Century Bike Event Looks For Revival In Berlin

BERLIN - Berlin will play host to the beginning and end of the renewed Viewtrail Century Bike event this June, first held six years ago and now due to be revived.

'We're looking to bring that back,' said fitness event organizer Chris Klebe.

The 100-mile bike event will be part of a three event weekend including the Assateague Assault sprint triathlon and the Ocean City 5 kilometer run, all during the weekend of June 19.

Klebe received permission from the Berlin Mayor and Council Monday night to use Stephen Decatur Park as the start line and finish destination for the Viewtrail Century bike event, which is expected to attract up to 200 cyclists.

Unlike the Seagull Century bike event, the Viewtrail Century course will not use Berlin's main roads, which will keep cyclists out of town traffic.

Instead, the Viewtrail Century course will wind away from Stephen Decatur Park past Worcester Prep and onto the county's back roads.

 Klebe said he is also working to draw participants in the Assateague Assault triathlon that same weekend to Berlin for food and lodging that weekend.

'That's what we're trying to do also, promote Berlin,' said Klebe.

The town council had some questions for Klebe over volunteer participation and financial remuneration, asking just how that would work.

'They supply us with volunteers. They help us tremendously,' said Klebe.

Local non-profit groups which volunteer to help run the Viewtrail Century bike event will receive a percentage of the proceeds, Klebe said.

As an example, Klebe pointed to donations made to the Friends of Assateague Island for helping with a recent Assateague Assault triathlon, including equipment donated to island lifeguards.

Non-profit organizations can also raise money through pledges collected by fitness event participants, Klebe said.

Councilwoman Paula Lynch asked Klebe, who owns OC Tri-Running Sports, to explain his own financial stake in the bike event.

'I believe in fitness. That's what I love. That's why I'm involved. No, I haven't made a dime,' Klebe said.

The town council unanimously approved the request to use Stephen Decatur Park for the bike event.