Sea Gull Century is a nationally acclaimed bicycling event, beginning and ending on the campus of Salisbury University. SGC has three routes: the Assateague Century (100 miles), Princess Anne/Pocomoke Metric (63 miles) and new this year is a 40 Mile Ride for cyclists of all experience levels. Each route tours the picturesque Eastern Shore of Maryland.
A Little Bit About Our History…
Starting and ending at Salisbury University, the Sea Gull Century began in 1988, when a group of 68 cycling enthusiasts banded together to develop a 100-mile century ride. Now, riders come in the thousands—some of them year after year—because of the terrain, the challenge, the food, the entertainment, the chance to explore a new area and the hundreds of friendly volunteers who make the Sea Gull Century happen.
Please, check out our photo gallery of past SGC events.
Testimonals
“I’ve ridden in the SGC 15 times over the past 20 years and every ride has been special. Early on it was a solo ride, but now I ride with family and their friends from WA, CA, OR, CO, DC, VA and OH. I look for the opportunity to welcome first time riders and reassure them that it can be done and likewise for younger riders who will carry on the passion for riding while supporting education and giving back to the community. That is why I will continue to ride the SGC.”
- Bernie Murphy
“I ride because I LOVE it! Cycling is my passion and has been for as long as I can remember. Sea Gull Century is a wonderful ride that a friend and I have done each year since 1992, with the exception of a year when I had a bike accident and wasn’t able to ride and a year when she was sick. Even though I ride so much, I consider Sea Gull Century a challenge, and am always happy and feel great when I complete it. I love the scenery, the route, the volunteer support, and the weather – most of the time!
- Bonnie Lytle
“I’ve ridden in the SGC 15 times over the past 20 years and every ride has been special. That great feeling of belonging and participating is reinforced on the rides when encouragement is either given or received while pushing through the rain, battling the incessant afternoon head winds or offering assistance to a stopped rider.”
- Clifford Kellett
“I’ve done the full Sea Gull Century 30+ times. I’ve lost count. Each one is special and memorable to me. Going on 76, I hope to continue to do the Sea Gull every year till I no longer can. Thank you, Lord, for letting me ride. Looking back, certain rides stand out. Last year, the Assateague ponies met me as I rode toward the beach. I counted 10. The most I’ve ever seen in all my rides. Very scenic. When I did my first century (not the Seagull) I had only ridden 30 miles. Mr. “Ego” here decided to do a full century. When I was done, yes I was tired, but I realized the limitations are in your head, not in your legs. The Sea Gull Century is superbly organized. Nice shirts. A great party before and after. The rest stops are well placed, and well stocked, especially the one with ice cream!”
- Ron Gurney
- Ron Gurney
“My Dad and I were in a hotel cafeteria in Salisbury with a bunch of Sea Gull Century riders, strangers for the moment, after a recent Sea Gull Century ride. One of the riders – who turned out to be age 74 – announced aloud to his group at a nearby table that his ambition was to complete the Sea Gull Century when he turned 80. I overheard this and knew right away that an introduction needed to be made, as I was sitting right across from my Dad, who had just completed the Sea Gull Century, at age 81. The general post-ride camaraderie made it easy to approach the other table. Introductions were made, pictures were taken, and encouragement was brought about. It was a very nice moment. Dad is the leader of the family peloton. He did the Sea Gull Century first, inspiring me to come off the sidelines and join up. When asked why I’m such a crazy exerciser, I respond: “Have you met my Dad?” The Sea Gull Century is now just a regular feature of the calendar, so I’m not 100% sure how many we’ve done – perhaps 10 or more.”
- Michael Sultan
Fun Facts:
- Our oldest rider in 2021 was 99 years old and rode the 100 mi.
- One of our youngest cyclists was 10 years old.
- We typically supply 3,384 gallons in liquid concentrate Gatorade.
- We have over 150 student volunteers & 45 law enforcement personnel.
- We support student organizations, athletic teams, academic departments & local non-profits.
- We award Student Scholarships & Faculty Grants.
- We award Allocations for campus enhancements.
