ESCANABA — COVID-19 has had an impact on many events in 2020, but one local tradition will keep going strong later this month. In August, the Delta County Chamber of Commerce board met and voted to hold the annual Delta County Century Ride on Sunday, Sept. 20. This outdoor event will give riders a chance to enjoy Delta County’s changing seasons while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

The Century Ride is designed to be enjoyable for all sorts of riders, regardless of their endurance level. Participants can choose from ride lengths of 100K, 78K, 40K, and 13K.

Route maps are available on the Delta County Chamber of Commerce website. No matter what route participants select, they will be able to enjoy food, beverages, and musical entertainment at a variety of rest stops during their ride.

People planning to ride along with relatives, coworkers, or friends can make their Century Ride experience even more fun by forming a team. When they arrive at the event, team members will sign the team roster. After they complete their chosen route, team members will record their final distances. The team that has the longest cumulative distance will be presented with a traveling trophy.

Registration for the Century Ride will be available at the Gladstone Sports Complex from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19 and on Sunday, Sept. 20 starting at 7 a.m.

On Saturday night, the Bay de Noc Bike & Binge, sponsored by Visit Escanaba, will give riders an opportunity to pick up their ride registration and a Croatian chicken dinner, served with corn on the cob and potato salad. With advance registration, riders can be sure they’ll get food at the Bay de Noc Bike & Binge and a waffle breakfast that will be served by Bobaloon’s Café before the ride.

Sponsors for the Delta County Century Ride include the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, Visit Escanaba, and OSF HealthCare.

For more information, or to sign up for the Century Ride, visit DeltaMI.org or call 906-786-2192. As riders will be traveling on Delta County roads during the Century Ride, local motorists are reminded to be especially cautious in the Gladstone area on the day of the event.