400 Bike the Brandywine

Posted by Press Release on September 24, 2022

The Brandywine Conservancy’s “Bike the Brandywine” event returned for its fifth year on Saturday, Sept. 17, with nearly 400 cyclists enjoying a sunny day along the Brandywine Creek Greenway and surrounding Chester County countryside. This year’s event featured three scenic loops filled with stunning views of the area’s rural landscapes, rich history, and active farmland—much of which the Brandywine Conservancy has helped permanently protect and conserve over the past 50-plus years. Proceeds benefited the conservancy's open space and clean water programs.

There was even a hitchhiker taken for a ride.

“Following a two-year pandemic-related hiatus, we were thrilled to bring back our popular Bike the Brandywine event this year,” said Stephanie Armpriester, Brandywine's Director of Conservation and Stewardship. “This event continues to be a great way to engage the community in the vital work of the Brandywine Conservancy, all while supporting our mission to protect and preserve open space and clean water resources.”

Grant DeCosta, Brandywine's Director of Community Services, added, “With the rolling hills of Chester County serving as a scenic backdrop, cyclists were able to connect firsthand with the land, water, and historic sites that the Conservancy works hard to protect. With much gratitude, we thank all of our participants for their support, as well as the staff, volunteers, Brandywine Creek Greenway municipal partners, and sponsors who made this day possible.”

Participating cyclists chose from distances of 25, 45, and 62 (Metric Century) miles, with each loop beginning and ending at the Chadds Ford Historical Society. The Metric Century and 45-mile routes took cyclists through the rolling hills of Unionville, PA, with scenes of the bucolic countryside and historic sites, before winding through Modena and the village of Marshallton. Cyclists on the 25-mile route followed along the West Branch of the Brandywine through open farmland, scenic river alleys, and equestrian landscapes.

Upon returning to Chadds Ford, cyclists were welcomed back with celebratory drinks from 2SP Brewing Company and a complimentary lunch provided by Chef Justin Rumsey, Executive Chef of the Brandywine River Museum of Art’s Millstone Café. Bike the Brandywine was generously supported by Willowdale Town Center, Otto's BMW, The Whip Tavern, 2SP Brewing Company, Trek Delaware, Waywood Beverage, Chadds Ford Historical Society, and Starbucks at the Shoppes at Longwood Village in Kennett Square.