Cyclists from around the state and beyond will come to Mathews next month to take part in the 16th annual Tour de Chesapeake, which will be held on May 16-18 along the byways and highways of the county.

Mathews County is teaming up with the Mathews Visitor and Information Center and the Mathews Land Conservancy to host the annual event. Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, Diana Burton of IsaBell K. Horsley Real Estate, Chesapeake Bank, and the Mathews Industrial Development Authority have signed on as sponsors.

The county will welcome cyclists on the evening of Friday, May 16, for check-in and registration at Thomas Hunter Middle School. The supported ride will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the following day. The ride includes maps, route signage, SAG (safety vehicles) and fully-stocked rest stops.

Cyclists will once again be able to participate in the Poker Pedal, which benefits the Mathews Boys and Girls Club’s Summer Garden.

There are four concise routes throughout the county each starting at Thomas Hunter School, which serves as event headquarters. The routes take cyclists to Mobjack, Bethel Beach, New Point Lighthouse and, new this year, Redart and the Glebe area of Mathews, totaling more than 80 miles.

A hot breakfast will be served at THMS on Saturday and box lunches by the White Dog Bistro will be offered at Williams Wharf. Neck and shoulder massages will be available at THMS in the afternoon as well as a free post-ride dessert from 1-5 p.m.

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