Ride for the River - Schuylkill River Greenways

Ride for the River Celebrates the Schuylkill River Trail

Just as summer is waning, we invite our supporters to take a ride on the trail-the Ride for the River. Started in 2014, Ride for the River is one of our largest fundraisers and draws hundreds of cyclists to the Heritage Area each year. Ride for the River offers an option for everyone-all beginning and ending in Riverfront Park, Pottstown. Riders can choose a 34-mile loop along the Schuylkill River, turning around at Berks Nature where they can stop and have some refreshments before heading back and maybe taking the Big Woods Hill Challenge on their way back to Pottstown. A shorter ride, the 16-mile loop goes out to Union Meadows and back. We’ve added a 4-mile family fun ride as well, giving families with little ones the chance to join the fun. Their ride turns around before crossing any roads so it’s easy and safe for everyone.

Our annual bike ride is just one of the ways we connect people and families to the river, the trail and the Heritage Area. For many, it’s an annual tradition and a favorite way to support our mission. For others, it’s the first time they are “meeting SRG” and getting to know what we do and why we do it.

Registration is open now and we’ve added an optional fundraising component as well-we hope you will join us and see what all the fun is about!

Sly Fox Brewery has partnered with Schuylkill River Greenways not only producing SRT Ale, but also donating a portion of the profits from all sales of the beer to our organization.

SRT Ale is a golden, hop-forward ale available in draft. The brewery donates $1 from each case sold (including draft beer) to the trail. It’s a great beer to enjoy after recreational activities such running, bicycling and paddling. The SRT Ale packaging design features the SRT logo as well as graphics demonstrating the trail’s connection to the community. SRT Ale is available all year long.

At the Can Jam Festival, Sly Fox gives our SRG staff a taste of rock stardom and bring us up on stage to present their annual donation in the form of a huge check! Over the last 10 years, these donations have added up to nearly $50,000! Schuylkill River Greenways uses the donated funds toward a Safe Crossings program by adding signs and improving road markings at intersections where the trail crosses major roadways.

Ride for the River Volunteers

We wouldn’t be able to put on this ride every year without the many volunteers who help with planning, trail improvements, route markings, and other general activities the day of the event.

Volunteers receive a free T-shirt as well as a food and beer/beverage ticket bundle to use at the Can Jam Music Festival the day of the event.

Planning Committee Volunteers: Attend monthly meetings (usually virtually through Zoom) June through September to help plan the cycling event including marketing/promotion, sponsorships, and volunteer coordination. If you are interested in joining the Ride for the River Committee, please CLICK HERE to fill out a short online form, or contact Alex Shandera at the email ashandera@schuylkillriver.org or call 484-945-0200.

General Event Volunteers: Assist with route markings, road crossings, rest stops, check in, and other tasks during the event. Volunteers receive a free t-shirt, food & beer. Volunteers in this category won’t be able to participate in the ride.

Parking/Registration Volunteers: For volunteers who wish to assist with morning parking or check-in, and still be able participate in the ride. Volunteers receive a free t-shirt, food & beer, but must purchase a registration to participate in the ride.

About Can Jam Festival

Schuylkill River Greenways organizes the Ride for the River event in partnership with the Sly Fox Brewery’s CAN JAM Music Festival. The festival is located at 331 Circle of Progress Drive in Pottstown, just 3 miles from the ride’s finish location. All ride participants receive a beer/drink and food voucher bundle to use at the free festival. There will be reserved parking at the Can Jam Music Festival for Ride for the River participants.

Sly Fox Brewing Company’s CAN JAM Music Festival is curated to feature rising regional independent talent, authentic and original, just like Sly Fox beers! A free day of amazing music in the beautiful pastures adjoining the brewery, accentuated by one of the largest KanJam® tournaments on the planet.

The CAN JAM Music Festival celebrates Sly Fox Brewing Company’s role as an early adopter, evangelist and promoter of cans—the hottest packaging trend in the craft brewing industry. Learn more about CAN JAM.