Just Do It

Rally in the Valley

by Sam Tremble

Sat., April 19, registration 8-10:30 a.m., $20, Northwestern Stables, 120 Northwestern Ave., phillymtb.com

Nature's beauty reveals itself best when hurtling through it (and over it) at high speeds, balanced on thin layers of metal, rubber and air. At least that's what the Philadelphia Mountain Bike Association (PMBA) believes. Their second annual Rally in the Valley will expose new riders to the paths of Wissahickon Creek and help raise funds for trail maintenance crews.

PMBA members like getting their work gloves as dirty as their bikes. The group has held trail maintenance days throughout the winter, focusing on tons of rocks and debris when the dirt was too frozen to move. The last group of volunteers numbered 64, up from a previous high of 47. Rally in the Valley participants need only a mountain bike and a helmet, and there will be routes for bikers of all skill levels.

Proceeds from the day will supply tools and food for future cleanups and benefit Friends of the Wissahickon, a group that works closely with PMBA and also holds regular trail maintenance days. "Other cities don't have what we have here," says PMBA vice president Rob Krotee. "If we didn't do this all the time, who would?"