Cyclists will disperse throughout Beaufort County this weekend for the 12th Annual Cycle North Carolina Coastal, which will bring 1,400 cyclists to the area.

Participants from 24 different states will spend the next three days sharing the country roads with motorists, eating at local restaurants and camping out on the waterfront in downtown Washington.

“We’re expecting a lot of cyclist traffic all over Washington — on the waterfront, at my shop, just everywhere, inundated,” said Leane Harsh, owner of Inner Banks Outfitters. “There are multiple routes — a five mile, 10 mile, 20 mile, 40 mile, 60 mile, 100 mile.”

This is the fourth time the City of Washington has hosted the event, organized by Cycle North Carolina, and the second-straight year the ride has sold out.

“The Cycle North Carolina Coastal Ride is a fully supported bicycle event with support vehicles available to aid cyclists who experience physical or mechanical breakdowns. Rest stops will be set up every 10-20 miles along each route for riders to get off their bikes and explore, while quenching their hunger and thirst. Indoor and outdoor camping areas with amenities will be provided in Washington at the Civic Center and along the waterfront downtown. Participants will also fill the hotels, Bed and Breakfast Inns and vacation homes in Washington. Cycling routes will include attractions such as McCotter’s Marina, Goose Creek State Park, Historic Bath, Roanoke River Lighthouse, Belhaven and Acre Station Meat Farm to name a few,” according to a press release from Cycle N.C.

While motorists should be even more perceptive of their surroundings this weekend, the riders should bring increased revenue to local businesses in Washington, including shops, restaurants and hotels, for those who choose not to camp out.

“It’s great for our economy, our local business and great to show off Washington and Beaufort County and everything that we have. It’s a signature event,” said Catherine Glower, executive direct of the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce.

Appropriately, tomorrow is also Music in the Streets, so participants from all over the country will get the opportunity to experience the local personality first hand. Molasses Creek, a band from Ocracoke, will perform at the Civic Center tonight, along with J Lane, a band from Raleigh, at Music in the Streets.

The Beaufort County Traditional Music Associated is also hosting the Virginia/South Carolina Border Band at the North Carolina Estuarium Auditorium at 8 p.m. on Saturday. The band showcases a diverse range of music, including bluegrass and gospel.