Carolina Tailwinds l Chesapeake Bay 5 Day Bicycle Tour

We begin this bicycle tour in lovely Chestertown, MD.

Bike beautiful countryside on the Chesapeake Tour

Chesapeake Bay Bicycle Tour (5-Day)
A bicycling vacation of the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware

RESERVE YOUR SPOT
(click here)

Trip Highlights:

Perfect cycling conditions
along miles of undeveloped
seashore, fresh gourmet
seafood, beach-
combing and plenty of
relaxation!

2008 Tour Price:
$1275-1375/person (5-day)

2008 dates

April 20 - 25 (6-day)
April 27-May 1 (5-day)
Sept. 28 - Oct 3 (6-day)
Oct. 5 - 9 (5-day)

*Dates with an asterisk have a guest enrolled who would like a roommate match. Please call for details.

Dates in GREEN have limited space remaining. Please call a.s.a.p. if interested.

Additional dates available for
groups of 6 or more.
Call for more information.

Discount Details, Click Here!

Bike Rental Option: $100

Single occupancy room
supplement:
$375 (5-day)

For 2008, we are pleased to introduce our new 5 day version of this tour, designed to be a little more relaxed than our 6 day version. Staying exclusively on the bayside of the peninsula, we spend two nights each in Chestertown and St. Michaels. Bicycling distances are generally shorter, and more time is reserved for browsing the towns and other "off-the-bike" activities.

In a region defined by the numerous exquisite tidal rivers that drain into the Chesapeake Bay and the shimmering beauty of undeveloped seashore on the Atlantic Ocean, miles of flat coastal cycling await you. Views of rural farmland, Chesapeake Bay skipjacks and sailing craft, fishing boats, and quaint communities greet you along the way.

Day 1: We meet in Chestertown, MD at the Brampton Inn, a quiet getaway minutes away from downtown Chestertown. Arrive early to spend some time in this historic town, founded in 1706, on the banks of the Chester River. At 1:00 p.m., we will take a casual bike tour of the scenic back roads of Kent County. We are never far from the mighty Chesapeake Bay, and glimpses of its sparkling waters are numerous. We'll return to the inn for an orientation meeting over wine and cheese prior to a gourmet dinner to satisfy the appetite you built today!

Day 2: Today, we'll bike a different route in to lovely Kent County countryside, but we will also enjoy a guided kayak trip on the pristine Chester River. We'll close the day with to an authentic Maryland crab dinner.

Day 3: After a morning shuttle, we will begin our cycling a bit further south today as we bike into St. Michaels. This lovely waterfront town will charm you with its many shops and museums. Schedule permitting, a sailing excursion on the Miles River will be offered.

Day 4: Our morning shuttle today puts us in the heart of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. The quiet roads in this area allow for numerous bird-watching opportunities. Bald eagles, osprey, and numerous other birds of prey are in abundance is this wonderful national treasure.

Day 5: We will make our way back to Chestertown and Brampton Inn, where showers and a final lunch will be available.

	Lodging: Nights 1 & 2: Brampton Inn, Chestertown, MD. Located on 20 acres of woodland and gardens, the Branpton Inn has been described by the NY Times as "...meticulously restored, utterly quiet, in a pastoral setting. The perfect base for exploring the Eastern Shore." You may want to add a night here to the beginning or end or your tour.
	Nights 3 & 4: *The Old Brick Inn, St. Michaels, MD*. In the tradition of fine country inns, The Old Brick Inn offers the European charm of a boutique hotel. Whether it's Banana's Foster French Toast, Baked Eggs with Fresh Asparagus & Crab, or maybe Fresh Raspberry Crepes, you can be assured that we will be well fueled for our day's excursion.

Cycling: In both versions of this tour, the terrain is flat, making it accessible to all ability levels. Strong coastal winds sometimes present a minor challenge, but they are just as likely to propel us along our route! Along the way, observe coastal wetlands and rural farmland as we bike the scenic back roads of Maryland and Delaware. Because the route distance options are so flexible, this is one of the best tours for bicycling companions of differing riding styles.

This 5 day version offers routes of 20 - 30 miles each day on average. Opportunities to extend your miles exist daily.

Our 6 day version offers routes of 25 - 50+ miles each day (at your option). Stronger cyclists may bike over 50 miles on each day of that tour, including up to 75 on two days. Less ambitious cyclists take advantage of short cuts and "leap frog" van shuttles along the route to tailor the route to their needs.

Extend Your Vacation: Before or after our activity packed tour, you may want to tack on a few days. Perhaps in the vibrant historic district of Annapolis. Or continue your visit of the coast by driving down to the Virginia portion of the Eastern Shore to Onancock, Tangier Island, or Cape Charles. There is plenty to see and do in Maryland and eastern Virginia. We'll be happy to make suggestions for you and help with arrangements.

The Chestertown Area: There is a lot to do in and around Chestertown if you have time. Kent County offers some of the best biking on the Eastern Shore. Though we will take advantage of the southern county roads while on tour with us, the northern county roads are well worth exploration as well. We can recommend a bike route should you arrive early.

Also, Winterthur, the famous DuPont estate, is located 1.5 hours northeast of Chestertown in Delaware. The former home of Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969) is full of the most spectacular collection of American furniture and decorative arts anywhere in the world. The surrounding 60 acre estate gardens are also renowned for their breathtaking beauty.

Shoppers will enjoy downtown Chestertown's many and diverse shops in a walkable, pleasant environment. Antique shops abound in this area which is known for the nearby Crumpton Auction Sale held year round every Wednesday.

Getting to the Tour Start (Chestertown, MD):

Driving: Approximate travel time to the Brampton Inn:

Baltimore MD 1 hr. 30 min.	Annapolis MD 1 hr.	Washington DC 1 hr. 45min.
Wilmington DE 1 hr. 10 min.	Philadelphia PA 1 hr 30 min.	NY City 3 hrs. 45 min

Airports:
Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is approximately 62 miles away. It is served by most major airlines. You may want to arrive the evening prior to the tour and stay overnight in the Annapolis or Baltimore area. Airport shuttles conveniently serve both cities. We can provide a complementary shuttle from/to Annapolis, MD the first morning of the tour. Contact us for more details.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is approximately 73.5 miles away. It is served by most major airlines. Shuttle service to Chestertown can be arranged, and car rental agencies are available.

Reagan National Airport (DCA) is approximately 79 miles away. It is served by most major airlines, and car rental agencies are available.

Dulles International Airport (IAD) is approximately 106 miles away. It is served by most major airlines, and car rental agencies are available.

Ground Transit: With advance coordination, Carolina Tailwinds can provide airport shuttle from/to the Baltimore airport. Call us to coordinate timing. Otherwise, several shuttle services and car rental agencies are available. Call us for details.

Timing: Arrival time of the first day of the tour is flexible. Try to arrive no later than 12 p.m. That means a morning arrival at BWI. Departure time from Chestertown on the last day is between 1-3 p.m.

Call 888.251.3206 (local number is 336.794.1054) or click here to make your reservation today!

Hatteras Light photo courtesy of North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development

Carolina Tailwinds P.O. Box 24716 Winston-Salem, NC 27114-4716 888.251.3206 or 336.794.1054
email: info@CarolinaTailwinds.com