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Paint The Trail Purple

FAQs

General Event FAQs

Where exactly is the event area?

The event takes place on the beautiful Schuylkill River Trail. All three events begin and end at the intersection of Lee Street and the Schuylkill River Trail (40°04’26.9″N 75°17’16.1″W). The 5K fun run/walk will turn around at approximately the intersection of the Schuylkill River Trail and the Cross County Trail (behind The Grande at Riverview Condos). The 23-mile bike ride will ride to the National Memorial Arch in Valley Forge National Historic Park where you can take a great photo, then head back to the starting line. We’ll have a photographer there too!

What happens if it rains?
This is a rain-or-shine event! Dress accordingly! Obviously, if there’s lightning, we’ll delay the start until the storm passes.

What forms of payment do you accept on event day?
We’ll accept cash, personal check and credit card for registration costs. The only thing that won’t work is an IOU.

Where do I park?
Parking will be available in the Quaker Park Parking Lot and Septa Spring Mill Station Park and Ride Lot (free on weekends). Parking may also be found in marked Public Parking spaces in the parking lot of the Courts at Spring Mill apartment complex, and along streets, as allowed.

  • Event Parking
    • 1) Quaker Park Parking Lot
      • 926 E Elm St, Conshohocken, PA 19428
    • 2) Septa Spring Mill Station Park and Ride Lot (Free on weekends)
      • 528 Station Ave, Whitemarsh Township, PA 

How close is the parking area?
Close. Just a quick walk over to the back end of the Quaker Park Parking Lot by the trail and you’ll see us.

Are people dressing in purple?
You bet! Both participants and volunteers! Purple is the color for pancreatic cancer, so get your purple on! Be as silly as you dare with your purple-related garb.

Virtual Participant FAQs

Do I need to submit proof that I completed my event?
Nope! Our events are just for fun, but feel free to post your Strava results and share a selfie after you’ve completed your event! We’d love to see your face! Feel free to tag us @paintthetrailpurple to help us reach more people!

Do I have to follow the same Event Day Schedule as in-person participants?
The beauty of virtual participation is that you can complete your event however and whenever you choose! Want to do it over multiple days, in multiple places, or in the middle of the night? We say go for it!

Runner & Walker FAQs

Are pets allowed?
Yes. The trail is pet-friendly, and so are we. But pets must be leashed and both pets and owners must be well-behaved. For owners, that means being considerate of others and making sure you pick up after your pet. For the run, you’ll need to be a little more mindful of being courteous than you will for the walk. Unless you and Fido are ‘bone-a-fide’ (little pun there) speedsters, you may want to consider running more towards the rear.

Are strollers and joggers allowed?
Absolutely. This is a completely family-friendly event. Again, just remember to be courteous,

What is the route like?
For runners and walkers alike, the route is the same. The trail is paved, flat, and well-maintained. You can download the route from Strava by clicking here. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Cyclists FAQs

Do I need to wear a helmet?
Absolutely. You will NOT be allowed to participate without a helmet.

What about lightning once we’re out on the ride?
Once the ride is underway, if an electrical storm arrives, we ask that you get off the road and find shelter until the storm passes. Remaining on the road puts you at risk for both lightning strikes and vehicle collision due to diminished visibility. The League of American Bicyclists suggests the following if you encounter electrical storms while out on a ride:

  • Look for safe shelter (houses, stores, large barns, underpasses, etc.) as soon as you hear thunder
  • Lower your elevation as much as possible (move from hilltops to valleys or ravines)
  • Get off and away from your bike quickly if you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end.
  • Minimize your ground contact and make yourself the smallest target possible by squatting low to the ground on the balls of your feet and place your hands on your knees with your head between them.
  • AVOID – high spots and finding ‘shelter’ in small sheds or under trees; especially isolated trees.

Can I tow a child trailer on the ride?
Sure! However, we recommend that you already have some experience hooking up and using your child trailer.  An event ride on an occasionally busy trail isn’t the best time to test out your child trailer for the first time.  But if you’re used to it…then this ride will be easy-peasy!

Do I need to be able to change my own flat tires?
It’s highly suggested to be able to carry out basic bike maintenance during the ride. Chances are, you’ll be surrounded by experienced cyclists who will be willing to lend a hand, but having the ability to change your own flat will prevent you or the group from having to wait for assistance. Regardless of whether you can change a flat yourself, we recommend carrying a patch kit, pump or inflator, set of tire levers, hex wrenches, and an extra tube. This way you have the supplies if someone stops to help you.

Do I need to take food and water with me?
We suggest you take two full bottles of water and an easy to eat snack. We’ll have water and snacks at the event area if you forget to bring something from home. Though we will have bottled water available, we prefer you bring reusable water bottles. We want to be an environmentally low-impact event.

Are there Rest Stops on the route?
Aside from the photo opportunity at the Memorial Arch at Valley Forge National Historic Park (the turnaround point), there are no pre-designated rest stops, but the group or individuals can stop for a rest whenever necessary.

What is the trail like?
The trail is almost entirely paved and goes through wooded and urban areas. It is mostly flat with a few rolling hills. On nice days, the trail can get heavy use by walkers, runners, bikers, and rollerbladers. There is one road crossing (at Valley Forge Park Road) where riders will need to be aware of cars during their crossing. Riders will take this portion in groups for safety. Your safety and enjoyment are of paramount importance. You can download the route from Strava by clicking here. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

What do I do if I feel like I can’t finish the ride?
No worries. We’ll have a volunteer bring you and your bike back to the event area.

What if I have an emergency or need to call for assistance?
If it’s a real emergency, dial 911. If you need roadside assistance or a lift back to the event area, call the volunteer number on your cue sheets.

How do I get help or signal for help?
Again, if it’s an emergency, dial 911. For technical help or a lift back, call the volunteer number on the cue sheet. If you need help, get off to the side of the trail in a safe spot and turn your bike upside down. That’s the universal signal for any passing cyclists or pedestrians that you need help.

How will I know where I’m going?
The ride will stick to the Schuylkill River Trail except for a 1-mile stretch on Main Street in Manayunk. The event will be ridden as a group or small groups, but the trail is straight and cue sheets will be available and the route will be well-marked. You can also download the route from Strava by clicking here.

Where do I get cue sheets?
You can download them from the website. We’ll also have copies available at the registration tent on event day. You can also download the route from Strava by clicking here.

Should I take my cell phone with me?
It’s always a good idea to take your cell phone along with you in case of emergencies. We suggest you put your cell phone in a waterproof case or a sandwich bag for moisture protection.

I’ve never ridden on a group ride, what do I need to know?
When riding with a group, all of the same traffic rules and good riding habits apply as if you were riding alone or with one other person. But because you’re in a group with other riders close by, the following become even more important:

  • Be Predictable
    Ride in a straight line, don’t swerve around, signal your intentions, etc. You’ll have other riders close by and you’ll help everyone be safer if you ride predictably.
  • Think Ahead
    Look ahead and anticipate what other motorists and cyclists might do. Look at the route and road conditions ahead so that you never have to brake suddenly or swerve at the last moment.
  • Ride Ready
    Be ready to ride. Have your tires pumped up properly, your brakes and gears adjusted and your chain lubricated. If it’s not your bike, make sure your seat and handlebar heights are adjusted for you.