OCEAN CITY, Md. -- A local business owner familiar with the popular shoulder season event is looking to take over. The request comes just a few weeks after it was revealed that the event's previous promoter defaulted on its contract with the town.
"They don't at this point owe any additional money to Ocean City, but they do owe money to an awful lot of individuals and vendors," said Mayor Rick Meehan, discussing the situation with Bikefest's previous promoter OC Jams.
When that happened, it seemed like the event was in doubt. That is, until Matt Odachowski, a longtime sponsor of Bikefest and owner of Kickin Events, stepped up to the mic at Monday's council meeting.
"We are here today to help save the official and true rally tradition in Ocean City," said Odachowski. "I need everyone's help and support as we are only 125 days away from set-up time."
If the town awards Odawchowski the contract, he has committed to paying the $130,000 in tickets and merchandise the previous promoter sold. However, he is asking for a few concessions.
Odachowski wants rent payments for the inlet parking lot and convention center, as well as the $2 per-ticket-cost waived in the first year. He would like the $2 per-ticket-cost waived in the second year as well.
"He's starting off very much in the hole, so in order to help make him successful, we're willing to negotiate," said Meehan.
Meehan said after 2025, Odachowski would be responsible for paying the rental fees.
The contract, if awarded to Kickin Events, will be for two years. The town can opt-out after the first year.
As of Tuesday, May 6th, McGean said the town has not signed on a new promoter for Bikefest.