Schuylkill River Greenways once again partnered with Sly Fox Brewery for the 6^th Annual Ride for the River on Sept. 25, 2021: a bike ride on the Schuylkill River Trail between Pottstown and Reading. Riders first enjoyed a 4-mile, 16-mile, or 35-mile journey on the trail with views of the picturesque Schuylkill River along the route. Then, had the option to relax afterwards with hours of live music at the Sly Fox Can Jam Music Festival in Pottstown. Learn more about the ride at schuylkillriver.org/ride.

Sly Fox Brewery produces SRT Ale, a seasonal “ale for the trail” that benefits the Schuylkill River Trail. During the Can Jam Music Festival, Sly Fox presented representatives of Schuylkill River Greenways with a check of $6,212.89 from the sales of this year’s SRT Ale. The ale is available all year long.

The brewery has donated about $40,200 over the years to Schuylkill River Greenways’ Safe Crossings Program. The program funds trail safety improvements such as signage and road markings. Most recently the program has helped fund the construction of the new Richard P. Whittaker M.D. Memorial Bridge, a pedestrian-only bridge on the trail over Route 724 in Union Township. The 2021 Ride for the River event was the first cycling event to take place along the new bridge.

The fall bike ride will began and ended at Riverfront Park in Pottstown. The event includes rest stops with water and snacks, ride support, and well-marked routes. This 2021 ride included three options. The 35-mile riders went to Berks Nature in Reading then turned around. The 16-mile riders went to the Union Township Recreation Area before returning to Pottstown. The 4-mile fun ride was a new option in 2021, great for beginners and families.

Children ages 12 and under participate in the ride for free but must be with an adult. Schuylkill River Greenways provided several kid-friendly activities during the 2021 event such as a make-your-own bird feeder station, a bird watching guide, and a fun interactive watershed display.