Editor, Gazette-Journal:

As director of the Tour de Chesapeake, I would like to thank the many volunteers and organizations who took part in this 18th annual event, as well as the Mathews Visitor Center and Mathews Land Conservancy who have supported and encouraged this event for many years. This event financially benefits over 40 local civic and nonprofit organizations, churches, and tourism-related and general businesses in Mathews.

Even though Mother Nature did not cooperate and we had very few cyclists actually cycling, we had many visitors here for the weekend and the event went off without a hitch. From the rest stops to the food to the entertainment to the activities provided, the cyclists couldn’t have had better. From the safety teams to the signage teams to the monitors, the cyclists couldn’t have been safer! From Tent City to the home hosts to the B&Bs to the Cottage Program, the cyclists couldn’t have been more comfortable and welcome.

Cleo Hayes, B...