (+1 301 846 0326).
Several government offices also have maps available.
The Maryland State Highway Administration's Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator (www.sha.state.md.us/exploremd/bicyclists/OPPE/bicyclists.asp) and the Delaware Department of Transportation (www.deldot.net/index.shtml) have free maps of biking trails across the state.
The Virginia Department of Transportation's State Bicycle and Pedestrian Program offers county maps of bike trails for a small fee (www.vdot.virginia.gov/programs/bk-proginfo.asp).
STEP TWO
Consider Some Top Spots
Dorchester County in Maryland is famous for its biking trails. Cambridge, the county's biggest town, is a good stop for history buffs. The colonial city boasts many small museums, including one devoted to Harriet Tubman of Underground Railroad fame (+1 410 228 0401) and another to the craft of wooden boat making in the Chesapeake region (The Richardson Museum, +1 410 228 3323).
Twelve miles (19 kilometers) south of Cambridge is Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, a major stop on the Atlantic Flyway. Birders can spot up to 250 species of birds in these tidal wetlands. The refuge's most famous residents are its approximately 150 bald eagles, which nest in Blackwater in winter.
Another favored spot is the beachy barrier islands of Chincoteague and Assateague—famous for their bands of wild ponies—on the far southeastern end of the peninsula. Both islands have miles of biking trails, including a loop through Chincoteague Island National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore. No cars are allowed on the paved loop, where it is common to see dozens of ponies and also birds and deer.
STEP THREE
Steer Clear of Summer
Delmarva is known for steamy summer days, which can make biking an ordeal. If you're heading out in July and August, start early, finish before noon, and take precautions against heatstroke: Drink lots of water, avoid alcohol, and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
More forgiving temperatures make fall and spring better options. Plus, the fall foliage and spring blooms only enhance Delmarva's wild spaces.
STEP FOUR
Gear Up
Even casual cyclists should wear safety gear. Helmets and padded cycling gloves are a must. The gloves serve two purposes: buffering road shock while you ride and minimizing abrasions in case of a fall.
Use a rearview mirror to check for cars. Also, wear light colors and put reflective tape on your helmet if you will be riding after dark.
Be sure to have a bike pump and other tools to repair flats.
If you don't know basic bike repair, consider taking a course before heading out. To find your local bike club, which may offer repair lessons, check the Bike Clubs in the U.S.A. Web sites (www.geocities.com/Colosseum/6213/ and www.peteandedbooks.com/bclubs.htm).
STEP FIVE
Weather It
Though most riders will not struggle on the flat terrain in Delmarva, there are some potential pitfalls to consider.
On average, the area receives heavy rainfalls, so be prepared for rain in any season. In other words, bring rain gear and know your comfort level with slick pavement.
The other potential problem is wind. It is not constant, but it can come in strong from the south on some days.
STEP SIX
Get There
The Delmarva Peninsula is accessible from both Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland. Four major airports serve the region: Baltimore/Washington International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport.
Each of these airports has branches of several major rental-car companies.
-Hope Hamashige
Photograph by Cameron Davidson/Getty Images
