In response to inquiries from potential riders, the Council announces a 1-day “option” for participation in the Pennsylvania Environment Ride, on Sunday, June 26, 2011.

The Environment Ride: Susquehanna to Schuylkill Rivers has been extremely well-received.  Individuals committed to enhancing Pennsylvania’s environment will demonstrate their commitment by riding 160 miles from Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania to the Fairmount Waterworks in Philadelphia.  To date, more than $7,000 has already been raised in support of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s trail and greenway development work.

 “I am so thrilled by the level of enthusiasm for our ride concept,” says Patrick Starr, Senior Vice-President.  “Many supporters I have spoken with regretted that they couldn’t make the 3-day ride due to other obligations but were eager to participate, so it seemed appropriate to add this 1-day option.”

 The 1-day ride will start in Downingtown located in central Chester County and end at the Fairmount Waterworks in Philadelphia – a 50 mile route.  Along the way, riders will experience the historic and rolling landscape of the Brandywine River valley, Yellow Springs area, the historic Valley Forge battlefield, and the scenic and industrial Schuylkill River valley.

“PEC has made such a difference in our work to develop the Cynwyd Trail that will connect Lower Merion Township and Manayunk,” said Chris Leswing, Township Planner.  “As soon as I learned there was a 1-day ride, I registered because I had been unable due to family obligations to make the 3-day.  I am thrilled to be part of the Environment Ride experience!”

All riders will meet in Downingtown where the longer-distance group will be greeted by the day-riders at mid-morning.  After a brief opening ceremony, the entire group, not to exceed 75 in number, will head out with an amazing picnic lunch scheduled in Valley Forge National Historical Park!  Following an easy ride down the Schuylkill River Trail, the group will celebrate their combined accomplishment with a closing ceremony at the national historic landmark Fairmount Waterworks overlooking the Schuylkill’s Fairmount Dam.

“I am so excited to share to beauty of Pennsylvania’s landscape and to be able to SHOW supporters the work that we are engaged in to enhance outdoor recreational access for all Pennsylvanians.  We truly believe that the our work to get people out doors will stimulate environmental awareness and generate champions for protecting the environment,” says Patrick Starr.