New Bike Freedom Valley Sponsor

Thank you Sabrina's and Sabrina's and Spencer's Too!

They donated all the water at Valley Forge and Spring Mill.

Stop in to one of their 2 locations: 1802 Callowhill or 910 Chestnut St, in Philadelphia, for some great food and thank the owner, Robert.

Bike Freedom Valley Thank You!

Thanks to all our great riders, volunteers and staff. There are too many of you to name you personally in this post. All of you made this a great event.

Despite the weather many people went out and rode and enjoyed a cool wonderful ride.

Now that you have this ride under your belt think about joining us for TDBank Bike Philly on September 13. Remember this a ride geared to all abilities so you can ride with those folks who may be faster or slower than you are. 20 miles of streets with only bicycles. Join us for a party on 2 wheels.

If you're not a member think about joining now so you get a discount on TDBank Bike Philly and conintue to make your ride better by contributing our advocacy work.

Keep the rubber side down.

Bike Freedom Valley Cue Sheets Now Available online

You can print your cue sheets in advance. They reside below the rotating sponsors window on the right hand side.

All cue sheets are on 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper this year.

Enjoy your ride!

Bike Freedom Valley - Plan Your Ride with rest stop times

When you get to a decision point, Villanova, Wayne's Woods at Valley Forge or Spring Mill on the trail, look at the rest stop closing times. Make sure you have enough time to get there before you continue on a longer segment.

Rest stops have firm closing times so our volunteers will want to come back and serve you next year so please respect that.

The closing times are below:

Lloyd Hall 7AM - 3PM
Spring Mill 8AM - 1:30 PM
Villanova 8:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Valley Forge 8:30 AM - 3 PM

Enjoy your ride and plan so you have rest stops available.

Bike Freedom Valley T-Shirt Pickup

All t-shirts, except for volunteers, can be picked up at the end of the ride. We will also have a limited number of shirts for sale for a $10 donation to the Bicycle Coalition.

Bike Freedom Valley Registration E-Mail Confirmations

E-mail confirmations should be in your mailbox during the week before the ride in the meantime if you registered online you will have a receipt from signmeup.com . Don't forget to print your email confrimation from us to speed up your check-in at the event.

Bike Freedom Valley - Time is Running Out...

And so are the numbers of complimentary t-shirts. Register Now! Visit:

https://www.signmeup.com/site/reg/register.aspx?fid=HC2V6K7&Source=Calendar29

Don't delay, our t-shirts are a hot item and this is our best design yet.

Bike Freedom Valley - Where do I sign in on June 21?

If you are familiar with the are we will be on the East side of Lloyd Hall, behind the Philadelphia Museum or Art.

If you're not familiar with the area search for 1 Boathouse Row, Philadlephia, PA on your favorite map program.

Bike Freedom Valley Registration Confirmations

When you registered online you should have gotten an email confirmation. If you didn't or you missed it you can get a copy at this link:

http://www.signmeup.com/confirmation/64346

Everyone will get an email confirmation from us just before the ride. Either one will work at registration but the one from us will contain addtional helpful information.

Look for it on Bike Freedom Valley Weekend.

Bike Freedom Valley - Final Route Distances

Now that the cue sheets are finalized and the detours accounted for the final route distances are:

Trail: 8, 22, and 44 miles. There are no changes here.

Shared Roads: 32, 45, and 72 miles.

Both the 45 and 73 mile routes are using park road and not the trail to arrive at Wayne's Woods and to exit Wayne's Woods for the final leg returning to the Finish at Lloyd Hall.

You asked for longer distances so when we rerouted the longest ride to account for the missing 252 Bridge we really extended it. It is a beautiful loop in Chester County. There is a stretch of 5.4 miles on Yellow Spring Rd with no turns at all and of course the beautiful covered bridge.

Bike Freedom Valley - Check out our sponsors

Check out the new slide show with pictures from last year's Bike Freedom Valley and the logos of our current sponsors.

Bike Freedom Valley - Expanded Valley Forge Loop Map

The map for the New Valley Forge loop will be posted soon. Check back in the FAQ's in a few days for the new map

Registration for Bike Philly 2009 is Open!

Join us for the third annual TD Bank Bike Philly event September 13, 2009. Enjoy a morning of biking on Philadelphia streets without cars and meander through Old City and hidden corners of Fairmount Park! Bike Philly offers distances to suit cyclists of all skills levels and ages. Visit the TD Bank Bike Philly website for more information!

Pre-Registration for Bike Freedom Valley closes May 30th!

If you want to receive a Freedom Valley T-shirt and receive a discount on registration, please sign up before May 30th. Children age 12 and under can still register for only $5 and we have a special Student Registration fee of $15 with Valid ID, but will not receive a T-Shirt after the May 30 cutoff.

You can register online by going to signmeup.

You may also download the registration form here.

See you at the start!

Bike Freedom Valley - Got a Question we haven't answered?

For answers to more specific questions contact:

jill@bicyclecoaltion.org

or

215 BICYCLE ext 3#

Bike Freedom Valley - New from Valley Forge

You asked for it and we were able to make it happen this year!

More roads and much less use of the multiuse paths!

You will be riding on the roads in Valley Forge National Historic Park, except where one way roads make it impossible. You can ride on North Outer Line Drive, North Inner Line Dr., Valley Creek Rd., Valley Park Rd, and Valley Forge Rd.

You will need to use the path to leave the rest stop for the Chester County Extension Loop and to return to the rest stop before leaving the park to return to Philadelphia. Both are short distances compared to what you did in past years.

When you see the folks at Valley Forge, thank them.

As always ride carefully and with courtsey, these are narrow, busy roads that we need to share well.

Bike Freedom Valley - Make it a Weekend Hotel Deal

New this year a hotel package with Embassy Suites:

Stay at Embassy Suites and ride your bike to the start/finish line. The hotel is at: 1776 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia Pa, 19103.

The room rate for a single or double is $159. To book your room, please click here.

Bike Freedom Valley - New This Year-Team Registrations

If you would like to enter as a group/team please contact jill@bicyclecoalition.org.

Bike Freedom Valley - Early Bird Registration Extended

Early Bird Registration for Bike Freedom Valley has been extended through April 30, 2009.

Take advantage of the cost savings by planning ahead and register now!

Our 30th year promises to be the best yet. Watch here for more details.

30th Annual Bike Freedom Valley

Sunday June 21, 2009 is our 30th event. We hope to make it bigger and better than ever.

Keep watching this blog for updates.

You can go online to register at www.biyclecoalition.org.

SEPTA Bike Trains

SEPTA Regional Rail will operate trains with extra capacity for bicycles on Sunday Morning on the R5 Malvern Paoli Line and the R3 West Trenton Line. All other Regional Rail Lines will continue to allow 5 bicycles per train as long there is sufficient space available.

From Philadelphia Bicycle News

The R5 Train will depart Malvern at 6:30 AM and make all local stops to 30th Street Station including Paoli at 6:34, Wayne at 6:44, Bryn Mawr at 6:54 and Narberth at 7:01. Arrival time at 30th St Station is 7:15

The R3 Train will depart West Trenton at 5:58 AM and make all local stops to 30th St Station including Yardley at 6:01, Langhorne at 6:09, Somerton at 6:16, Jenkintown at 6:31 and Melrose Park which has a high (door level) platform at 6:35. Arrival time at 30th Street Station is 7:04 AM.

Once at 30th Street Station you should exit at the 29th Street entrance and use the crosswalks to get to the south sidewalk of the Market St Bridge (the bridge with the eagle sculptures) and proceed across the bridge to the ramps down to the Schuylkill River Trail. When you get to the bottom of the ramp turn right on the trail to get to the Art Museum start point of the ride.

Click here for more info on taking your bike on transit to Bike Philly

Last Day for Pre-Registration

Today is the final day for Commerce Bank Bike Philly's pre-registration rate. Secure your place today and get a pre-registration discount and free t-shirt.

A family-friendly bike tour celebrating the freedom of car-free Philadelphia streets, Commerce Bank Bike Philly rides through historic neighborhoods and explores hidden corners of Fairmount Park. Bicyclists of all skill levels are welcome with distances of 10, 20, 35 or 50 miles available.

Moving On Up

Commerce Bank Bike Philly is moving up to Eakins Oval! This year's Finish Line Festival will wrap up our day of car-free biking on the Parkway, in front of the Art Museum steps. The Festival will include plenty of food and drink, including nourishment from Whole Foods and lots of hot dogs from Commerce Bank, free snapshots of riders in front of the Rocky steps, free bike maps and riding advice from our Bicycle Ambassadors, and valet bike parking by Neighborhood Bike Works.

Even with the bigger space at the finish, we still need to cap registrations at 5,000 this year so be sure to secure your place now. There are only two days left to get the pre-registration rate (and free t-shirt).

Bowling Bash for Bikes

Sign up for Commerce Bank Bike Philly and get a bowling bonus! Our Saturday pre-party will be held at North Bowl this year. Hosted by Brian and his crew at Keswick Cycle (the force behind SRAM Red Bowl earlier this year) this promises to be a great warm-down from the Scenic Schuylkill and a great warm-up for Commerce Bank Bike Philly.

There are only three days left for the pre-registration rate for Commerce Bank Bike Philly! We're capping registration at 5,000 riders this year so don't wait to secure your place.

It's a Family Affair

Commerce Bank Bike Philly is billed as a Tour for Everyone. In our first year, about 15% of our participants were riding as a family. This year, almost 25% of our riders will be riding with kids.

The word is spreading about how great it is to ride car-free with the full support of our ride volunteers -- you get mechanical support, a ride to the finish if you need it, food and drink along the way, and encouragement from our marshals at every turn.

Don't miss out on the family fun -- there are only four more days for the pre-registration rate! Register now to secure your place (we are capping registrations this year at 5,000), get a discounted rate and a free t-shirt.

Philadelphia Bicycling Weekend

In only our second year, the Philadelphia Bicycling Weekend is becoming a tradition. Anchored by a century and a car-free ride, we've added the Commerce Bank Bike Philly pre-party and now Neighborhood Bike Works is joining in with their Bike Part Art Show opening on Friday night.

You can pre-register for the Scenic Schuylkill Century and Commerce Bank Bike Philly together -- but act fast. The pre-registration rate is only available for five more days.

The State(s) of Commerce Bank Bike Philly

Last year we had riders from 12 states. So far in 2008, we already have registrations from 16, including California, Oregon, Oklahoma, Georgia, Ohio, Minnesota and New Hampshire.

There are only six days left for pre-registration for Commerce Bank Bike Philly! We're capping registration at 5,000 riders this year so don't wait to secure your place.

Pre-Registration Open Until August 22nd

Commerce Bank Bike Philly had a record breaking number of early bird registrations! Registrations this year are capped at 5,000 so be sure to register early to secure your place in Commerce Bank Bike Philly 2008 and lock in our special pre-registration rate and t-shirt.

Register Today!

Early Bird Pricing Ends June 30th!

Early bird registration pricing ends Monday, June 30th! Don’t miss out on our lowest registration rate and sign up today! Early bird pricing for the Philadelphia Bicycle Weekend Pass that includes the Scenic Schuylkill Century also ends June 30th.

Getting There By Bus Or Train

If gas prices got you down, or if your bike is your vehicle then you may have the option to take public transportation.

View the Full Size Map

Here is a brief overview of Bikes on Board rules for Local Bus and Rail Systems:

SEPTA Weekend Bike Rules -

• Bikes Racks on All Buses
• Regional Rail - 5 bikes per space permitting.
• No Bikes on Trolley Lines
• Market Frankford El, Rt 100 and Broad St Subway Bikes allowed 2 bikes per car Best Bets

NJ TRANSIT

• RiverLINE - Hanging Bike Racks on All Trains (6 bikes per train) Best Bet
• Atlantic City Line/NE Corridor Line - 2 bikes per car.
• Bike Racks on Buses
• Bikes Allowed in Baggage Compartment on Motorcoach Buses

PATCO

• Bikes Allowed On All Trains Lindenwold, Woodcrest, Broadway, 8th and Market and 15-16th Locust have Elevator Access to Trains Best Bet

Best Bets are services that offer the most hassle free bike on transit experience.

Be aware that space for bicycles on trains is limited and others may have the same idea as you. Leave as early as possible.

For more information about taking your bike on the bus or train go the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia bikes on transit page.

Find a bus or train route near you - http://phillymap.com

Contact Us

We can answer your questions about taking your bike on transit, please contact John Boyle, the Bicycle Coalition Advocacy Director, at john@bicyclecoalition.org or (267) 253-7958.

Bike Freedom Valley Route Markings

Bike Freedom Valley Route markings are white and are the stenciled letters BFV with an arrow pointing where you need to go.

Typically there should be 2 arrows before the turn and one after to confirm that you made the correct turn.

All markings are in white EXCEPT THE EXTRA LOOP OUT OF VALLEY FORGE IN CHESTER COUNTY, which is PINK so you can tell whether you're entering the park or on the extension loop.

REMEMBER, there are no markings in Valley Forge National Park, however, you can pick up park maps at the start, Villanova, or Betzwood at the park entrance.

What's a cue sheet?

A cue sheet is a list of directions cyclists use to get from one rest stop to the next around route.

For those of you new to cycling and/or organized rides here's how to use a "cue sheet" to follow your route.

Typically a cue sheet has:

1) the segment mileage (mileage between turns)
2) total distance
3) abbreviated direction, i.e. L =left, R=right, etc.
4) street name and other information

The cue sheet is set up in columns as seen in the short sample below:

Seg Total Way Directions
.02 2.2 R at Traffic Light, Meetinghouse Rd
0.0 2.2 QR Hudson Ln
0.8 3.0 > Maple Ln
0.3 3.3 BR TRO Maple Ln

The cue sheet should also have a Key at the begining or end listing all the abbreviations use.
The most common are:
L = Left
R = Right
BR = Bear Right
BL = Bear Left
QR = Quick Right (quick refers to the distance from the previous turn)
QL = Quick Left
TRO = To Remain On
> or Bec = Becomes

SRT = Schuykill River Trail (on our cue sheets)

Philadelphia's Bicycle Weekend - Two Great Bicycling Events, One Amazing Weekend

What more could any bicyclist ask for? Together with the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia, we are offering a discounted weekend pass that includes both rides. Take in the scenic views of Montgomery and Chester Counties during the Scenic Schuylkill Century on Saturday and experience the car-free streets of Philadelphia with Commerce Bank Bike Philly Sunday! Click here for more information on the Scenic Schuylkill Century.

Register for the Weekend Pass!*
*If this link is not working, please vist www.active.com and type "Bike Philly" in the search box.

Registration Rates & Deadlines
Early Bird Registration $50 ends June 30th
Pre-Registration $60 ends August 22nd
Late Registration $65 ends September 12th
Day Of Registration Unavailable

FAQs

Notice the section on the right, filled with your frequently asked questions. If you don't find the info you want here please feel free to email me: jill@bicyclecoaltion.org

If You don't find it here?

Don't forget, for more info check the link to "Older Posts" at the bottom of the page.

If I drive where do I park/How do I get there?

There is plenty of on street parking for Bike Freedom Valley.

Registration is at Lloyd Hall behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art at Kelly Drive and Waterworks Drive. Across Kelly from Waterworks Dr is Sedgely Dr. You can park anywhere on Sedgeley. There are also several lots near the Lemon Hill Mansion. For Center City Parking information go to philapark.org

Of course you could come to Bike Freedom Valley via regional rail, subway or the PATCO High Speed Line. Bikes allowed on all lines all day on Sundays or put your bike on the front of a bus. When you get close you can bike to the start. This reduces your carbon footprint and saves your legs for a great ride.

If you need transit or trip planning info go to www.septa.com and ridepatco.org.

Registration is Now Open!

Registration is now open for Commerce Bank Bike Philly! Early Bird rates are available until June 30th. Children 17 and under ride for just $5 and students with valid ID ride for $25.

Register today!*
*If this link is not working, please visit www.active.com and type "Bike Philly" in the search box.

Pricing & Registration Deadlines
BCGP Member $35
Early Bird Registration $35 ends June 30th
Pre-Registration $40 ends August 22nd
Late Registration $45 ends September 12th
Day Of Registration $50

Volunteer for Bike Freedom Valley

Volunteer opportunities abound.

Choose from the following:
Rest Stop Volunteer or Captain: help feed and hydrate our riders
Registration: Day of Registration at the Ride Start, Check-In pre-registered riders
Route Marking: Ride the route in the the weeks before and mark the route for our riders
Route Vetting: Ride the marked route in the week before the ride and make any necessary corrections or additions to the markings
SAG: Drive a segment of the route in your vehicle and pick up stranded riders and take them to the next rest stop for help and/or ride the route as a sweep or help those on the Schuykill River Trail
Finish Line Festival: Serve food and drink or hand out t-shirts to our riders and volunteers
General Transport: in the days preceding the ride sort and transport supplies in preparation for the ride
Clean Up: at the end of the ride put away the items from the Finish Line Festival
Shopper: Buy supplies from our list with our cash and deliver them to the central sort point

To Volunteer: jill@bicyclecoaltion.org or 215 BICYCLE x 3#

Volunteer for Bike Freedom Valley

Volunteer opportunities abound. Choose from the following:

Traffic Directors in Valley Forge (no signs are allowed in the park)
Rest Stop Volunteers at Villanova, Valley Forge and Spring Mill
Start set up
Finish Clean up
Food Service at the Start/Finish at Lloyd Hall
Route Marking
Route Checking
SAG Driver
SAG the trail on your bike
Loading and sorting on the 19th and 20th in NE Philadlephia

The Route Choices

Registration is open soon.

The routes:

You can ride a mostly flat ride ride on the Schuykill River Trail. Mileage options are: 8 miles on the river drives, 22 miles on the Schuykill River Trail or 44 miles into Valley Forge National Historic Park, with a few small hills in the park.

You can ride more challenging rides on shared roads. Mileage options are: 35 miles to Villanova and Conshohocken, 50 miles to Villanova, Valley Forge National Historic Park, and Conshohocken, or 68 miles which adds an 18 mile loop in Chester County outside Valley Forge Park.

All rides return on the Schuykill River Trail. Work hard on the way out, relax on the way back. There is an option to ride a few hills in Manayunk and avoid the towpath.

Depending on your ride there will be rest stops at, Villanova, Valley Forge, and Spring Mill (Conshohocken) as well as a Finish Line . Don't foget our famous tomato pie will be at all rest stops this year.