After being canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 22nd Annual Tour de Chesapeake welcomed 608 cyclists from near and far to participate in this classic Mathews event.

MELANY SLAUGHTER / GAZETTE-JOURNALBrian McCahill, at left, and Trevor Calame, also known as “Team Deanna Banana,” of Ashland take a break from cycling on a bench in front of Food Lion.

“This ride has become one of the premier cycling events in our state and we are happy to share our county for the day with so many nice folks,” event director Lynda Smith Greve said.

Cyclists began arriving on Friday and were welcomed by the Mathews County Visitor and Information Center, the Bay School Community Arts Center, and Mathews Main Street businesses.

Routes opened at 8 o’clock Saturday morning and the Middle Peninsula Amateur Radio Club provided Support and Gear (SAG) for the cyclists all day.

“I can’t say enough about this amazing group of people,” said Greve. “They have 10-12 support vehicles all o...