Cycling on the Eastern Shore: Kent County Spring Fling (KCSF) Celebrates 35 years

It is a classic.  It is a gem.  The KCSF celebrated its 35th year with outstanding cycling, socializing, and much more.  Centered at Washington College, in historic Chestertown, MD, this event was a thoroughly fun weekend.  Rides from 11-109 miles may have spread cyclists out, but all were united in the joys of pedaling in this scenic region—where osprey soar overhead, sea craft nestle along the Chester River, and bathers enjoy the picturesque beach in Betterton.
A little event history:  In 1983, Judy Getz, Charles Tully, and Jim Gent had the idea to organize a bike weekend on the Eastern Shore–and the Spring Fling was born.  The time was always Memorial day, to coincide with Chestertown’s Tea Party Festival—a glorious event with living history, music, vendors, and much more.  KCSF has evolved through the decades and has drawn thousands of cyclists to this area of natural beauty and to the historic town of Chestertown.

KCSF has a ride for everyone!  Pick your mileage, your destination and go.  Some were up for the 100 + miles with Linda M. and her small but hearty crew who road through Galena, Chesapeake City, into Delaware, and back!  Others cruised to Rock Hall (34/47 miles) for lunch at the Waterman’s and an easy cycle down to the Eastern Wildlife Refuge to gaze at the majestic birds taking flight.  A ride to Centerville—and lunch on the square (55 miles)--along scenic back roads delighted all who made the journey.  A Betterton Beach ride (30 miles) was popular, with lunch at Barbara’s on the Bay—to enjoy delicious fare on the patio overlooking the water.  Quiet roads, gentle terrain, water views, small hamlets--great territory for cycling-- and over 20 ride options (and combinations) made for a cycling bonanza.  Hope you were there!
It’s more than the bike:   Cyclists love to have a good time—on and off the bike.  This weekend provided so much fun stuff it was hard to keep up.  Delicious, all-you-can-eat, meals at Hodson Hall satisfied the hungriest rider.  Dinners, with wine served each evening, included carved beef, broiled tilapia, pesto pollock, lasagna, sautéed salmon, an elaborate salad bar and much more.  Friday evening was topped off by an ice cream social, and Saturday evening concluded with a wonderful cordial/dessert party followed by live bluegrass music and square dancing—honor your partner, honor your corner!  DJ music and dancing (drinks & snacks) on Sunday evening kept our aerobics and spirits up.  With so many things to do, many cyclists still managed to enjoy the town Tea Party Festival—with living history and re-enactments, live music, crafts, food, and the ever-popular “crazy boat race” on Sunday.

35th Anniversary give-aways:  We wanted to make this milestone year special, and we did.  Bob Carson (committee chair) did the honors in Martha Washington Square, on Sat evening when he began calling names of the lucky winners of 10, $35 gift cards from Performance Bicycle and other bike-related gifts donated by Larry Black.  In addition, we honored this year with a delicious anniversary cake—BBC logo and all, at the cordial party.  We all were winners of that anniversary treat!

 
POSTSCRIPT:  Thanks to all of you for making this year’s KCSF a truly memorable event. We hope to continue this beautiful tradition—a BBC-sponsored cycling weekend on the Eastern Shore—for many years to come.  We can’t do it without your enthusiasm and support!  Thanks to Bob Carson and the committee for all their efforts.   Hope you will join us next year!

Evie Reinsel
On behalf of the KCSF committee