National Bike Month rolls through Philly and beyond

I can't think of anything better to devote an entire month to than biking. Well—there might be a few things, but that's beside the point. This month is all about bikes so give yours a little love this May and honor National Bike Month. (Don't forget your helmet!)

The first annual Million Dollar Bike Ride at Highline Park, with proceeds benefiting Center for Orphan Disease Research and Therapy at Penn, gets cyclists rolling on Saturday, May 3. Starting at 9 a.m., racers can choose between 11, 34 and 73 mile courses.

Kids can get in on the action, too on Wednesday, May 7 for Bike to School Day. Participating schools include DN Fell Elementary School, George Childs Elementary School, Henry C. Lea School and Loesche Elementary School in Philadelphia, Derry Township Schools in Hershey, PA, Dawes Avenue School and Jordan Road School in Somers Point, NJ, and Hanby Elementary School in Wilmington, DE.

Not only is Sunday, May 11 Mother's Day, it's also Global Women's Cycling Day. Worldwide, thousands of women (and men) are participating in CycloFemme, a grassroots biking celebration for women. In Philadelphia, bikers of all skill levels will meet in Clark Park at 10 a.m. for numerous rides based on speed and distance. Hang around after for a picnic in the park.

While Bike to Work Week extends the entirety of the week of May 12, the official Bike to Work Day falls on Friday, May 16. If you're fortunate enough to live within the vicinity of your workplace, this is definitely the day to hop on that two-wheeler and get peddling. Let's just hope the weather holds up.

The Appalachian Mountain Club hosts a 25-mile bike ride starting from Virginia Forrest Recreation Area in New Hope, PA on Monday, May 26. The ride starts at 10 a.m., but bring your lunch for a picnic at Washington Crossing Historical Park.

If you're not down for the organized bike scene, hit any of these area bike trails at your own convenience.

The Philadelphia portion Schuylkill River Trail runs along Kelly Drive, crosses the East Falls Bridge and loops back around. The paved loop extends over 8 miles.

Montgomery, Warrington and Doylestown are all connected via the 202 Parkway Trail, an over 8-mile paved route with five entranceways: at Knapp Road, Route 309, Stump Road near the County Line Road intersection, Bristol Road, and New Britain Road.

The Monroe Township Trail is a paved, 6.36-mile stretch through the woods between Williamstown, NJ and Glassboro, NJ. Entrances are at Virginia Avenue and Bluebell Road (across from the Williamstown Police Station) in Williamstown and Delsea Manor Drive and Route 47 in Glassboro.

For trail riders, the White Clay Creek Park in New Castle, DE features over 40 miles of wooded trails. Broken down into individual trails, adventurers can choose which path (or paths) they'd like to ride.