The Wild Goose Chase is a celebration of women’s cycling—and of the incredible Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge itself.
We have flat roads, little to no traffic, and expansive salt marshes that provide vital habitat for migratory waterfowl along the Chesapeake Bay. This remarkable landscape, once threatened by development, inspired Georgena Terry to launch the Wild Goose Chase in 2008. What began as a fundraiser to protect the refuge has grown into a beloved event that has raised over $190,000 for the Friends of Blackwater.
The Wild Goose Chase Bike Ride for Women takes place on and around Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge near Cambridge, MD, on the scenic Eastern Shore. There are rides for women of all cycling levels (11,19,32, 50, and 63 miles). The ride is on Sunday. You are welcome to purchase a special edition, Ride Jersey, or purchase our outstanding ride T-shirt. We have SAG on each route and the best rest stops around that are staffed by awesome volunteers.
Your participation in the 2026 event helps ensure the refuge can continue protecting this critical ecosystem—home to bald eagles, ospreys, migratory birds, the Delmarva fox squirrel, and so much more.
Blackwater is both a conservation success story and a place on the front lines of climate change. The more we ride through it, the more we learn from it and the more we learn how to help protect it.
WHAT'S HAPPENING SATURDAY
Basic Bicycle Mechanics - Join a team of women from The Rockville Bike Hub for some hands-on experience with basic bike maintenance. We will provide workshop bikes, tools and wheels for you to practice with. Topics covered will include cleaning your bike, drivetrain maintenance, brake and derailleur adjustments, bike specific tool recommendations, the crowd-pleasing flat tire repair and a few suggestions for avoiding those flats. Dirty hands and gentle guidance guaranteed. Workshop is about 2 hours long. We will meet in the Ed. Bldg.
Nature Rides- Look closely and you'll see it. We may see bald eagles soaring overhead, migratory birds along our Atlantic Flyway, salt marsh grasses shaping the landscape, and ghosts forests that are a powerful reminder of rising sea levels. We will keep our eyes out for animals and plants. We will meet near the entrance to the Ed. Building with bikes and helmuts.
Bird Walks - A very knowledgable Refuge volunteer will lead us as we enjoy a pleasant morning guided hike. We will listen for the songs and catch the sightings of the special birds on the refuge. Wear shoes you can walk in, and hopefully it will not be too muddy. We will ride bikes to locations and get off the bikes and walk. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair, we'll have extras. We will meet near the entrance to the Education Building(Ed. Bldg).
Yoga - Join our yogi instructor for an all-levels yoga class to stretch, activate and prepare your body and mind for a healthy ride. Bring your own mat/towel. The class will be indoors, in a carpeted room. The teacher will have a few extra mats. Class is 1 hour. We will meet in the Visitor Center ( about a 10 minute bike ride from the Ed. Bldg, or a 5 minute car ride)
The Harriet Tubman Ride - A guided ride to places frequented by young Harriet Tubman led by Susan Meredith who owns the Bucktown store where Harriet was a regular customer. End at the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center. About 15 miles and about 2 hours. You can exit the ride early as the group passes the Ed Building on the way to the UGRR Visitor Center. We will meet near the entrance to the Ed. Bldg.
Cycling Circle- We will gather to discuss any questions you have about women cycling with our wonderful experts in the group sharing their knowledge. An hour of great discussions and great socializing.
new Gestural Sketching and Simple Watercolor Techniques - Bring your watercolors and creative mind along as we focus on the natural beauty of Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. Those with a bit of drawing experience under their belt will love this workshop where illustrator Tara Garrigan will go over the art of gestural sketching and simple watercolor techniques as we visit spots around the rfuge. Take home your memories of the ride made by your own hand. See the link here for needed materials:
new Nature Photography - Explore nature photography at Blackwater NWR with a local award-winning wildlife photographer, then hit the Wildlife Drive to capture compelling images. Smartphones welcome.
new Guided Kayak Tour - This guided tour is through Blackwater Adventures. You will register, $25, for lunch. You will then go to the Blackwater Adventures Website to sign up for their Little Blackwater River Tour, at an additional cost. It is a fun way to experience Blackwater from the water, 2 hour tour.
Experience a relaxing paddle on the Little Blackwater River where you will learn about the marshlands of the Eastern Shore of Maryland and the critters that call this place home. The tour includes all your equipment: kayak, paddle, life jacket and paddle lesson. Layered clothing is suggested. https://blackwateradventuresmd.com/blackwater or call Blackwater Adventures: 410-901-9255
new Wild Goose Chase Jersey - A specially designed Wild Goose Chase Jersey is available for purchase this year. Follow the link for Voler. They will place your order and mail your jersey directly to you. Make sure you put in your order by July 24th to have Voler send you your jersey in time for the ride in September. Proceeds go to Friends of Blackwater.
For more information on the jersey and how to place your order, please order directly from Voler at this link: https://www.voler.com/custom/ordering/li/56327
Orders must be placed by July 24, 2026 to have your jersey sent to you in time for the ride in September.
Beware of scheduling conflicts as you will not automatically be prevented from registering for events offered at the same time.
Ride TShirts are being offered for sale this year through your registration. You will love the design!
Meet and Socialize Dinner - 5:30 - 8:30 pm at the Suicide Bridge Restaurant, Hurlock, Maryland. Since our venue and chef from last year were not available, we've arranged dinner through a local restaurant. This option comes at a higher cost but allows us to continue offering a great dinner and time to enjoy friends, learn from leaders in women's cycling, and maybe win a raffle.
Dinner Menue includes Backfin Crabcake, Chicken Cordon Blu, Broccoli, Green Salad and Desert, Tea and Soda. Cash bar for those that would enjoy a drink. $73 per person. Arrive at 5:30 Dinner at 6:00, and the evening concludes at 8:30.
Our wonderful founder, Georgena Terry, will be joining us along with Lynn Salvo. Lynn Salvo, a Virginia local, is an amazing cyclist and world record holder for long distance riding. She has made long journeys in the US and Europe. She will be sharing some of her experiences and wisdom from her travels . Our dinner is always a special time to gather, to encourage, to share and to inspire. We hope you will join us!
THE GOOSE Sunday's ride - There will be a soft start at 7:45 for anyone who wants to get out ahead of the crowds. We will then have new group starts at 8:00, 8:15, 8:30, and 8:45 with the faster groups heading out first. You decide which group to start with. We will bring the cow bells to cheer you on as you take off on the most beautiful ride!
ADDITIONAL INFO
On both days vendors and exhibitors of women-focused cycling apparel and gear will be offering their wares. Visit them from 10 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in the education building on the refuge.
Accommodation information is included in the confirmation email you will receive after registering.
Come to Cambridge and be a part of the celebration! It's a spectacular way to enjoy fall cycling while contributing to a great cause. It is also a beautiful opportunity to meet and network with fellow women cyclists, strong amazing women, from all over the region.
We need volunteers This inspiring, community-powered event runs on volunteer energy. If you have the desire to help behind the scenes or help on the weekend of the ride, join the flock, follow the link below, and sign up to help. We would love to have you as a volunteer. Volunteer task descriptions and SIGN UP!
We will be in touch before the event.
We can't wait to ride together this September!
Sherry Murray WGC Coordinator