The Champion Circle, an extra generous and committed group of donors, provides support that powers the Bicycle Coalition’s advocacy and education work forward. We seek to welcome another 40 new and renewed Champion Circle members by March 31st.
To help us reach that goal, longtime Champion Circle member and professional geologist, Ray Scheinfeld, has offered to lead a semi-private Geology of Philadelphia Bicycle Tour. As he likes to say “Going on a cycling trip with a geologist will allow you to know that not only are you climbing a hill but why the hill is there!”
There are two ways to enter the drawing:
- Make a new or renewing Champion Circle gift of $250 – $999 by March 31st
- Add an extra $100 on top of a current Champion Circle membership by March 31st
We will announce three winners by mid-April. Each one will be able to bring two guests (age 16+) on the leisurely paced, 18 mile loop over gentle, paved terrain. Helmets are mandatory. Due to the frequent stops, the tour will take 3-4 hours and will include a refreshment break before returning to the Old City starting point.
Tour participants will:
- Examine the evidence of over 500 million years of geologic history
- Progress along the beautiful banks of the Schuylkill River to its intersection with the Wissahickon Creek
- Visit locations that illustrate the complex geology of our area as well as the surface water drainage and cultural features that shaped 400 years of Philadelphia’s development
- Learn basic principles of geology
- Examine geologic outcrops and view drill core samples that illustrate the geologic and hydrogeologic framework of the area. These geologic features presented (and continue to present) numerous engineering design, environmental, and construction challenges during Philadelphia’s history and development.
About our guide, Ray Scheinfeld:
Ray is a native Philadelphian and Professional Geologist who has conducted extensive geologic studies of the Delaware Valley during a 40+ year career in both consulting and government. He organized and first led this trip during a national meeting of geologists in 2006. Since then, he has led the trip for hundreds of both geologists and non-geologists.