Community Bike Ride to the Watershed
Pedal to the Watershed is the theme of this year’s Edwardsville Earth Day Festival, and we’re inviting the community to ride along.
In partnership with the Edwardsville Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC), the Nature Preserve Foundation is launching a free community bike ride to the Watershed. Designed for all skill levels, the ride celebrates biking as a fun, accessible, and sustainable way to connect with nature and each other.
The community ride will take place the morning of our Earth Day event (April 18), and arriving at the Watershed in time to enjoy the festival. The ride begins at 9:30 a.m. from Richard’s Woods and will head to the Watershed. Riders should arrive by 9:00 a.m. to check in and prepare for departure. Riders may also pick up and join us along the route. The route will be shared with all registered riders and posted here closer to the event date.
Even if you do not join the group ride, we encourage everyone to pedal to the Watershed in their own way. Bike solo, ride with friends, or walk the trails and be part of the movement. Free Mobile Bike Clinics sponsored by The Cyclery, Edwardsville, will provide complementary ABC (Air, Brakes, Chain) service checks, will take place during the Festival.
Bike Ride Route Details
📍 Access Points (Join Anywhere!)
- Start Location – Full Ride
- Pin Oak Parking Lot
1125 E Schwarz St - Welcome + intro to BPAC & NPF
- Overview of Richards Woods plans
- Arrive: 9:00 AM | Depart: 9:30 AM
- 🚗 Parking area (30 spots) (consider carpooling or riding to location)
- Stop #1 – Lewis & Clark N.O. Nelson Campus
- 400 Le Claire St
- ~1 mile from start
- Arrive: 9:35 AM | Depart: 9:40 AM
- 🚗 Largest parking area (150+ spots)
3. Stop #2 – Newt Statue (Trail Junction)
- Intersection of MCT Nature, Nickel Plate & Goshen Trails
- Arrive: 9:45 AM | Depart: 9:50 AM
- 🚴 Great meetup spot for riders joining from around town