With the addition of the Markell Trail in Sept., 2018, the corridor between Delaware City, DE and Wilmington, DE has been a drawing card for regional cyclists. Throw in the Castle Trail, a 16-mile dedicate bike/walk/run path that runs between Delaware City and Chesapeake City, Md., and riders have an abundance of safe riding options along wide-shouldered roads and dedicated bike paths that are mostly flat and parallel water.
The annual River Towns Ride, set for Sat., Oct. 2 (9 am start), brings attention to the growth in cycling interest for this area. While the recreational ride doesn’t include the Castle Trail, it does provide an opportunity for cyclists of any ability level to visit three historic river towns (Delaware City, New Castle, Wilmington) while earning medals for distance completed. For out-of-towners, the chance to ride the Markell Trail is a highlight. The 5.5-mile dedicated trail connects Historic New Castle to Wilmington’s Riverfront and includes a unique ride over the marshlands of the Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge. During their rest stop visit in Wilmington, riders are encouraged to pop into the DuPont Environmental Education Center and enjoy a panoramic view of the Refuge as well as the city skyline.
Riders can plot their own course and begin their ride from any of the three River Towns. By checking in at the three rest stops in each town, riders get credit for the portion of the course they just completed. Bronze, silver and gold medals are awarded based on the miles covered.
