More than 700 cyclists are expected this weekend in Mathews at the 12th annual Bikes, Bands and the Bay Festival.

Registration for the main event begins at 4 p.m. Friday at Thomas Hunter Middle School. The event was formerly called the Tour de Chesapeake.

On Friday evening, there will be a bike safety rodeo, sponsored by the Mathews County Sheriff’s Office, Mathews Family YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club of Mathews. The free rodeo for children will take place at the Boys and Girls Club, with participants completing the course receiving free helmets.

Also on Friday evening, the Bay School Community Arts Center on Main Street will host its annual pig roast. It’s a free event, with a $5 suggested donation. Call 725-1278 for more information.

Cycling routes for the weekend’s main event open at 8 a.m. Saturday. "Routes go from Mobjack to Gwynn’s Island to New Point and all points in between," said Lynda Smith Greve, local coordinator.

There will be a four-mile family ride Saturday starting from Thomas Hunter Middle School at 9:30 a.m. It will be led and followed by auxiliary members of the Mathews County Sheriff’s Office.

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