Cheesecake to Cheese Steak: The East Coast Greenway Alliance Announces its Long-Awaited New York City-to-Philadelphia Greenway Ride

With COVID-19-related health for ride participants, staff and volunteers remaining a top priority, the East Coast Greenway Alliance will hold the inaugural New York City-to-Philadelphia Greenway Ride on August 28-29, 2021. 

Participants now have the option of riding 130 miles over two days with an overnight stop in Princeton, New Jersey, or participating virtually on their local trails, roads or indoor trainer. The ride was originally scheduled for May 2020 before being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The East Coast Greenway team and ride production partners at Global Impact Productions are hopeful for holding an in-person ride in August, and work continues with local government partners to organize a safe event for all involved. 

However, organizers have added a virtual option to the registration platform for participants who prefer to ride remotely on their own or in small groups. The virtual ride will include access to live streamed events, special East Coast Greenway digital content and more. 

If prevailing guidelines dictate that the entire ride must be shifted to a virtual-only event during the August 28 weekend due to COVID-19-related health and safety precautions, ride organizers are committed to creating a unique and top-notch experience, featuring the perks outlined above and much more. Additional perks will be rolled out throughout the training season. 

Registration is now open at greenway.org/nyctophilly. Fees for new registrants are $150 for standard ($600 fundraising commitment), $250 for premium ($1,200 fundraising commitment) and $100 for virtual ($400 fundraising commitment). 

With a special focus on improving the route between New York City and Philadelphia, proceeds from this ride will benefit the nonprofit East Coast Greenway Alliance, which is developing a 3,000-mile multi-use trail from Maine to Florida.

“Over the past year, trail use has doubled and tripled along our corridor, and with 50 million rides, runs and walks in 2020, the East Coast Greenway has become the most visited park in America,” says East Coast Greenway Alliance Executive Director Dennis Markatos-Soriano. 

“Our team is grateful for the nearly 300 registered participants who have shown unwavering support and patience as planning for the ride has evolved throughout the ever-changing landscape of a global pandemic. Their commitment to this ride and to helping build a healthy, equitable and sustainable future through the development of more miles of safe, protected trails is more important than ever. We look forward to welcoming many new participants for the in-person and virtual rides.”