The first annual Bell to Bell Bike Ride on June 27, 2004 is a unique new recreational event linking two national historical parks Participants will ride from the Liberty Bell in Independence National Historical Park, along the picturesque 22-mile Schuylkill River Trail to the Justice Bell in Valley Forge National Historical Park. In addition to seeing two of the nation�s premier Revolutionary War sites, they will be getting a mini-course in women�s history and the Constitution along the way.

Sponsored by the Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Bell to Bell Bike Ride is being held on June 27, the 85th anniversary of Pennsylvania�s ratification of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the vote. The ride is symbolic of women�s political journey through our nation�s history, from Abigail Adams, who implored her husband to �Remember the Ladies� to the women who finally won voting rights. The ride is being organized by Threshold Sports, who produce the nationally recognized Pro Cycling Tour.

The final destination, the Justice Bell, is a little-known icon of the women�s suffrage movement. A 2000-pound replica of the Liberty Bell, it was forged in 1915 and traveled around Pennsylvania and the nation with its clapper tied to its side, symbolically silent until the 19th Amendment passed. Today it is housed in Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Along the picturesque 22-mile Schuylkill River Trail, (about a two-hour ride), cyclists will encounter actresses portraying figures from women�s history, offering a timeline of women�s rights. Starting with Abigail Adams at the Liberty Bell, Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth and Lucretia Mott will greet riders at refreshment stops along the trail. An actress portraying suffragist Alice Paul will be at the final stop, the Justice Bell in Valley Forge. At 2 p.m. Sunday, she will be joined by celebrities and the other figures from women�s history for ceremonies, and the Justice Bell will ring again.

Less ambitious cyclists and families can take a five-mile �Fun Ride� at Valley Forge National Historical Park, and enjoy a festival there with refreshments, entertainment and fun for all ages.

Events throughout the weekend, June 25-27, include family activities at the new National Constitution Center in Philadelphia; a festival at Valley Forge Park; tours of women�s art at the Philadelphia Museum of Art; and family events at area historic sites.

Hotels are offering two-for-one rates, with free parking, breakfast, kids under 16 free in parents� room and a WOMEN ADVANCING pin, packet of information and coupons. Exhibits, performances and events celebrating women�s achievements for the entire 19-month WOMEN ADVANCING celebration, mark the 85th anniversary of women�s voting rights. For details, hotel reservations, and to register for the bike ride, log on to: www.womenadvancing.org or call 1-866-VF-VISIT.

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Media Contact: Linda Riley +1 610-834-7990 riley@valleyforge.org