Freeport (Sarver Rd.) to Butler ride on Sunday, Nov 11, 2012

We will meet at the Sarver Road parking area (next to the fire hall). This is not our usual parking area but one that is a bit further up the trail. Be at the parking area and ready to ride by 1:45 PM. Depending on conditions, we should make it to Butler and then back for a total distance of approximately 27 miles. As always, you can ride for a shorter distance if you choose just make sure to let one of the group leaders know. Our trip will take us past a turkey farm which should help you get into the Thanksgiving spirit.

Currently the weather forecast is for a mostly sunny day with a high around 64 and lows around 45 so make sure to wear layers. Make sure to bring plenty of water and any snacks you might want as this ride is in an area with limited facilities.

Basic directions from PA-28 North

From PA-28 N take exit 17 for PA-356

At the top of the ramp turn right onto PA-356 N/​Butler Rd (which eventually becomes S Pike Rd.) and go approximately 3.7 miles to Sarver Rd.

Turn right onto Sarver Rd and go approximately .8 miles and the parking area will be on your left.

Fall Foliage Ride Oct. 13, 2012 starting at 10 AM

Saturday, October 13 is our annual Fall Foliage Ride along the Great Allegheny Passage beginning at the trail parking area at the train depot in Meyersdale, PA. We will begin riding at 10 AM at Meyersdale, PA heading up to the Continental Divide and then down to Frostburg, MD and back for a total distance of 32 miles. This is an area of the GAP with a large change in elevation – approximately 400 feet upward then approximately 400 feet downward. While that may seem like a lot don’t forget that this is along former railroad track beds so if they can do it you should be able too as well. You can do shorter distances if you like. Don’t forget a light as we will be traversing the 3000 foot long Big Savage tunnel.

Be sure to bring plenty of water and/or sports drink as there are no facilities between Meyersdale and Frostburg. If you don’t feel like packing a lunch, both Meyersdale, PA and Frostburg, MD are nice towns with plenty of choices for food. Just be aware that in Frostburg you have to do some hill climbing if you want to head into town to eat. There is a small café near the Western Maryland Railroad turntable very close to the trail in Frostburg, MD.

It will take approximately 2 hours to get to Meyersdale from Pittsburgh so allow plenty of time so you will be in Meyersdale and ready to go by 10 AM.

Basic directions from the PA Turnpike

1. Take Somerset Exit #110.
2. Proceed through 3 traffic lights and at the 4th, turn LEFT onto E Main Street.
3. At the next light, bear RIGHT onto Berlin Plank Road (becomes Rt 219 S).
4. Go 3 miles then turn RIGHT onto Garrett Shortcut Road.
5. Continue 8 miles to a stop sign and turn LEFT onto Rt 653.
6. Proceed slowly through Garrett and turn RIGHT onto Rt 219 S.
7. Go on Rt 219S about 2 miles, then turn RIGHT onto Business Rt 219.
8. Once in town, turn LEFT onto Main Street by the fire station.
9. Proceed 4 blocks up the hill, and across the tracks you will see the train station on your left.

Please consult your map or GPS before heading out.

WIth cooler temperatures remember to wear layers. You will be surprised how fast you will heat up during the ride. Don’t forget to bring your camera (or camera phone)!

Freeport to Butler Ride, Saturday, September 15, 2012

We will meet at the larger parking area in Freeport and start riding at 10:00 AM. If the main lot is full you can park at the smaller lot and ride along the trail the short distance to the main parking area.

Make sure you have water and any snack you might want to bring along for the ride as well as your helmet. We will be heading out toward Butler and expect the ride to last approximately 2 to 4 hours. You have the option to turn around at any time if you cannot or do not wish to ride that long - just let someone know so that we will not be looking for you at the end of the ride.

To get there from Oakmont or the Mills area, travel north on Route 28 until the you get to the PA 356 exit (exit 17). You will circle around to your right and at the stop sign turn left (you will be heading towards Freeport) and continue approximately 1.2 miles until you come to a Y intersection. At that intersection keep to your left and continue to the stop sign. Turn sharp left at the stop sign and you will be on Old Pike Road. Soon after turning onto Old Pike Road (approximately 200 ft) you will come to a fork in the road and you will take the road to the right which becomes Main St. Head down Main Street approximately .2 miles (1000 ft) and turn right onto Old Mill Rd. Travel approximately 300 feet to the parking area on your left just past the trail crossing.

CANCELLED - Panhandle Trail, Saturday September 8, 2012

Due to the poor weather this ride has been cancelled. We will try to reschedule it later.

This Saturday September 8, 2012 beginning at 10 AM we will be riding the Panhandle Trail. The weather looks good with a high temperature around 69 F. There is a chance of rain but so far it is forecasted to be scattered so we should be fine. If the weather looks bad we will send out a cancellation email no later than Friday night and the blog.

We will meet at the Walkers Mill Road parking area and begin riding around 10 AM. To get there from Pittsburgh take I-376 south then take the exit to I-79 toward Washington, PA then the first Carnegie exit. At the bottom of the exit turn right and head down the road approximately 1.5 miles until you will see a small sign for the Panhandle trail parking at Walkers Mill Rd. Turn left and go approximately .1 miles until you see the parking areas on the left and right hand side of the road. From the Fort Pitt tunnel it should take you about 15 minutes. From RCC in Oakmont allow about 40 minutes.

This trail has some areas with picnic tables and portable toilets along the way but as always bring plenty of water and any snacks you may want. Around the 14 mile mark the trail is reported to be rough so we will turn around before that area. You can get more details on what there is along the trail by following this link (will open a PDF trail millage chart). 

Bike and Dine, Wednesday, September 5, 2012

This is first ride of the Fall semester so come on out and enjoy it.

We will be starting from the Millvale Riverfront Park Pavilion. The Millvale Riverfront Park Pavilion is at 70 Riverfront Drive and getting there can be a bit tricky so please consult your GPS or favorite mapping site or a good map before heading out. The 31st Street bridge is now closed so plan accordingly. The Millvale Riverfront Park pavilion is near the Three Rivers Rowing Association’s Millvale Boathouse.

Meet at the pavilion and be ready to start bicycling at 6 PM. We will be riding down to PNC park and Heinz field. Depending on the weather and the group’s input we may cross over to The Point instead of heading down to the old penitentiary. Expect to ride for approximately 1 to 2 hours. On the way back to Millvale we can stop at Redfin Blues on Washington’s Landing for dinner or we can go somewhere else if anyone has any suggestions. Don’t forget to bring your bicycle lock so you can secure your bicycle during our stop for dinner. If you don’t have a lock don’t worry - you can share with others and there will be some spare locks.

The weather is forecasted to be only around 83 and there is a chance of rain so be prepared and as always bring plenty of water and your helmet.

Bike and Dine Ride, August 15, 2012 at 6 PM from Homestead to McKeesport

This week we will be doing out last ride for this semester (the new semester begins in September). We will meet at the parking area at US Steel pump house (near the Lowes store on Waterfront Drive) and ride to McKeesport and return. Will will start our ride at 6 PM sharp. This is a great trail and is paved all the way to McKeesport. The ride is approximately 7 miles each way and should take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours round trip. After the mid week ride we will have dinner at a near by restaurant. The weather Wednesday is looking a bit warm so please bring plenty of water and stay well hydrated during the ride.

Bike for Cambodia, Sunday August 5, 2012

In Cambodia, many children at the New Hope Children's Home are in need of a bicycle and do not have any money to buy one. Join us on Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 2 PM for a leisurely bicycle ride to raise money to purchase bicycles for children in Cambodia.

Registration begins at 1 PM at the Millvale Riverfront Park pavilion and we will start bicycling at 2 PM. Pre-registration is available on the SEAPC Bike for Cambodia web site.You may donate on line by following the instructions on the Bike for Cambodia web page or bring a check made out to SEAPC with Bike for Cambodia in the memo area. If you are not able to attend but wish to sponsor a rider or make a donation please visit the SEAPC Bike for Cambodia web site.


We will be starting from the Millvale Riverfront Park Pavilion. The Millvale Riverfront Park Pavilion is at 70 Riverfront Drive and getting there can be a bit tricky so please consult your GPS or favorite mapping site or a good map before heading out. The 31st Street bridge is now closed so plan accordingly. The Millvale Riverfront Park pavilion is near the Three Rivers Rowing Association’s Millvale Boathouse.

We will be riding down to PNC park, Heinz field and ending at the old penitentiary before returning. Expect to ride for approximately 1 hour.

West Penn Trail ride, Sunday, July 22, 2012 at 2 PM

This Sunday, July 22, 2012 we will be riding on the West Penn trail. Meet at Saltsburg playground parking area at 2 PM. We will be heading out from Saltsburg and taking the Dick Mayer section to the Conemaugh Dam and then heading back for a total distance of approximately 15 miles. This is not a typical rails to trails ride as there are some hilly sections but it is a fun ride. Once leaving Saltsburg we will be in fairly remote areas so please bring plenty of water and any snack you may want. The weather right now looks to be warm and a bit humid so be prepared.

CANCELLED - Bike and Dine, Wednesday, July 18, 2012

DUE TO SEVERE WEATHER THIS RIDE IS CANCELLED.

We will be starting from the Millvale Riverfront Park Pavilion. The Millvale Riverfront Park Pavilion is at 70 Riverfront Drive and getting there can be a bit tricky so please consult your GPS or favorite mapping site or a good map before heading out. The 31st Street bridge is now closed so plan accordingly. The Millvale Riverfront Park pavilion is near the Three Rivers Rowing Association’s Millvale Boathouse.

Meet at the pavilion and be ready to start bicycling at 6 PM. We will be riding down to PNC park and Heinz field. Depending on the weather and the group’s input we may cross over to The Point instead or heading down to the old penitentiary. Expect to ride for approximately 1 to 2 hours. On the way back to Millvale we can stop at Redfin Blues on Washington’s Landing for dinner or we can go somewhere else if anyone has any suggestions. Don’t forget to brink your bicycle lock so you can secure your bicycle during our stop for dinner. If you don’t have a lock don’t worry - you can share with others and there will be some spare locks.

The weather is forecasted to be only around 80 and a bit humid for the ride and there is a chance of rain so be prepared and as always bring plenty of water and your helmet.

Ghost Town Trail ride on Saturday, July 7, 2012

Our next ride is the Ghost Town Trail on Saturday, July 7th at 9 AM.  Please note that originally this ride was scheduled for a one hour later start but we moved it up to avoid some of the heat of the day. We will be riding from Dilltown to Nanty Glow and back. The ride will be approximately 12 miles long each way and should take around 4 to 6 hours. You are free to ride longer or shorter distances if you choose.

 

Meet at in the parking area in Dilltown, PA next to PA-403N and be ready to ride at 9 AM. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, something for snacks and sunscreen. The current forecast is for the high around 97 so please be prepared.

 

To get to Dilltown you take US-22 E out from Monroeville approximately 42 miles to the Dilltown/Johnstown PA-403N exit. Dilltown is approximately 1.5 miles from US 22. The estimated travel time is 1. 5 hours from the east end of Pittsburgh so please consult a map or your GPS device before heading out so you won’t be late.

Bike and Dine ride on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 6 PM from Homestead to McKeesport

This week we will be doing our first Bike and Dine ride. We will meet at the parking area at US Steel pump house (near the Lowes store on Waterfront Drive) and ride to McKeesport. This is a great trail and is paved all the way to McKeesport. The ride is approximately 7 miles each way and should take approximately one and a half to two hours round trip. After the mid week ride we will have dinner at a near by restaurant. It will be a very hot day Wednesday so please bring plenty of water and stay well hydrated during the ride.

Don't forget a bicycle lock if you are going to dinner with the group.

Sunday, June 10, 2012 - Boston to West Newton

Sunday we will be riding the Great Allegheny Passage from Boston to West Newton and then back. The distance is approximately 14 miles each way. You have the option of riding a shorter or longer distance. Just let Scott or Kent know if you will be riding a shorter or longer distance so we won't be looking for you at the end of the ride. The parking area is just past the end of the Boston bridge (PA 48) over the Youghiogheny River. Turn right at the end of the Boston bridge onto Smithfield Street and then immediately right onto Donner Street.  The parking area is near the ball field. Meet under the tree in the parking lot and be ready to ride at 2 PM.

Freeport to Butler Ride, Sunday May 20, 2012

With the mild winter and nice weather this spring I hope you have had a chance to get your bicycle out and are ready to hit the trails. This will be the first official ride of the 2012 ride calendar and I hope to see you there.

We will meet at the larger parking area in Freeport and start riding at 2:00 PM. If the main lot is full you can park at the smaller lot and ride along the trail the short distance to the main parking area.

Make sure you have water and any snack you might want to bring along for the ride as well as your helmet. We will be heading out toward Butler and expect the ride to last approximately 2 to 4 hours. You have the option to turn around at any time if you cannot or do not wish to ride that long - just let someone know so that we will not be looking for you at the end of the ride.

To get there from Oakmont or the Mills area, travel north on Route 28 until the you get to the PA 356 exit (exit 17). You will circle around to your right and at the stop sign turn left (you will be heading towards Freeport) and continue approximately 1.2 miles until you come to a Y intersection. At that intersection keep to your left and continue to the stop sign. Turn sharp left at the stop sign and you will be on Old Pike Road. Soon after turning onto Old Pike Road (approximately 200 ft) you will come to a fork in the road and you will take the road to the right which becomes Main St. Head down Main Street approximately .2 miles (1000 ft) and turn right onto Old Mill Rd. Travel approximately 300 feet to the parking area on your left just past the trail crossing.