Great Allegheny Passage Ride from Cedar Creek Park to Connellsville on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 2 PM

This Sunday we will be riding the Great Allegheny Passage  from Cedar Creek Park in Belle Vernon to Connellsville and then back. We will meet at Cedar Creek Station which is on the north end of Cedar Creek Park in Belle Vernon, PA.

 

Follow I-70 to Route 51 North (which should be exit 46B) at Belle Vernon. Take the Route 51 North exit (marked Pittsburgh) and follow for .2 mile, then turn right into Cedar Creek Park. Since I have not visited this park I do not have exact directions to the Cedar Creek Station but basically once inside the park you want to head to the north end to Cedar Creek Station which is near the boat ramp and where they rent bicycles for the trail. Parking is available next to Cedar Creek Station and also near the boat ramps. Depending on where you live, I-70 to 51 North at Belle Vernon may not be the best route so plan your trip accordingly. It takes approximately 1 hour to reach Cedar Creek Park which is approximately 35 to 40 miles from Pittsburgh.

This is a section of the GAP that we don’t usually ride but like most of the GAP the grade is gentle and the surface is usually well packed limestone. There are some places along the way to get water and snacks but it is advisable to always carry enough water to stay well hydrated. The weather for Sunday is highs in the upper 70s and cloudy which should make for good cycling weather. The total round trip distance is approximately 44 miles but you can ride shorter or longer distances if you like. Consult the GAP web site trail maps sections 4 and 3 for more details on the route and trail amenities.

Ghost Town Trail ride on Saturday, August 20, 2011 starting at 2 PM

The Ghost Town Trail is so named because of the numerous towns along the old railroad line that disappeared when the mines closed. This trail is mostly in remote areas with a variety of things to see. There are areas where the impact of the abandon mines is evident but most of the trail is scenic. The trail goes through some remote areas so please bring plenty of water and any snacks you may want. The weather forecast for Saturday is looking good with a high around 80F and a UV index of 8 so be prepared. The ride is planed to go from Saylor Park in Black Lick to Dilltown and back which is a total distance of 26 miles. If you want to ride a shorter or longer distance please let Scott or Kent know before you deviate from the group ride.

 

Take US 22 west to US 119 (approximately 30 miles from the I-376 and US 22 junction). Head north on US 119 and proceed about 2.5 miles and turn right onto Main Street in Black Lick. Turn left onto Burrell Street. Parking is available across from the ball fields on Burrell Street in Saylor Park and the trailhead is visible at the end of the street. From the junction of I-376 and US 22 it should take approximately 1 hour to get to the parking area at Saylor Park in Black Lick, PA.

Three Rivers Heritage Trail, Sunday August 14 starting at 1 PM

Meet under the 31st bridge at 1 PM. We will be riding the Three Rivers Heritage Trail down toward the stadium. Those that are interested in a longer ride can cross the Ft. Duquesne bridge to The Point and then over to the South Side and back. If you want  shorter ride just continue down to the old jail and back for a round trip of approximately 10 miles.

 

Due to road construction on PA 28 getting to the parking area is a bit difficult from Oakmont and the Mills and the North Side. Please follow these basic directions to get to the parking area.

 

Allegheny Ave to Butler St

Butler St to Penn Ave

Right on 31 Street

Cross bridge, turn Left

Go to Stop sign, turn left onto River Ave

Cross bridge, turn left and park under bridge.

 

Don’t forget to bring some water and any snacks you may want during the ride. As always you are free to ride for as long or as short a distance as you want.

Bike for Cambodia 2011 results

Last Saturday 21 people braved a day that started out raining and gloomy to donate their time and money to purchase bicycles for children in Cambodia. As the day went on the weather improved and the only people that got wet were the children that waded in the fountain near the stadium.

 

We raised enough money to purchase 20 new bicycles. This is a real and tangible way that we as a small group can embrace the Riverside Community Church core values to Connect with others and to Contribute to the needs around us.

 

If you were not able to make the ride and would still like to contribute you can bring a check to church made out to SEAPC and note in the memo line Bike tor Cambodia 2011 or go to the SEAPC bikeathon web site and donate on line. Even with the generous donations we have received, there are still more children who need bicycles and there is a need for additional money for repairs.

 

Thank you so much for being part of Pedal The Way and Bike for Cambodia.

Bike for Cambodia, Saturday August 6, 2011 on the Three Rivers Heritage trail

Saturday, August 6, 2011we are doing our annual Bike for Cambodia charity ride. This year riding the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Meet under the 31st bridge at 10 AM. If you can please register at the SEAPC Bike for Cambodia web site where you can also make your donation or bring a check with you Saturday made payable to SEAPC.It takes around $55 to provide a bicycle to a child in Cambodia and it will make a big impact in their life.

 

Due to road construction on PA 28 getting to the parking area is a bit difficult. Please follow these basic directions to get to the parking area.

 

Allegheny Ave to Butler St

Butler St to Penn Ave

Right on 31 Street

Cross bridge, turn Left

Go to Stop sign, turn left onto River Ave

Cross bridge, turn left and park under bridge.

 

Don’t forget to bring some water and any snacks you may want during the ride. As always you are free to ride for as long or as short a distance as you want. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail continues all the way past The Point over to the Southside.