With the weather warming up, we’re tuning our bikes and hitting the trail. This year, PEC is excited to host two group rides, Bikeout and the 2024 Public Lands Ride, both of which bring people together to celebrate Pennsylvania’s parks and trails.
These are great opportunities to meet fellow cyclists and explore the state, whether you are a seasoned rider or new to the sport. Registration is now open for both events. Learn more about them and how to sign up below.
Bikeout
New this year, PEC, has taken over Bikeout, a two-day excursion through southeastern Pennsylvania from May 25 to May 26, in partnership with Keystone Bicycle Co.
Riders will travel from the Museum of Art in Philadelphia along scenic waterways to Camp Kweebec, a summer camp in Montgomery County. The route follows car-free, multi-use trails that are part of the Circuit Trails network. All told, it includes about 38 miles of riding on the Schuylkill River and Perkiomen trails. Once at camp, participants will have access to bathrooms, showers, and will stay the night in a cozy cabin or tent camp under the stars.
Register for Bikeout here.
Registration includes food — snacks when you arrive at camp, a hearty dinner, breakfast, and coffee — as well as ride support and, once at Camp Kweebec, access to pickleball courts, a pool and lake, fire pits, and more summer fun.
Because we want to keep Bikeout accessible, the cost of the ride operates on a sliding scale. You get to determine the price that fits your means from three options: sustainer rate ($225), base rate ($185), and discount rate ($150). Learn more and figure out where you fall on the sliding scale here.
Any proceeds generated by the event will support our Circuit Trails Coalition Community Grant Program, which intends to improve access to and increase use of the Circuit Trails, particularly in historically disinvested communities and among marginalized groups. Learn more about the program and meet current grantees here.
We encourage you to sign-up for Bikeout’s email newsletters for future announcements. You can sign up by scrolling down on the Bikeout website to the pink “Let’s keep in touch” section. Until then, check out Bikeout’s digital trip guides focused on Pennsylvania’s beautiful and historic D&L Trail. Email [email protected] with any questions.
Bikeout was founded in 2016 by Brian James Kirk, Amanda Crawford-Staub, and Mat Tomezsko as a way to reduce the barriers to long-distance bike travel. PEC took over operations in 2022.
Public Lands Ride
The PEC Public Lands Ride returns for the sixth year to Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County on Sep. 28. Our annual gravel ride offers multiple course distances ranging from 20-65 miles.
The routes traverse rolling climbs from rhododendron-filled stream valleys to open plateau views and a mix of gravel and snowmobile trail terrain, all in time to see the fall foliage. Aid stations along the way fuel riders with refreshments like water, granola bars, and fruit, but our friends at Nittany Mountain Works are known to also cook up pierogies and hot dogs trailside. The ride ends with an afternoon of music, beer, and more grilling. It’s a great way to connect with the gravel community, explore a gorgeous state park, and have a great time doing it.
Register on BikeReg here.
The goal of the Public Lands Ride initiative is to showcase the wealth of public parks and forests across the Commonwealth, bringing awareness to public lands as an invaluable resource for us to protect and enjoy. Throughout the month of September, cyclists are encouraged to ride as many of the suggested virtual routes as possible and share their experiences on social media.
Follow @publiclandsride on Instagram to stay up to date on this year’s activities.
Learn more about PEC’s work on gravel advocacy and statewide resource development here.