10 Reasons to Sign Up for our Pedaling through Our National Parks Bike Ride

This September we will host the third ride in our Schuylkill River Bike Tour Series. Like our two previous rides, it will incorporate a unique mix of cycling and history.

Pedaling through Our National Parks is a two-day event (Sat. Sept. 20 & Sun. Sept. 21) that takes cyclists along the Schuylkill River Trail to three area National Parks: Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Valley Forge National Historical Park, and Independence National Historical Park. Here are a few reasons you might want to sign up for it. But keep in mind: Thursday, Sept. 18 is the last day to register! Click here for details or to register.

1. It's unique: Sure, there are plenty of event rides in the area, but ours is different. You stand to learn a lot by participating. You'll ride about 30 miles a day, and you'll exercise your brain by taking ranger-led tours of three National Parks. We have some pretty fascinating local history. This is your opportunity to pedal right into it.

2. We take care of the details: We not only make the day educational and fun, we also make it easy! Well, as easy as 30 miles on a bike can be. We will serve breakfast and lunch, have snacks and drinks at rest stops, and we'll have a well-ma
rked route with ride support the entire way.  At the end of each day, we'll shuttle you and your bike back to your car. All you have to do is show up with a bike, helmet, and water bottle. And, oh yeah, don't forget your adventurous spirit!

3. We have lunch programs too: On day one we promise a delicious lunch at our Schuylkill River River of Revolutions Interpretive Center. On day two, there's another satisfying lunch along the trail, with a program about the Washington Rochambeau National Historic Trail.
Heritage Area headquarters, where you'll have a chance to tour our

4. You're in for a nice ride: The majority of the ride is along the Schuylkill River Trail (although there are a few on-road and urban sections). So, it's scenic, mostly flat (with a few hills), and often shade covered. Overall, it's a lovely ride.




5. You don't have to ride both days: Think 60 miles in two days is too much for you? You can choose to register for only one day. The only trouble with that may be choosing which day!

6. We guarantee discovery: Chances are you've never visited all three National Parks in our area. Or if you have, it's been a while. This is a great way to discover or re-discover those parks, and to find out how to travel to them via bike!

Hopewell Furnace

7. You'll visit Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site: Hopewell is definitely one of this region's hidden gems. We start out the first day of the ride with tours of this Iron Plantation. It is so well preserved you will feel like you are stepping back into the 19th Century.

Valley Forge

8. You'll experience Valley Forge: This park is renowned for it's recreation trails as well as it's history. You'll get a taste of both on day one when we pedal into Valley Forge and learn about it's history from a park ranger before hopping on a shuttle and heading back to Hopewell.

Independence

9. This may be the best way to see Independence: Here's your chance to get a tour of Independence Hall without having to wait on long lines or make reservations. We will have rangers ready to take us on a tour as the cyclists ride in.







10. It's enjoyable for all experience levels: Whether you are an avid rider or a novice, this is a ride that is doable and that offers a variety of experiences that will make it worthwhile.

Visit our website to learn more. Or Click Here to register.