Two-wheeled transport is a privilege in the rough-and-tumble East, where most singletrack involves toll booths, squeegee guys and half a Rage Against the Machine CD by the time you reach the parking lot. But not for Philadelphia's urban warriors. Sure, Philly's a tough town, but local riders are blessed with a means to escape in the form of 4,000 acres of city-bound forest known as the Wissahickon Valley.

The Wissahickon forms the northwestern section of the city's 9,000-acre Fairmont Park. The park was formed in 1812 when local politicians pur­chased five acres along the Schuylkill River to ensure clean water for the city. The park is a multi-use recreation area with roughly 20 miles of well marked looping singletrack, doubletrack and wagon road trails twisting between rolling hills of 250-year-old giant oaks and elms.

Among the most popular trails is the eight mile southern loop. The ride begins with warm-up climbs before hitting a short, technical ascent. After turning right and climbing a short paved section, you'll reach the route's first downhill chute. It's fun, offers a hairpin right and ends with a little air. You'll then hit another of the route's many slippery climbs before a three-quarter-mile downhill ending across a cement pipe bridging a small stream. Drop down 50 more yards, veer left and you'll find another quick downhill crossed by a chunk of log. Continue across paved Kitchen's Lane and follow the signs.

The next mile or so will be signature Wissahickon with semi-technical, aggres­sive climbs, descents and loose, rocky trail. You'll then reach the route's most difficult climb, over a combination of huge imbedded rocks, loose stone and a mid-climb switchback/left turn. Keep riding and you'll pass Rittenhouse, the country's first paper mill, on your left.

Continue across a few more bridges and up Hermit Lane. Turn right at the top and descend yet another downhill with two switchbacks and a footbridge. Take a hard right after the bridge and head up a steep, rocky climb. If you make it to the top, there's a downhill with more chances to catch air. Follow the green blazes to the trail's final 200-yard downhill, which ends with a hard right you don't want to miss. The descent will dump you onto Forbidden Drive with the parking lot 100 yards to the left.

This route is just one of many at Wissahickon that offers two figure-eight-forming loops with numerous crosscutting trails. Before beginning your ride, use a map and the land­marks mentioned above to plan your own route.

Also, the Wissahickon is embroiled in a fierce battle with anti-biking foes that are pressing hard to close the area to bicycles. It's a delicate situa­tion. One wrong turn could end one of the East's best urban rides. Follow the trail, obey the signs and be courteous. And when the ranger asks for a trail-maintenance dona­tion, give it to him. Hell, you saved that much in gas. []