Biking in Philadelphia

One popular treat for cyclists is to ride the paved path along the east side of the Schuylkill River; cross East Falls Bridge, and return on the west side of the river. The path begins behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art and is parallel to Kelly Drive. This 8-mi loop is about an hour of casually paced biking. Forbidden Drive, a 5½-mi dirt-and-gravel bridle path along a stream in the Wissahickon, in the northwestern section of Fairmount Park, is a great ride.

Bicycle Club of Philadelphia. The Bicycle Club of Philadelphia organizes rides on weekday evenings and weeknds in Philadelphia and some surrounding suburbs. www.phillybikeclub.org.

Philadelphia International Cycling Championship. One of the world's top biking events, the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship is held each June. The 156-mi race starts and finishes at Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Highlights include the infamous Manayunk Wall, a steep hill in the Manayunk section of the city. www.procyclingtour.com.