Guided Bike Tour of East Fairmount Park

Join the Fairmount Park Conservancy and experienced bike tour guide Graham Robb on an all-levels bike ride of East Fairmount Park on September 16 from 9:30 AM–12:30 PM.

This eight-mile bike ride will highlight the history, hidden gems, and stories of interesting places in East Fairmount Park. Stops include the birthplace of the park at Lemon Hill Mansion, Sedgeley Porter’s House — a little-known or seen house that is the first Gothic Revival building in the US, Hatfield House, John Coltrane’s House, the Discovery Center, Smith Playhouse, as well as many of the park’s beautiful colonial-era mansions. Graham is a great storyteller who will share many perspectives on our park’s past, present, and future.

INSTRUCTOR BIO: Graham Robb is a “retired” lawyer who enjoys biking, hiking, gardening, and learning anything new.  When he is not officiating high school sports he volunteers much of his time with various organizations including Habitat for Humanity for whom he leads teams of volunteers on builds around the world.  A lifelong resident of Philadelphia, Graham is something of a history and genealogy buff – having traced his Philadelphia ancestors back to the 1680s – and loves sharing past and current stories about his favorite city.

TICKET PRICES: Pay what you can – $10, $15, or $20
[ Not sure what to pay? Please refer to this Sliding Scale Pricing FAQ for additional info. ]

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• This event is BYOB….as in, bring your own bike (and helmet!). No bike? No problem! We’re meeting right next to Wheel Fun Bike Rentals.
• Most of the ride is flat; however, there will be some hilly sections.
• Everyone must wear a helmet at all times. Riders who arrive without a helmet will not be permitted to join the tour.
• The tour stops at but does not go inside the places listed above.
• The bike ride is roughly eight miles long over mostly flat sidewalks/roads with occasional hills.
• Appropriate for adults and families with children ages 14 and up. Minors must be registered and accompanied by an adult.
• Please dress according to weather conditions.
• Please bring your own water and snacks (drinking water is not available in the park).
• There are nearby bathrooms available before or after the tour.
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray.

PARKING: There is plenty of free parking in the park. As always, NEVER leave valuables in your car! If traveling by public transit, the nearest stop is at Art Museum Drive (a five minute walk from the start). The nearest Indego bike station is at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to [email protected]

Enjoy our programs? Become a Supporter of Fairmount Park Conservancy to help ensure that Philadelphia’s parks are enhanced for generations to come! Supporters enjoy special benefits like early registration access for events and our Park Perk Pass, which offers discounts and benefits throughout Philadelphia.