The Brandywine Conservancy’s “Bike the Brandywine” event is slated to return for its sixth year on Saturday, September 23, 2023. Cyclists can choose between three scenic route options that travel along some of the most picturesque roads in the Brandywine Creek Greenway and the surrounding Chester County countryside. Proceeds from the ride benefit the clean water and open space programs of the Brandywine Conservancy.
The Conservancy uses a multi-faceted approach to conservation. Staff work with private landowners who wish to see their lands protected forever and provide innovative community planning services to municipalities and other governmental agencies. The Conservancy currently holds more than 510 conservation and agricultural easements and has facilitated the permanent preservation of over 70,200 acres of land.
This year’s ride offers distances of 25-, 45- and 62-mile (metric century) routes—each with unique and thrilling experiences for both recreational riders and those that are a bit more seasoned in skill. Those on the metric century route will journey along the West Branch of the Brandywine Creek, traveling 62 miles through bucolic countryside and historic sites. After departing from Chadds Ford, riders will travel near the Conservancy’s Laurels Preserve, through the magnificent King Ranch area in Unionville and the open agricultural lands just west of the famous Whip Tavern, before winding their way through Modena and the historic village of Marshallton. For a similar ride—with less mileage—the 45-mile route closely follows along to the metric century journey. Those looking for a more recreational option can join the 25-mile ride along the Brandywine Creek Greenway. This loop is a shorter version of the other rides, following the West Branch of the Brandywine through open farmland, scenic river valleys and equestrian landscapes.
The Brandywine Creek Greenway is a regional planning initiative of the Brandywine Conservancy—involving 29 municipal partners in Pennsylvania (Chester and Delaware counties) and Delaware (New Castle County and the City of Wilmington)—to create a 40-mile-long conservation and recreation corridor along both branches of the Brandywine. The Greenway stretches from the Christina River in the City of Wilmington, Delaware, to the Pennsylvania Highlands in Honey Brook Township. The Brandywine Creek Greenway and its network of parks and trails form the western limit of the Circuit Trails, a regional trail network of the Greater Philadelphia region. The vision of the Brandywine Creek Greenway is to build healthier, more sustainable communities by emphasizing the natural and cultural resources of the area; preserving and protecting the Brandywine River; and creating connections among open space, parks, river access points and area attractions.
The September 23rd Event:
Each loop will start and end at the Chadds Ford Historical Society—located at 1736 N Creek Road, Chadds Ford, PA. Well provisioned rest stops will be available every 10-20 miles, depending on the route, with Support and Gear (SAG) assistance provided by Trek Bicycle Delaware throughout the day. The event concludes with a free lunch at the Chadds Ford Historical Society for all participants. The event will take place rain or shine on September 23, 2023, from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Advance registration is $55 per rider. To learn more and register, visit www.BikeTheBrandywine.org.
This year’s Bike the Brandywine is made possible thanks to presenting sponsor Willowdale Town Center and supporting sponsors Bessemer Equine; Anemoni Jewelers; Holly Gross Group of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Fox & Roach Realtors; Chadds Ford Historical Society; Trek Bicycle Delaware; and 2SP Brewing Company.