Bike the Brandywine celebrates fourth year with new metric century loop on Saturday, September 28, 2019
Chadds Ford, PA, July 22, 2019— The Brandywine Conservancy’s annual Bike the Brandywine event returns for its fourth year on September 28, 2019, with four bike routes—including a new metric century option (100 kilometers/62 miles)—that explore the beautiful Brandywine Creek Greenway and surrounding countryside. Riders can choose from distances of 25-, 45-, 62- and 80-mile routes—each with unique and thrilling experiences for both the recreational or more avid seasoned cyclist. Proceeds from the ride benefit the clean water programs of the Brandywine Conservancy, which has been dedicated to helping preserve water quality and quantity in the region for over 50 years.
For the complete Bike the Brandywine experience, riders on the 80-mile loop will travel along both the East and West Branches of the historic and scenic Brandywine. Beginning in Chadds Ford, the route travels all the way to the headwaters of the river in Honey Brook Township. Along the way riders will experience iconic Western Chester County vistas and stunning views of rural landscapes, rich history and active farmland—much of which the Brandywine Conservancy has helped permanently protect and conserve for future generations.
New this year, the metric century route follows along the West Branch of the river and journeys 62 miles through scenes of bucolic countryside and historic sites. After departing from Chadds Ford, riders will travel to the Conservancy’s Laurels Preserve and through the magnificent King Ranch area in Unionville before winding their way through Modena and the historic village of Marshallton. For a similar ride—with less mileage—the 45-mile route closely follows along to the metric century journey. Those looking for a more recreational option can join the 25-mile ride along the Brandywine Creek Greenway. The 25-mile loop closely mirrors the early routes of the other rides, following the West Branch of the Brandywine River through open farmland, scenic river valleys and equestrian landscapes.
Each loop starts and ends at the Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 N Creek Road, Chadds Ford, PA. Well provisioned rest stops are available every 10-20 miles, depending on the route. Cyclists of legal drinking age will be entitled to one free pint of Victory beer at the ride’s conclusion. A post-ride celebration at the Chadds Ford Historical Society includes free lunch for all riders. The event takes place rain or shine on September 28, 2019, from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Advance registration is $50 per rider, but the fee will increase closer to the date of the event. To register, visit www.bikethebrandywine.org
Bike the Brandywine is generously sponsored by the William Penn Foundation, Victory Brewing Company, Chadds Ford Historical Society, Main Line Health Fitness & Wellness Center, Trek Bicycle, Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, For Fox Sake and The Whip Tavern, and Willowdale Town Center.
About the Brandywine Creek Greenway:
The Brandywine Creek Greenway is a regional planning initiative of the Brandywine Conservancy—involving 27 municipal partners in Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania and New Castle County and the City of Wilmington in Delaware—to create a 40-mile long conservation and recreation corridor along both branches of the Brandywine. The Greenway stretches from the Christina River in the City of Wilmington, Delaware, to the Pennsylvania Highlands in Honey Brook Township. The Brandywine Creek Greenway and its network of parks and trails form the western limit of the Circuit Trails, a regional trail network of the greater Philadelphia region. The vision of the Brandywine Creek Greenway is to build healthier, more sustainable communities, by emphasizing the natural and cultural resources of the area; preserving and protecting the Brandywine River; and creating connections among open space, parks, river access points and area attractions. To learn more, visit www.brandywinegreenway.org
About the Brandywine Conservancy:
The Brandywine Conservancy protects water, conserves land, and engages communities. The Conservancy uses a multi-faceted approach to conservation. Staff work with private landowners who wish to see their lands protected forever and provide innovative community planning services to municipalities and other governmental agencies. The Conservancy currently holds over 480 conservation and agricultural easements and has facilitated the permanent preservation of more than 64,500 acres of land. The Conservancy is a program of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art.
About the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art:
The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art preserves and promotes the natural and cultural connections between the area’s beautiful landscape, historic sites, and important artists. The Conservancy protects the lands throughout the Brandywine Valley, developing new conservation approaches and assuring access to majestic open spaces and dependable water supplies for generations to come. The Museum of Art presents and collects historic and contemporary works of American art, engaging and exciting visitors of all ages through an array of exhibitions and programs. The Brandywine unites the inspiring experiences of art and nature, enhancing the quality of life in its community and among its diverse audiences.
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