It’s been said – a lot – the best way to see the Delaware River Towns is by way of a long, aimless drive through its backroads. Only through such a trip could you glimpse the bucolic fields, lush woods, secluded waterfront panoramas, vibrant Main streets, and all the uncommon sights along the way.
What if that drive was meandering, but not quite so aimless? What if your course was dictated by a series of trivia questions meant to uncover some of the region’s best-kept secrets?
If we’ve piqued your curiosity, you’re in luck because such an event exists. It’s called The Bucks 100, and it’s happening June 26. The annual road rally has become a popular fundraiser for the Land Trust of Bucks County, which stages the event, too.
Saving bucolic Bucks
It’s also a low-key way to draw attention to the nonprofit’s efforts – and the fruits of those efforts. The Land Trust of Bucks County was formed in 1997 by a small group of Bedminster Township residents who felt compelled to push back against all the development that was unfolding in their area. That first year, they preserved 676 acres across six separate properties.
Over the course of the next couple decades, the land trust’s reach extended well beyond Bedminster. In fact, the majority of the land it’s preserved sits in neighboring townships, including East Rockhill, Plumstead, Solebury, and Springfield.
Today, the Land Trust of Bucks County has protected more than 5,000 acres across 114 properties throughout central and upper Bucks County.
“We are working to preserve our agricultural heritage and rural lifestyle for future generations, as well as for our current enjoyment and benefit,” reads a statement on the land trust’s website.
It’ll probably come as no surprise that The Bucks 100 will skirt many of these preserved properties, plenty of which are located on little-traveled backroads. The land trust’s volunteers and staff are betting that a taste of the tranquility that resides there will be all you need to appreciate why these picturesque parcels are worth saving from development.
More tour than race
So, here’s how the road rally will work. You’ll need to register your car. (It’s $25 now and $35 on the day of the rally. You can do it here.) You can fill your car with as many people as it’ll hold. It won’t affect the entrance fee. In fact, the land trust recommends that you bring along at least one passenger to read the trivia questions so that you’re free to focus on the driving.
On the day of the rally, June 26 (rain or shine), show up at the Haycock Boat Launch at Nockamixon State Park, in Haycock Township, PA, at 10 AM to check in. The rally will start at 11 AM.
This is a competition, but it’s based on accuracy, not speed. So, take your time and answer the questions to the best of your ability. (Legally, we also need to remind you not to ignore the posted speed limits.) Tiebreakers will be based on the total mileage and time it took those cars to cover the course.
Above all, don’t forget to absorb the views along the way. That’s kind of the point, after all.
