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Backgrounder
A New Race, Expanded Trails, Fun Products And Reliable Bike Clubs Make Philly A Leading Cycling Destination
Backgrounder
A New Race, Expanded Trails, Fun Products And Reliable Bike Clubs Make Philly A Leading Cycling Destination
PHILADELPHIA, June 21, 2007 - Already an established favorite among cyclists, Philadelphia continues to build its reputation as a great biking region thanks to new events, expanded trails, locally made products, city-to-countryside routes and reliable bike clubs. These assets help make the city one of the most important cycling destinations in the country.
Biking in the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon
Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC
The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is embarking upon a plan to produce one of the largest bike rides in the country this summer. Taking place on September 9, BikePhilly 2007 is expected to draw thousands of cyclists for rides that run from 10 to 50 miles over city streets. The city will be closing 20 miles of roads to traffic for the event, which is modeled after the popular BikeNY’s Five Boro Bike Ride.
And the region’s trail network continues to improve and expand, with a new spur of the Schuylkill River Trail linking Pottstown to Allentown and improved signage for the Philadelphia sections of the trail.
Locally Made Products:
Locally made products created especially for cyclists show the strength of Philadelphia’s biking scene. A few products currently or soon-to-be available include:
- The Fuji Fairmount: Designed by Fuji, Philadelphia’s official bike company, The Fairmount (named after the city’s famed park) is a new bike in the development pipeline—with an introduction expected as early as spring 2008. This simply designed, low-maintenance bike is perfect for people who live close to great places to ride or who travel short distances to work or the store. (215) 824-3854, fujibikes.com
- R.E.Load Bags: Founded by bicycle messengers, this company—a darling among cycling enthusiasts across the nation—allows riders to design their own bags. All pieces are made by hand in Philadelphia and can be customized for extra durability. (215) 922-2018, reloadbags.com
- SweetskinZ: This company’s exclusive bicycle tires, which feature colorful, light-reflecting patterns, are taking the cycling world by storm. (866) 204-9883, sweetskinz.com
Routes That Run From City To Countryside:
Philadelphia’s cycling offers the best of both city and country. Bike lanes cross through the heart of the city to link up with extensive trails in Fairmount Park and the surrounding countryside, providing a rich mix of urban excitement and open, rolling hills. Most popular is the 25-mile trail along the Schuylkill River on scenic Kelly Drive, which connects to artsy Manayunk, where cyclists often stop for a river-side lunch. The route can detour to the Wissahickon Gorge, where leafy pathways lead to Valley Forge National Historical Park, a pivotal site in American history. In a single afternoon, cyclists can visit one of the world’s most significant art museums (Philadelphia Museum of Art), pedal through an oasis of riverside views and open space, take a shopping or lunch break and visit the site of General Washington’s historic encampment at Valley Forge.
Serious riders take on “The Wall,” a steep climb out of Manayunk made famous by the Philadelphia International Championship, an annual event held in June. “The Wall” is a challenge to the world’s most competitive cyclists and a nearly impossible feat for casual riders. On race day, the thousands of professional cyclists who attempt to climb “The Wall” are treated to hundreds of spectators lining the streets, ringing cowbells and screaming words of encouragement.
Bike Buddies:
Bike clubs and organizations often lead tours and hold regular rides and events. These groups are organized by the hundreds of cycling enthusiasts who form the heart of Philadelphia’s cycling scene, and they’re open to anyone from elite racing cyclists to families with kids in tow. Some of the region’s largest and most established clubs include:
- Bicycle Club of Philadelphia, phillybikeclub.org
- Suburban Cyclists Unlimited, suburbancyclists.org
- West Chester Cycling Club, westchestercycling.com
- Central Bucks Bicycle Club, cbbikeclub.org
For more information about biking trails, events and clubs, visit boundlessphiladelphia.com.
The William Penn Foundation, founded in 1945 by Otto and Phoebe Haas, is dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Greater Philadelphia region through efforts that foster rich cultural expression, strengthen children's futures, and deepen connections to nature and community. In partnership with others, the Foundation works to advance a vital, just, and caring community. Learn more about the Foundation online at www.williampennfoundation.org.
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside™ a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.
Note to Editors: For photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit our Photo Gallery. On the pressroom, you can also subscribe to RSS feeds to receive updates on topics that are specifically of interest to you: What’s New, Dining, Events, Seasonal Travel, Hotel Packages and Tourism Research.
CONTACT:
Cara Schneider, GPTMC
(215) 599-0789, cara@gptmc.com
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