One ride short of its 50th anniversary, the popular "Ride to Montauk" bike tour is in jeopardy of being canceled. 

Every spring for the last 49 years, marathon cyclists have been peddling their way from Jamaica, Queens to Montauk. Most cyclists ride for different charities. This year, the Town of Southampton shut down the event.

In a letter denying a permit for cyclists to pass through Southampton on May 31, Town Police Chief Robert Pearce wrote that the ride would disturb the public peace, jeopardize health and safety, did not provide sufficient services such as parking and first aid and was in conflict with the Memorial Day weekend.

Glen Goldstein, a Ride to Montauk organizer, was puzzled by the chief's reasoning, especially since Memorial Day falls a week before the race.

"I think they're confused," Goldstein told News 12. "I think all of us are confused about the calendar. This year, Memorial Day is not the last weekend in May."

Town and police officials did not respond to News 12's requests for comment.