OCEAN CITY, Md. - The future of the 2025 Bikefest is uncertain after the current event promoter, OC Jams LLC, was found to be in default of its contract with the Town of Ocean City.
OC Jams entered into a three-year agreement with the town to produce Bikefest at the Inlet Parking Lot for the 2023, 2024 and 2025 seasons. However, town officials confirmed this week that the company is no longer in compliance with the terms of the agreement, casting doubt on whether next year’s event will proceed.
The news comes as one of Bikefest's former promoters, Chase Micheal, has been held in Bay County Jail since January after violating conditions of his bail agreement, according to Florida court records. The charges against Micheal stem from a 2023 case in which he was accused of issuing more than 20 bad checks while working with the Thunder Beach motorcycle rally in Panama City Beach.
“The previous promoter, as I mentioned, had some personal family problems that they needed to address,” said Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo. “They weren't dedicating the necessary time to do a first-class event that they've done in the past.”
In light of OC Jams' contract default, one of Bikefest’s larger sponsors, Kickin’ Events, has contacted the town expressing interest in taking over the event for 2025 and 2026.
Perlozzo says the city is optimistic about the change. “We're excited to have him on board,” he said. “And we're here to help, all the way.”
The Ocean City Council have invited representatives from Kickin’ Events to Monday night’s meeting to present their plans and discuss the future of Bikefest.