Two-Wheel Appeal

Rolling hills, lush countryside and the scenic Valley Forge National Historical Park are just some of the reasons Valley Forge and Montgomery County are favorite destinations for cyclists, amateur and professional.

Fifty-five miles of interconnected trails, including 20 in the Park, let visitors explore history, leaf peep, discover local lore, and even trek down to Center City, Philadelphia.

Cycling events showcase the lightly traveled tree-lined roads in the rural northwestern end of the county. They include the River-to-River Heritage Bicycle Tour along historic Rt. 413; the annual Livestrong Challenge, which benefits the Lance Armstrong Foundation; and the Univest Grand Prix men's professional road race, sanctioned by USA Cycling.

This world-class race takes off from Souderton Main Street and traverses Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Before the start, amateur riders conquer the same classic route as the pros during the Cyclosportif 100K.

At Valley Forge National Historical Park, the 6.6-mile paved Joseph Plumb Martin Trail provides the perfect path through this Revolutionary War icon. Park trails link with the 18-mile paved Schuylkill River Trail, which winds southeast through urban and suburban neighborhoods to downtown Philadelphia.

The 20-mile, mainly crushed stone Perkiomen Trail outlines the Perkiomen Creek and passes through Collegeville, Schwenksville, Spring Mount and Green Lane, where a new 9-mile paved multi-purpose loop completely encircles the Green Lane Reservoir.

A community bike share program in historic Pottstown helps reduce traffic and promote exercise. About 30 bikes are available through Bike Pottstown at Tri County Bicycles Monday through Saturday until 5 p.m. The town's riverfront is visible from the Schuylkill River Trail, a great choice for a scenic autumnal peddle.