First Time at the Philly Bike Expo, via Amtrak

Friendships, connections, and organized bike rides, made the Philly Bike Expo weekend especially worthwhile.

Attending the Philly Bike Expo has been on my radar since sometime before 2019. Of course, travel restrictions, safety, and life upheaval waylaid the dream for a while, but I promised myself that 2024 was the year.

The interior Amtrak sign was fortuitous - that's my bike in a bag. 

By now, I'm comfortable rolling the five miles, boarding Amtrak with my Dahon. Last minute, I noticed the local rainstorm had passed, and the 4 day forecast in Philly was clear. What a gift! I left the rain gear behind. Extending the front bag's straps allowed me to pack enough gear for 4 days - my bag was stuffed - plus I brought food for the 10 hour journey! This time I carried a foldable backpack/tote bag, tucked away on the journey south, for getting groceries plus whether strapped on the handlebars, or worn on my back, allowed me to carry daily essentials, leaving the large bag behind at my accommodation. Traveling by folding bike - at least the way I do it - is all about packing light and bringing multipurpose gear/clothing. 

I couldn't entice any family members to go with me! Maybe next time. Later I would discover the building lit up on the other side of river was the train station. 

I arrived in Philadelphia at 8pm. Armed with Google voice directions I thought it would be easy to navigate the 1.5 miles to my Airbnb near the Art Museum, but I didn't account for traffic noise and being disoriented - first time in Philly didn't help. After circling a bit, I made it across the famed Skuykill River and cycled on a trail. Back on route, it was easy to find my cozy accommodation on a quiet but convenient tiny street (I'd stay there again).

Colorful titanium bottle cages. So many things to see at the Expo.

I didn't sleep well the first night so I was up early enough to make an organized ride leaving close by - a ride billed as "average 17 mph, no drop" which seemed like an oxymoron. As it was, I missed the meetup spot - wrong side of Art Museum - but noticed in time to tag on the tail end. 60 people showed up, so I didn't need to worry about speed. At the coffee shop stop - already the weather reaching high 50sF - I caught up with Leah and Pam, two online Riv Sisters, a connection we made years ago when I owned a Rivendell Clem-L - and they still consider me a member.

My tiny bike squeezed between the Rivendells.

The ride ended at the convention center at the opening of the two day Philly Bike Expo. I hung out with the ladies for a bit at the Rivendell booth, but I'm no longer a Rivendell fan so I made my way around the Expo. I enjoyed the mix of custom builders, bag makers, big name vendors, advocacy organizations, and the general atmosphere. I talked with the Brompton folks but they weren't allowed to offer indoor test rides. I reconnected with the Bassi folks - first time exhibitors, and makers of my Rachel - especially Julian - who later I would meet up with at the after party. The exhibit floor had food vendors. The taco truck served an assortment of delicious varieties, satiating a hungry belly after the morning's miles. I comfortably visited the whole Expo in 3-4 hours total, after a break with the ladies to grab a bite to eat from a crowded nearby food hall, reminding of Boston's Faneuil Hall. For me, the Expo was a one day event, but had the seminars been attractive, I could've gone back for more.

Saturday evening we dodged the Saint Patrick's Day revelers to eat at a lovely Italian restaurant. Then meeting at the Expo for a ride to the After Party, an outdoor parking lot event, complete with bonfire, beer, snacks, and Keystone Bikes shop opened up for all. Roberta (center photo) was a local and met up with us later, via car, offering to drive me to my accommodation after dark to keep me safe.

Sunday morning was the third and last organized ride for me, ending near the Expo. Pam and Leah left soon after for their long journeys homeward, while Roberta kindly guided me safely to Liberty Square, before she headed home. Another lovely day, temps topping into the 60's, I aimed to be a tourist for most of the day. I visited the Liberty Bell, of course, then set my sights on a path along the Delaware River. Rather short, I beelined west across Fishtown, then on a major throughfare with ample bike lane across North Philly - likely what Roberta would have me avoid - but it was a doable ride against a stiff headwind until I connected with the familiar Skuykill River trail network. Famished, I ate a burrito at a riverfront eatery and watched paddlers operate skulls and Canadian geese skuttle, honking, performing either a mating ritual or warning would-be suitors away.

I was surprised by the warm spring weather, flowering trees, bulbs, friendly and guided bike rides. I couldn't have asked for a nicer weekend, for sure! I grabbed more groceries and stocked my place, relaxing for a while. During golden hour, with tired bike legs, I wandered on foot around the Art Museum grounds. 

The architecture was stunning! 

Each side of the facade exposed something new.

Boathouse Row and the view to downtown was bathed in light; the flowering trees, even the entrance to my small apartment glowed. 

What a glorious time! I left with plenty of time Monday morning to easily find the train station. This time I had the Red Cap staff wheel my bike to the platform. My journey home went smoothly.

Parting Thoughts:

• Amtrak, while an all day journey, was a convenient resource to access the Expo. My journey south (direct from home) consisted of a difficult transfer - lugging the bike up two flights of stairs - in NYC onto a different train to Philly. The return trip was Philly direct to Essex, VT 10 miles from home where I got a ride in the evening. It was the cheapest alternative, but has made me wonder how to handle a heavy bike and connections. Perhaps I should be seeking the elevator!
• I would go again, purely to ride with others. 
• Having family tag along would be better, but I wouldn't let it deter me from traveling alone again, especially now that I have my bearings. 
• 3 nights was a perfect amount of time in the city, for the Expo, and playing tourist.
• Inclement weather would dampen organized rides, but the indoor venue of course is fine. I would love to visit the Art Museum or the nearby Rodin Museum.
• I wished there was a downtown historical bike ride. Philly reminded me of Montreal where ancient buildings mixed with modern skyscrapers.