Pandemic life has proven that when you have an itch to go sightseeing, you don’t have to stray far from home. Residents and out-of-towners have been exploring the Montgomery County region on two wheels since late spring thanks to themed self-guided bike tours (valleyforge.org). The latest route, centered around Valley Forge National Historical Park, rolled out in late August.
“We’re so excited to continue to build on Montgomery County’s already thriving bike culture with a Bike Montco tour through Valley Forge National Historical Park,” says Ken Lawrence, Vice Chair of the Montgomery County Commissioners. “One of our most visited attractions in Montco, this iconic park is a true gem in our destination, and the perfect place to take, or rent, a bike! You can literally ride through the history that took place there. As you take on the challenging hills, you can think about the challenges General George Washington and the Continental Army overcame there during the harsh Winter Encampment in 1777-78.”
The Montgomery County Planning Commission and Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board, a nonprofit marketing agency that serves as a cheerleader for Montgomery County, teamed up to develop these countywide bicycle tours. The Bike Montco campaign launched in May with two routes, Homes and Gardens of the Main Line and Challenging Hills of Bridgeport, readily accessible through the Visit Valley Forge app.
Commissioner Lawrence says that the reason why the program has been so successful is because of Montgomery County’s nearly 100-mile network of spacious trails, many of which are linked. “This initiative not only highlights safe social distancing and outdoor exercise but also showcases the variety of experiences both on and off those trails.”
Commissioner Lawrence’s favorite experience is a postbike pit stop at one of the county’s top breweries. “It’s interesting how a lot of our breweries are actually linked, or connected, or very close to the trails. There’s a ton of activities to do when you’re not on the bike.”
Photography by: Stanley W.K on Reshot
