Members of the Eastern Shore chapter of the International Mountain Biking Association and the Fenwick Isle Bicycle Shop prepare for a bike ride. ESIMBA will cohost the Algonquest event, this weekend in Pocomoke and Ocean City.

By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(March 22, 2018) Cycling enthusiasts can ride the newest trail in the Pocomoke Forest during a new three-day bicycling event, Algonquest, March 23-25.

The Algonquin trail, which connects Worcester and Wicomico counties, begins at the Foster trailhead and ends 12.5 miles away at Milburn Landing Campground.

Friday and Saturday rides are in Pocomoke and the event moves to the Ocean City Boardwalk on Sunday.

Today, Thursday, is the final day for advanced registration, which guarantees first choice of food and discounts next year. Day-of registration is also available for all events.

Three-day passes are $50. Passes for the Friday night ride, 7-9 p.m., are $20. The cost is $20 for the daytime race on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with registration beginning at 7 a.m.

Entry for the Sunday ride along the Boardwalk is $10. The ride starts at 9 a.m. with registration beginning two hours earlier. Group entry for Sunday is $5 per person, if three or more family members are registered.

Food and beverages will be provided during scheduled events, and Get Ramped will offer a BMX and skateboarding area on Friday and Saturday. Wheel House demo bikes and fat bike demonstrations by Beach 2 Bay Bicycling are also slated for Friday and Saturday.

The Worcester County Bicycle Safety Coalition will be on hand Sunday, on the Boardwalk.

Organizer Tres Denk of the Eastern Shore chapter of the International Mountain Bicycling Association described Algonquest as “a bicycle week that will give back in advocacy for safe bicycling county wide.”

“These events are important to me because I take people for a bike ride and provide safety during the event,” he said. The events are important because bicycling is a very independent form of transportation and physical enjoyment. The folks that do it may not need help, but people that want to start need help and so the experienced riders can mentor the novice.”

Denk said the nonprofit group is planning a fundraiser and awareness event in May with the Worcester County Bicycle Safety Coalition.

For more information or to register for Algonquest, visit www.algonquest.com.