🚴‍♂️ Riding with Purpose: A Guided Adventure with PERT through the Pennypack Watershed
🚴‍♂️ Riding with Purpose: A Guided Adventure with PERT through the Pennypack Watershed
June 4, 2025
Earlier this month, YJR Outdoors had the privilege of leading a very special Guided Ride with the team from the Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust (PERT). What made this one stand out? It wasn’t just the stunning scenery or the unexpectedly rich trail conversations—it was the blend of adventure, advocacy, and action that defined every mile of our ride.
🌿 Starting Strong from PERT HQ
We rolled out from PERT headquarters with a diverse group of stewardship managers, educators, and interns. The goal: connect with the land, each other, and our greater mission—preserving and promoting the ecological richness of the Pennypack Watershed.
With bikes checked and spirits high, we hit the trails, heading east on the Circuit Trails network. The route would take us nearly 16 miles across a variety of terrain—thankfully beginner-friendly but not without its challenges—culminating in a visit to Pennypack on the Delaware and a walking tour with the incredible folks at Riverfront North.
🛠️ Environmental Education in Motion
Throughout the ride, we used the landscape as our classroom. We paused at natural areas, historic landmarks, and active restoration sites to reflect on the work that’s been done and the work still to do. One of the most meaningful moments was a spontaneous encounter with a longtime Friends of Pennypack volunteer—a real-life reminder of the passionate community behind this ecosystem.
Adding another layer to the day, we were joined by a special guest from Cloud Gehshan Design. As we navigated park signage and trail markers, we got a mini-masterclass in way-finding history and design—proof that interpretation and storytelling are just as important as trail building when it comes to public engagement.
🚲 Miles with Meaning
Our route wove through PERT, Montgomery County’s Lorimer Park and into Philly’s Pennypack Park, covering well-known crossings like Verree, Krewstown, Rhawn, Frankford, and Torresdale. Bridges, tunnels, creeks—we rode under and over them all. The distance pushed some legs, but the conversations (and the promise of lunch) kept morale sky-high.
Nearing the confluence of Pennypack Creek at the Delware River, we met up with Riverfront North Partnership for lunch and a stewardship walk.
We wrapped the day with BBQ from Sweet Lucy’s—well-earned and well-devoured.
đź‘‹ Want to Bring This Experience to Your Team?
This wasn’t just a bike ride. It was a moving workshop, a community walk-and-talk on wheels, and a chance to explore how place, people, and purpose come together in powerful ways.
If you’re part of an organization—nonprofit, school, company, or government—and this kind of experience sounds like a fit, let’s talk. YJR Outdoors designs Guided Rides tailored to your goals, from environmental education to team building.
đź“§ Reach out at info@yjroutdoors.comÂ
đźš« A Quick Note on Biking at PERT
Please respect the rules: biking is only allowed on Creek Road within the Trust and the County Rail Trail. Let’s keep these places healthy and accessible for everyone.
🙏 Big Thanks
A huge thank-you to the Pennypack Trust crew for their trust (no pun intended), the Riverfront North team for the riverside hospitality, and the PA Environmental Council for their ongoing support.
Photos 📸: @kevross4 and the ride crew