BCP Current Ride Listing

Wednesday, April 2 - Witness. Class C, 50 miles. Departs at 9 o'clock from Bob LaDrew's house near Coatesville. Explore the pristine countryside where the 1984 classic "Witness" was filmed. Ride preceded by continental breakfast. You must call for directions. Leader: Steve Trobovic, 610-687-9229, srtrobovic@juno.com.

Saturday, April 5 - Tour of Delco. Class B+/B, 62 miles, 15-16 mph. Leaving 9:00 from Valley Forge National Park visitor center, lower lot, we will head to Delaware County for a metric century. This is the first of three "county rides" I will be leading this spring - Delco in April, Montco in May, and Chesco in June. Only one food stop is planned, at 30 mile mark, so bring appropriate hydration/sustation. Call or e-mail for start location. Leader: Rich Wagner, 610-521-4570, roadrich@hotmail.com.

Saturday, April 5 - Forbidden Drive. Class C, 11-13 mph, about 25 miles. Starts 10:00 from the SEPTA R-6 Conshohocken station, under the Fayette St bridge, by the Schuylkill River Trail. A hybrid or mountain bike is recommended for this ride. Bring money for lunch at Bruno's. Inclement weather will cancel ride. Call Friday evening to confirm that ride is on. Leaders: Pat & Bill Rock, 215-659-5148, patrockbike@aol.com.

Sunday, April 6 - River Drives. Class D, about 20 miles. Starts 9:00 from in front of Lloyd Hall on Kelly Drive. School Night Instructor Jim Connor takes his cycling class of Fun Wheelers on their first field trip. There will be a short session on safe cycling and minor bike adjustments prior to the start. All are welcome. Leader: Jim "Chip" Connor, 610-668-1840.

Sunday, April 6 - Won't You B Minus? +/- 45 mi. In deference to this leader and his extended hibernation, the pace will be 13-14 mph. Starts 9:30 at Bruno's, head out to Doylestown, perhaps Jeff's or Glenn's routes? We'll hit several neighborhoods. I just know that the departed Fred Rogers would approve. Wawa/bagel stop. Forecast high 45+ for ride to go. Leader: Roger Burnham, 215-848-3545.

Sunday, April 6 - B Ramble. Class B, 14-15 mph, 40-45 miles. We'll go through western suburbs to Devon Fresh Fields. Moderately hilly. Meet at the Italian Fountain behind the Art Museum at noon. Leader: David Finger, 215-561-3176, davederailleur@hotmail.com.

Sunday, April 6 - Brit Bike Rail Excursion. Class C-, 10 mph, about 12 miles. Meet at noon at 30th Street Station to board SEPTA's 12:22 R8 train, disembark at Chestnut Hill West. Light lunch, then rattle down the Wissahickon and Kelly Drives to the Art Museum. English 3-speed roadster cycles ONLY (Raleigh 20 folders, Bromptons and Schwinn Speedsters with Sturmey-Archer hubs, 3, 4 or 1 speeds, also welcome!) This is part of the 6th Annual Great British Bike Weekend. Come ride a wheel of Sheffield steel. Rain or shine - wear tweed & your coffee's on us! Leader: Michael McGettigan, 215-990-9275.

Monday, April 7 - BCP Monthly Meeting. 6:30 PM at the Manayunk Brewery & Restaurant, 4120 Main Street, Philadelphia. All BCP members are encouraged to attend. For information or to get something on the agenda: David Johnson, 610-828-3708, david.johnson@lehigh.edu. The restaurant's Monday special is a full lobster dinner for $13. Now you have TWO good reasons to attend!

Saturday, April 12 - Salem Oak. Multilevel, 65 or 54 miles. Meet 8:15 for breakfast at Salem Oak Diner, Rt 49, Salem N.J. Ride starts at 9. A mostly flat ride on the scenic, low-traffic roads below Salem. Bring money for food. Cue sheets provided. Leader: Dave Trout, 610-368-0760, dmtrout@usa.net.

Saturday, April 12 - Bryn Athyn Cathedral. Class C+, 45 miles. Starts 9 o'clock from the Italian Fountain. A moderately hilly ride suitable for C/C+ riders working to get their legs back for the season. Gary & Vikki will be leading from their new tandem, but this ride is intended for uprights and all types of bikes. Tandem riders PLEASE NOTE: You are encouraged to come out for this ride and meet the leaders. There will be a lunch stop in Northeast Philly. We'll regroup often, to allow for legs that are not yet in mid-season form (like the leaders). Several SEPTA stations along the route will provide bailout options. Cue sheets provided. Serious rain cancels. Leaders: Gary & Vikki Morris, 215-557-0410, gmorris@vzavenue.net.

Saturday, April 12 - Southern Camden County. Class C+, 13-15 mph, 25 miles. Starts at 10:00 from the parking area of Berlin Park across from the Berlin Farmer's Market on Park Drive between the White Horse Pike (Route 30) and Cross Keys Road in Berlin, N.J. Ride cancels if it's raining one hour prior to start time. Leader: Dave Wender, 856-809-9194, dwender1@comcast.net.

Saturday, April 12 - Hawk Mountain after the Swap Meet. Class B, 14-16 mph, 60 miles. This ride has been a standard at the Fall T- town swap meet, and now that they have a Spring meet, we get to see the mountain amid wildflowers rather than falling leaves. After replenishing our equipment with treasures we find at the Trexlertown swap meet, which starts at 9:00, we'll head out to explore the Spring foliage and bucolic back roads leading up to Hawk Mountain. Those who enjoy the challenge can climb the mountain, and then come back down (much, much faster) to meet up with the rest of the group. Meet fed and hydrated outside the velodrome track entrance at noon. Leader: David Johnson, 610-828- 3708, david.johnson@lehigh.edu.

Sunday, April 13 - Trem das Cores. Class B, approx. 65 miles at 15 mph, rolling to hilly. A journey across the Brandywine valley will take us deep into Guillam country. One never knows what to expect there, so be prepared. Notwithstanding the potential dangers, springtime is always beautiful in Guillam country. Starts at 9:00 from Ridley Creek State Park office parking lot. Take US 1 to S.R. 252, go 0.5 mile and bear left onto Providence Rd, continue for 2.5 miles and turn left onto Gradyville Rd. Follow park signs to park office. Call if weather is questionable. Leader: Eduardo Ruchelli, 215-572-0753, edr@mail.med.upenn.edu.

Sunday, April 13 - Upper Black Eddy Firehouse Breakfast. Class C+, 38 miles. Starts 9:00 from the Village Square Shopping Center parking lot on the corner of Main St (NJ Rt 29) and Cherry St, on the north side of Lambertville. Ride up the Delaware River along the ridge line on the N.J. side. Cross the river to the Upper Black Eddy, Pa, firehouse for an all-you-can-eat breakfast at mile 18. Some hills on the outbound ride, but you are rewarded with a nice 2-1/2 mile descent from the ridge, on Horseshoe Bend Rd, into Frenchtown. Cue sheets provided. Breakfast is just $5. SEPTA's R3 West Trenton station is closest railroad connection. Leader: Doug Tedeschi, 215-782-3361, Douglas@craftech.com.

Sunday, April 13 - Conshohocken Local. Class C-, 20-25 miles. Starts 9:00 from the SEPTA R-6 Conshohocken station, under the Fayette St bridge, by the Schuylkill River Trail. School Night Instructor Jim Connor takes his Fun Wheelers cycling class on a field trip to Betzwood and through the park before returning along the trail. There will be a short session on safe cycling and minor bike adjustments prior to the start. All are welcome. Stops to regroup as needed, all ride together. Snacks and cold drinks available at the Outbound Station adjacent to the trail. Leader: Jim "Chip" Connor, 610-668-1840.

Sunday, April 13. B Ramble. Class B, 14-15 mph, 40-45 miles. Meet at the Italian Fountain at noon. Show and Go.

Friday, April 18 (Good Friday) - Two Creeks & a Forge. Class B+/B, 65 miles, 15-16 mph average. Starting at 9:00 from Ridley Creek State Park Picnic area #15, we will head for a brief respite in Marsh Creek State Park, then hopefully catch a nice tailwind on our way to Valley Forge Park. After regaining our strength, we then go back to Ridley Creek. Expect some climbing, especially after Valley Forge. I-95 south to I-476 (Blue Route), then north to Exit 5 - Rt. 1 (Media bypass). Take Route 1 south to Rt 252 - Providence Rd north. Stay on Rt 252, past Delaware Co Community Col, through Media Line Rd intersection. Next traffic signal (Gradyville Rd) turn left. Stay on Gradyville Rd into Ridley Creek State Park. Turn left on Sandy Flash Dr (Look for sign to park HQ, Nature Center). Follow signs to area #15, which is at the top of a large hill. Travel time from center city is 40-50 mins. Leader: Rich Wagner, 610-521-4570, roadrich@hotmail.com.

Saturday, April 19 - Cobra Coral. Class B, 60 miles, 15 mph, rolling to hilly. After getting over Pumpkin Hill, we'll make our way to the heart of Lancaster County with a food stop in New Holland. The woods and hills of Berks County will give us a nice change of scenery for the return trip. Starts 9:00 from Warwick County Park. Pa Turnpike to Exit 23; Route 100 North; left on Route 23 West for about 3 miles; left on Park Road, then left into park (last time it was unmarked, so it's easy to miss. If you go as far as St. Peter's Rd, you just missed it). Call if weather is questionable. Leader: Eduardo Ruchelli, 215-572-0753, edr@mail.med.upenn.edu.

Saturday, April 19 - Hill Ride. Class C+, about 35 miles. Departs 9:00 from the Italian Fountain. We will climb several of the hills on the Manayunk side of the river including the WALL for those up for it. Leader: Ginny Durham, 215-440-7093, vedurham@comcast.net.

Saturday, April 19 - Northeast Ramble. Class C-, 10 mph, 30-40 miles, all west of the Delaware River. Brunch/lunch stop along the way. All ride together. PLEASE NOTE: The pace will be C MINUS, about 10 mph; No cue sheets will be provided, so you will have to ride at the leaders' pace. Leaves at 9;00 SHARP from the Burger King, north of Oxford Circle on Castor Ave. Call in case of inclement or doubtful weather. Leaders: Madge and Dick Trickey, 215-288-5907.

Saturday, April 19 - Meet the Train: Easter Bonnet. Class C, 12- 14 mph, 35-40 miles. Leaves 9:30 from the Pathmark parking lot on MacDade Blvd in Folsom, Ridley Township to meet the train from Philadelphia at 9:58. We ride out to and through Ridley Creek State Park. Riders from Center City can take the R-2 train (#4209) that leaves Suburban Station at 9:29. (Train riders be sure to call me so we know you are coming). Wear your Easter Bonnet, but be sure to bring your helmet and money for a food stop. Wet or very cold weather may shorten or cancel the ride. Leader: Dave Trout, 610-368-0760, dmtrout@usa.net.

Sunday, April 20 - Early Season Tour. Class B, 16-17 mph, 35-45 miles. Leaves 9:00 from the Glenside Library at Keswick Ave and Waverly Rd. Tour of scenic roads in nearby Montgomery and/or Bucks Counties. Must call or e-mail to confirm that you are attending. Leader: Chris Beetham, 215-576-6514, beetham@snip.net.

Sunday, April 20 - B Ramble. Class B, 14-15 mph, 40-45 miles. Mystery destination. Sit-down food break. Meet at the Italian Fountain at noon. Call if weather is questionable. Leader: Jeff Bakely, 215-843-1093, jbake@snip.net.

Sunday, April 20 - Sunday Ramble. Class D, about 15 miles. Leaves at 12:30 SHARP from the Burger King, north of Oxford Circle on Castor Ave. This ride will take about 2 hours plus a stop for a snack. Call in case of inclement or doubtful weather. Leaders: Madge and Dick Trickey, 215-288-5907.

Saturday, April 26 - Lititz. Class B, 72 miles, approx 14-15 mph. Starts 8:30 at Octoraro School at Rt 41 and Highland Road. We will ride through the farmland of Lancaster County to an outdoor lunch in the park at Lititz. Bring or buy food near the park. Leaders: Doug Kennedy, 610-543-4664, dougkennedy7@yahoo.ca, and Debbie Wilson, 302-798-1243, djwbike@aol.com.

Fri-Sun, April 25-27 - BCP Spring Event. Space limited, sign up NOW! Writeup/form in March and April issues. Coordinator: Linda McGrane, 215-663-5291, adnilminussix@yahoo.com.

Saturday, April 26 - Skippack or Schwenksville. Class B-, 13-14 mph, 40-50 miles, depending on the temperature, winds, and our conditioning. Return via the extended Valley Forge bike path. Rolling hills, a tougher climb or two. Sit-down lunch stop (we ride to eat). Meet 8:45 at Bruno's, for a 9:00 start. Leader: Jeff Bakely, 215-843-1093, jbake@snip.net.

Saturday, April 26 - Shad Festival. Class D, 10-12 mph, 16 miles. Leaves from Washington's Crossing State Park, N.J. parking lot near the bridge. We will take the towpath to Lambertville and spend 2 hours at the festival. It is the best way to travel to the Shad Fest, as the town is closed to traffic on that day. Enjoy, lunch, crafts, and fine entertainment. Meet at 10:00, return about 1:30. Leaders: Al Ozer, 215-677-9141, alozer7@cs.com, and John Kalicki, 215-426-3937, teach@kalicki.com.

Sunday, April 27 - Araca Azul. Class B, 60 miles at 15 mph, rolling to hilly. Discover the lightly traveled roads of Hunterdon and Warren counties in N.J. as we find our way to Musconetcong Mt. The steep descent will take us to Asbury, our lunch destination. The fresh mozzarella, prosciutto and sundried tomatoes sandwich makes the trip more than worth it! The return is gentler and fast along the plateau east of Frenchtown. Starts 9:00 o'clock from Bulls Island State Park on Route 29, 3 miles north of Stockton, N.J. Take your favorite road to Willow Grove and then follow Route 263 (York Rd) all the way to the end at the Delaware River (don't fall into the water!). Cross the river into Stockton, N.J. and at the T, turn left onto Route 29 and continue for 3 miles. The park is on the left side of the road. Call if weather is questionable. Leader: Eduardo Ruchelli, 215-572-0753, edr@mail.med.upenn.edu.

Sunday, April 27 - Kountry Kitchen. Classes B and C. B: 15-16 mph, 50+ miles; C: 12-14 mph, 35+ miles. Starts 9:00 from Kingsway High School, Routes 322 & 551, just across the Commodore Barry Bridge in New Jersey. Ride to the Kountry Kitchen in Elmer for breakfast. Leader: Dave Trout, 610-368-0760, dmtrout@usa.net.

Sunday, April 27 - Kimberton Whole Foods Cafe'. Class C/C+, about 30 miles. Leaves 9:00 from Manhattan Bagel Shop in the Chesterbrook Shopping Center on Chesterbrook Blvd, accessible from U.S. 202 or Pa 252. Arrive earlier if you want breakfast. A pretty stretch along Pickering creek, even a covered bridge crossing of French creek. Expect nice scenery, moderate hills and a nice food stop. No one dropped. Cue sheets provided. Call the leaders if weather is questionable. Leaders: Arnie Roseman, 610- 640-4529, asr3@fcc.net and Steve Trobovic, 610-687-9229, srtrobovic@juno.com.

Sunday, April 27 - Wissahickon. Class C-, 20 miles. Starts 9:00 from the shopping center on Main St, just west of the Main St/Ridge Ave split. Look for street parking across from shopping center. School Night Instructor Jim Connor takes his Fun Wheelers cycling class on a field trip up Forbidden Drive to Barren Hill, down to Spring Mill, and return to Manayunk via the towpath. Optional food stop at Bruno's on Northwestern Ave. There will be a short session on safe cycling and minor bike adjustments prior to the start. All are welcome. Stops to regroup as needed, all ride together. Leader: Jim "Chip" Connor, 610-668-1840.

Sunday, April 27 - B Ramble: Beyond Ambler. Class B, 14-15 mph, 40-45 miles. Meet at the Italian Fountain at noon. Leader: Steven Lipschutz, 610-660-6295, steven8674@comcast.net.

Tuesday, April 29 - Mailing the May Newsletter. Meet 6:30 at Wolf, Block, Schorr and Solis-Cohen LLP, 1650 Arch Street, southeast corner 17th & Arch Sts. Coordinator: Tom Witt, 215-977-2164.

Wednesday, April 30 - BCP Monthly Meeting. The May meeting will be held early, with featured speakers Wally & Barbara Smith talking about their bicycle adventure in Cuba. Note the time: 7PM, Memorial United Methodist Church, 701 Johnson St, at the Walnut Lane Circle. All BCP members are encouraged to attend. For information or to get something on the agenda: David Johnson, 610-828-3708, david.johnson@lehigh.edu.

Sunday, May 4 - Funwheelers Graduation. Class C, 28 miles. Starts 9:00 from the parking lot across from Chadds Ford Elementary School. Heading south on Baltimore Pike (US 1), turn left at the first traffic light past Route 100 in Chadds Ford. School Night Instructor Jim Connor leads his cycling class on the graduation ride - their final field trip. Test yourself on Harmony Hill, en route to the halfway stop at Highland Orchards, renowned for homemade apple cider doughnuts. Stops to regroup as needed, all are welcome. Leader: Jim "Chip" Connor, 610-668-1840.

Regular Weekly and Sunday Rides

HELMETS are REQUIRED ON ALL RIDES

Sundays

Sunday Morning Breakfast Ride. Class C, up to 30 miles. Meet 8:45 at the SE corner of 22nd & Spring Garden for a delightful ride to a delightful place to have a delightful breakfast. Bring locks and money for brunch in the middle of the ride. We always need volunteers to lead us to delightful eating spots and pretty biking areas. Leaders: Sunday, April 6th - Tom Stewart, stewart.tom@verizon.net, 215-455-9168; April 13th - Henry Lazarus, 267-259-6275 (cell phone), hlazar@netaxs.com; April 20th - Leigh Weber, SCU@WeberConsult.com, 215-519-1697; April 30th - Ann Martha, 215-335-5662, achristinemartha@yahoo.com.

Bulldog Ride. Class A-/B+, 45-65 miles, average speed 16-18 mph depending on the terrain. Meets most Sundays at the Bulldog statue, in the triangular park at 25th St, Fairmount & Pennsylvania Aves. Leaves noon sharp. No cue sheet provided, follow the leader. Leader: Bruce Taubman, 215-735-7935. April 27 ride will be Show and Go.

B Ramble. Class B, 14-15 mph, approx. 40 miles. Meet noon at the Italian Fountain behind the Art Museum. Check the Monthly Calendar for leaders and ride descriptions.

Sunny Sunday Afternoon Ride. Class D, usually 12-22 miles. Meets every Sunday at noon in front of Lloyd Hall, #1 Boathouse Row, on Kelly Drive. For the beginner who wishes to improve his/her cycling skills, for those new to Philadelphia who want to explore the little-known, out-of-the-way places in the city and near suburbs. April 6 -Conshohocken via the bike path, food stop there. Leader: J.D. Mitchell, John.D.Mitchell@verizon.com, 215- 844-2669. All other April rides will be Show and Go. Volunteer leaders for the Sunny Sunday D rides will be greatly appreciated. Please don't let this ride group drop off into oblivion. Call J.D. if you'd like to lead a ride.

Sunny Sunday Spin-Off Ride. Class C, usually 25-30 miles. A true C ride which cheerfully waits to regroup. All welcome. Meets 12:15 at the rock near the Italian Fountain, behind the Art Museum. Leaders: April 6 - Lyn Hedrick (no Sunday calls please), 215-438-7665; 13th -Tom Witt, 215-977-2164; 20th - Chuck Martin, 215-923-1887; 27th - Tom Witt, 215-977-2164.

Mondays

Attention all Sturdy Girls: Women's Recovery Ride every Monday! Starting April 21, join Sally Poliwoda for a B- pace, 25-30 mile recovery ride. Tired of all the testosterone from weekly rides, need an easy spin following hard or long miles on Saturdays and Sundays, or looking to meet other women riders who share your passion for cycling? Join us at the Italian Fountain at 5:45 PM for a prompt 6:00 departure. The group will stay together at all times and rotation of ride leadership will be encouraged to share responsibility of maintaining a safe and supportive ride. Coordinator: Sally Poliwoda, 215-753-2468, poliwoda@email.chop.edu.

Tuesdays

Starting April 8 - Vocabulary Ride. Class C, 12-14 mph, 15-20 miles. Has the winter enervated you? Are you full of ennui? Then saltate on that ol' velocipede and join us as the Vocabulary Ride starts another season of spins through southern Delco. Starts 6 PM from the Pathmark on MacDade Blvd in Folsom, Delaware County. Leader: Dave Trout, 610-368-0760, dmtrout@usa.net.

Starting April 8 - Evening Ride from Holmesburg. Class C, 15-20 miles. Leaves 6 SHARP from Holmesburg Shopping Center, Frankford Ave & Ashburner St, Phila. Ride around Northeast Philly and Bucks County. Ride cancels if it's raining one hour before start time. Leaders: Joe Wilkinson & Harriet Herman, 215-331-6672, hHerman@pmhcc.org.

Starting April 22 - Narberth ChainSmoker's Ride. Class B,15 -16 mph, 22 miles. Tues/Thurs training ride through the back roads of the Main Line. Our goal is to bike to Valley Forge by the end of June. There will be a faster group and we are looking for a C+ leader. This ride leaves from Mainly Bikes in Narberth at 6 PM. Leader: Art Elwood, 856-424-1770, bikeman1@gte.net.

Wednesdays

Ending April 2 - Pennypack Trails. MTB, all classes, 1-1/2 hours. Starts 6:30 PM at Pine Road entrance of Pennypack Park. Lights are required. Come enjoy the great outdoors after dark! Depending on weather or trail conditions, the day may change. Contact Chris Beetham to confirm, 215-576-6514, beetham@snip.net.

Thursdays

Starting April 10 - Training Ride. Class C+, approximately 20 miles. Departs 5:45 PM from Italian Fountain. Easier/shorter route for April to get started for the season. Leader: Ginny Durham, 215-440-7093, vedurham@comcast.net.

Starting April 24 - Narberth ChainSmoker's Ride. Class B, 15-16 mph, 22 miles. See Tuesdays for ride description. Leader: Art Elwood, 856.424-1770, bikeman1@gte.net.

Fridays

Wallyball. April 11 and 25. Come to the Aquatic & Fitness Center at Riverside Racquet at 600 Righters Ferry Road in Bala Cynwyd at 7 pm for a fun and invigorating game of Wallyball. What is it? Volleyball in a racquetball court. We play until at least 9:00. Cost is $7.50 per person. Bring your own lock for a locker. Call the club at 610-664-6464 for directions. Call or email coordinator Nikki Marx, 215-963-9377, bcpwallyball@hotmail.com to let her know you are coming or there may not be a game.