Hundreds take part in Bike the Brandywine

Posted by Rich Schwartzman on September 23, 2018

Bicyclists return to the Chadds Ford Historical Society after taking part in Bike the Brandywine on Saturday.

Close to 500 bicyclists heard the sounds of cowbells as they returned to the Chadds Ford Historical Society after biking one of three loops through the Brandywine Valley Saturday.

It was part of the third annual Bike the Brandywine, an event put on by the Brandywine Conservancy. Cyclists had their choice of a 25-mile loop, one of 45 miles or another that was 80 miles long. Each loop began and ended at the Historical Society’s property on Creek Road in Chadds Ford Township.

A map shows the three loops riders could take.

Whichever loop they chose, the bikers were met with sunshine, appreciation from the conservancy and then greeted by the clanging of cowbells signaling the end of their ride. There was also plenty of food and liquid refreshment.

Steve Weeber, of Ashburn, Va., along with Phil and Carter Weeber of Pocopson Township were the first ones to return after cycling the 25-mile loop. It took them about two hours, they said.

“It was great,” Carter Weeber said. “Very scenic, good weather and the staff was friendly.”

Kevin Thomas, of Wayne, who rode the 45-mile loop said the route was well marked and the terrain was “mellow without too many hills.”

Dan Davis, of Berwyn and Brian McKeown, of Wilmington, said the hills they encountered weren’t very difficult. They agreed that next year they might try the 45- or 80-mile loop.

Conservancy Director Ellen Ferretti said Bike the Brandywine is designed to let riders see and experience close up the natural beauty of the Brandywine Valley, to experience the recreational opportunities and to show some of the acreage the conservancy has preserved during its 50 years. The Conservancy currently holds 460 conservation and agricultural easements and has contributed to the permanent preservation of more than 62,000 acres of farmland, forests, water resources, historic sites, and scenic vistas in Pennsylvania and northern Delaware.

About Rich Schwartzman

Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.