by Andrew Bernstein The beautiful, rolling hills of Pennsylvania’s Americana Region make the scenic area perfect for all kinds of outdoor activities. Indeed, visitors come from all over to visit Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, climb Bake Oven Knob, boat on our numerous lakes and even enjoy motorsports on the famed Duryea Hill Climb course and Maple Grove Raceway. As much as Pennsylvania’s Americana Region offers excellent opportunities for all kinds of outdoor activities, cyclists may have the best reasons to enjoy Berks County.
Our topography means that any kind of cyclist can challenge themselves on our roads – pushing up a climb and then flying down the descent. But cyclists who prefer their rides be more relaxing get to enjoy our quiet, shady roads that wind through agrarian valleys where cyclists may only encounter a handful of cars during the course of an hours-long exploration. Berks County has long served as a base for cyclists coming from all over the world to race at the nearby Valley Preferred Cycling Center, a proving ground for generations of Olympians. Our roads provide the perfect training grounds for competitive cyclists, just as they help any kind of rider get out and enjoy the scenery.
Not just a road-riding destination, Pennsylvania’s Americana Region has lots to offer cyclists who prefer to ride off-road as well. The challenging terrain on Reading’s Mount Penn is part of a 125-mile trail network that includes everything from more mellow options like the Schuylkill River Greenway Rail Trail and the Union Canal Trail to flowing single track at French Creek State Park, and Blue Marsh Lake Recreational Area. The extensive off-road trail network is certified as Bronze-level by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, the only trail network in the Northeast to attain this level of distinction.
With all of these cycling amenities, it’s no wonder that cyclists in Reading and Berks County are excited to host the professional athletes and citizen racers who will be on hand for the Reading Radsport Festival. This marquee cycling event includes the Mt.Penn Hill Climb on Friday, September 8th and the West Reading Criterium on September 9th. Both events include music, kids’ races, and opportunities to enjoy one of the many things that make Pennsylvania’s Americana Region great. For more information on the Reading Radsport Festival, visit readingradsport.com.