Bike the Brandywine on an exciting 25-, 45- or 80-mile loop along the scenic countryside on September 22, 2018
Chadds Ford, PA, September 6, 2018 — Explore the scenery, glimpse the history and discover the lure of the Brandywine River during the third annual Bike the Brandywine on Saturday, September 22, 2018. Hosted by the Brandywine Conservancy, the ride offers three routes that take in the beautiful Brandywine Creek Greenway and surrounding countryside. Riders can choose from distances of 25, 45 and 80 miles—each with unique and thrilling experiences for both the recreational or more avid seasoned cyclist. Proceeds from the ride benefit the Conservancy’s clean water programs.
Following both the East and West Branch of the historic and scenic Brandywine, the 80-mile loop will guide riders from Chadds Ford all the way to the river’s headwaters in bucolic 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.
For riders looking for a shorter—but still challenging—Brandywine experience, the 45-mile loop follows the West Branch of the river and passes through many historic sites, incredible vistas and bucolic countryside. Beginning in Chadds Ford, this route travels to The Laurels Preserve and treks through the magnificent King Ranch area in Unionville before winding its way to the historic village of Marshallton.
As an exciting introduction to the Brandywine Creek Greenway for the recreational cyclist, the 25-mile loop closely mirrors the early routes of both the 80- and 45-mile options. Following the West Branch of the Brandywine River through open farmland and scenic river valleys, this route provides a trip through the historic village of Marshallton and its surrounding equestrian and farming 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. The post-ride celebration at the Chadds Ford Historical Society will also include free lunch for all riders. The event takes place rain or shine on September 22, 2018, 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.brandywine.org/bikeride.
Bike the Brandywine is generously sponsored by the William Penn Foundation, Victory Brewing Company, Chadds Ford Historical Society, L.L.Bean, 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.
The Brandywine Creek Greenway is a regional planning initiative of the Brandywine Conservancy—and 27 municipal partners in Chester and Delaware counties—to create a 30-mile conservation and recreation corridor along both branches of the Brandywine. It stretches from the Delaware state line just south of Chadds Ford to the Pennsylvania Highlands Mega-Greenway at the northern border of Honey Brook Township. The Brandywine River and its network of parks and trails form the western limit of The Circuit, 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 483 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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