Explore mysteries on cycling tour

Halloween is almost here, and the Schuylkill River Greenways National Heritage Area invites cyclists to explore mysteries along the Schuylkill River Trail with a do-it-yourself tour as part of the 5th Annual Ride for the River.

Traditionally, Ride for the River is a group bike ride which begins and ends at the Sly Fox Brewery’s annual Can Jam Music Festival in Pottstown. Like many other events, this year’s ride had to be adjusted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 ride is now a do-it-yourself cycling tour on the trail between Pottstown and Birdsboro to follow social distancing guidelines. Participants can do the ride as a solo cyclist at any time they prefer through Nov. 7.

This year’s ride will not include a group ride or group start but will feature a Finale Celebration Day. Schuylkill River Greenways will provide refreshments, education tables and giveaways along the ride route on Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During that time, volunteers will be available to help cyclists cross at road intersections along the trail.

“Ride for the River is an event that hundreds of people look forward to every year and so Schuylkill River Greenways found a way to make the ride still possible in 2020. Although different from past years, the ride still highlights the Schuylkill River Trail and now with a fun tour aspect that includes interesting facts about historical areas along the route,” said Schuylkill River Greenways NHA Executive Director Elaine Paul Schaefer.

The ride route begins at Pottstown Riverfront Park and ends at the Birdsboro Trailhead. Cyclists can do the entire ride which is 17.5 miles round trip or pick just a section to ride. The route has 10 tour stops as posted signage along the Schuylkill River Trail. The tour signs include information about mysteries, railroads and bridges.

A printed trip guide with photos and maps is available from the Schuylkill River Greenways office at 140 College Drive in Pottstown. An online version of the trip guide is available at schuylkillriver.org/ridetour. The website includes more information about each tour stop and additional images, as well as a map of the entire route.

People can either sign up for free or they can purchase a registration. Every free Ride for the River signup includes one entry into a raffle prize drawing. The prize is a gift bundle with both Sly Fox Brewery and Schuylkill River Greenways items such as a Schuylkill River Trail hat, Sly Fox beers, T-shirts and more. A registration includes an entry into the gift bundle raffle plus an entry for another raffle prize, a $139 valued Trek donated bike service package. In addition, registrants will be mailed the 2020 Ride for the River T-shirt, a custom Schuylkill River Greenways facemask, a custom bicycle bell, and several other items.

Ride for the River is a fundraiser for the Schuylkill River Trail. One of the largest finished trail sections is the Pottstown to Reading stretch, which totals about 20 miles. Schuylkill River Greenways maintains the trail section and currently has several construction projects in the works to extend the trail. There are currently 75 miles of the Schuylkill River Trail completed, and when finished it will run 120 miles from Frackville to Philadelphia.

Although the ride isn’t ending at the Sly Fox Brewery this year, the company will still be presenting Schuylkill River Greenways with a check from sales of this year’s SRT Ale. The brewery produced SRT Ale benefits and celebrates the trail. A portion of all proceeds is donated to Schuylkill River Greenways for the Schuylkill River Trail Safe Crossings Program. The program adds signs and improves road markings at intersections where the Schuylkill River Trail crosses major roadways.

To learn more about this year’s Ride for the River and to sign up, visit schuylkillriver.org/ridefortheriver.

PHOTO BY MICHILEA PATTERSON – FOR MEDIANEWS GROUP A man wearing the 2019 Ride for the River T-shirt smiles as he crosses the finish line, which was near the Sly Fox Brewery.

PHOTO BY MICHILEA PATTERSON – FOR MEDIANEWS GROUP A woman holds beads in her hand and smiles as she finishes the 2019 Ride for the River event.

PHOTO BY MICHILEA PATTERSON – FOR MEDIANEWS GROUP A woman wears a SRT Ale cycling jersey during the 2019 Ride for the River event.

PHOTO BY MICHILEA PATTERSON – FOR MEDIANEWS GROUP Women ride bikes on the Schuylkill River Trail in Union Township during the 2019 Ride for the River.

PHOTO BY MICHILEA PATTERSON – FOR MEDIANEWS GROUP This year’s Ride for the River event is a do-it-yourself cycling tour. Participants will take the tour by reading posted signage along the Schuylkill River Trail. The tour signs include interesting facts about historical sites.