by Geoff Fox
A new event is being planned for Hancock this coming May where bikes – pedal, electric, and motor alike – and their riders will be blessed before the riding season gets into full gear.
Jackie Daley, owner of Jackie’s Trail Rentals, and Interfaith Service Coalition Director Debbie Cohill, came up with the idea as a way to bring more visibility to Hancock as a cycling town.
Daley said there are so many quaint and picturesque little towns along the C&O Canal and the Great Allegheny Passage that have built an economy around the trail.
“By becoming more visible, Hancock can become the beneficiary of those traveling the trails,” Daley said.
Daley added there are tour planners, such as Mountainside Bikes and Golden Triangle, that plan entire trips for cyclists and there is hope Hancock becomes a favorite stop.
As the owner of her rental business, Daley said she’s been amazed the people who come from all across the United States taking “this great trip” from Pittsburgh to Georgetown.
Cyclists spend about $200 to $500 a day on the trail, some tour planners have told Daley.
By having this type of event, Daley said there is hope to bring cyclists to town to stay overnight in places like Trail Inn, Jackie’s Trail Rentals, Potomac River Hotel, River Run, Blue Hill and Super 8, plus for them to eat at the restaurants such as Buddy Lou’s, Potomac River Grill, and Triangle; and shop in the stores like Flannel on the Trail and Blue Goose.
Daley said those options provide the town an “excellent opportunity to pull in Tourist dollars.”
There are many towns throughout the United States and Europe that hold an event early in the cycling season to bless the bikes, organizers said.
At these events, a prayer is said for the cyclists who have passed away and a pray for the safety of those who are riding.
Memorial Day weekend was the initial thought to hold the event, but Daley said too many vendors were booked that weekend for not only this year, but for a few years in advance. The event in Hancock will take place Saturday, May 31, instead.
Pastor Becki Wessinger from the Hancock United Methodist Church will bless pedal and electric bikes at 10 a.m. in front of the C&O Bike Shop on Pennsylvania Avenue.
At noon that same day, River Run will bless motorcycles in the parking lot.
“We hope the town will get involved,” Daley said.
Daley added the idea would be to have kids start the day with a bike parade, restaurants making specialty cocktails, and “whatever creative ideas people can conjure.”
There is also hope for vendors to come and sell items to make the Blessing of the Bikes a festive annual event and Daley is looking for street vendors to offer food, trinkets to sell, or anything to add to the event.
“I am even thinking of making a wine tasting spot if I can get approval and a willing winery,” she said.