Delmarva Bike Week brings increased business

Delmarva Bike Week is back for it's 17th year, and the event is once again bringing thousands of bikers into the area.

Curt Foust, a Retail Events Manager, said, “Last year was a good year, we’re expecting to top that this year and looking at the crowd and the bikes out there, it looks like we’re going to get that again this year.”

Bikers are saying they are eager to hit the town and check out local restaurants and bars. Cowboy Coast in Ocean City said the event is one of their busiest of the year.

“Normally on a weekend like this, we’re going to probably get like 800 to a thousand over the weekend. Our parking lot will be filled with bikes. It’s actually very cool,” said the Executive Chef of Cowboy Coast, John Chiousanou.

Restaurants and bars are not the only ones benefitting from bike week, we reached out to hotels across Delmarva and many said they were completely booked in just a matter of days.

Foust said, “We’re actually staying at, it’s just maybe a mile, at the Sleep Inn. Nice clean place that we found!”

Bike Week is the last big event of the summer, and businesses said they are ready to take on the big crowds.

“I think a lot of bikes come in. Not only do they show the bikes but they’re proud to be here as a group to be honest with you. I like it when they come in. It’s bittersweet for me because not only do I like that they come in, but I work harder, you know? You have to feed them,” said Chiousanou.

Overall, bike week seems to be a win-win for everyone.

Foust said, “I think it’s great for the local economy. It’s great for us obviously, but it’s great for the local economy. Bikers come in from all around the area, you know? Not just Salisbury, not just Ocean City, they come in from all over and really just support. They support us, they support the hotels and businesses as well.”

If you are interested in taking part in bike week activities, make sure to check out the Convention Center in Ocean City and the Perdue Stadium in Salisbury.

Local restaurants like Cowboy Coast in Ocean City will also be hosting a slew of events throughout the weekend.

You can find out more about bike week activities here