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Main
Date: 29 Jun 2005 12:06:49
From: Jeff Grippe
Subject: Rides in Southern PA
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Hello All,
I'm looking for suggestions for rides in Southern PA. Ideally the type of
ride I'm looking for is either a loop or an out and back with total mileage
of between 30 and 50.
I've already got the rail trail guide and I will be doing some of them but I
still need a few more to complete the planning for a trip.
I am only interested in well paved, low traffic rides. I won't be equipped
for off-road. I'll be on a trike so flatter is better but I can manage hill
too.
Thanks,
Jeff
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Date: 13 Jul 2005 04:44:01
From: Dan B.
Subject: Re: Rides in Southern PA
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Jeff Grippe wrote:
<snip >
>
> This trip has made us rail trail fans.
>
> If you haven't been to the Mon River trails, do yourself a favor and go. I'm
> sure you will enjoy them. Tonight I'll finish post the pictures that we took
> to my MSN group. I post the url when the pictures are there to be seen.
>
> Jeff
I'll make a point to get out to the Mon River trails some time this
fall...they sound quite pleasant.
Another good rail trail in the Pittsburgh region is the Montour Trail
(www.montourtrail.org); they're still cleaning up some damage from the
hurricane-induced flooding last fall, but everything from about mile 10
onwards is absolutely beautiful. Highlights include almost no signs of
civilization, numerous waterways, the Enlow tunnel, a couple of nice
bridges, etc...
For next spring, I'm hoping to ride from my house to the Montour Trail,
follow the Montour Trail to Clairton and hop across the river to
McKeesport, then take the Yough River Trails and follow the Great
Allegheny Passage south to the C & O all the way to DC.
Glad you enjoyed yourselves in SW PA!
Best,
Dan
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Date: 07 Jul 2005 18:10:19
From: Dan B.
Subject: Re: Rides in Southern PA
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Jeff Grippe wrote:
> "Dan B." <reddan@trimestigus.net> wrote in message
> news:1120741355.681970.207910@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> > So, where did you end up riding?
>
> I'm in the middle of the trip right now. I'm doing a journal. I'll post it
> if you think people are interested.
>
> So Far:
> Wednesday 7/6/2005
> We rode the Western yland Rail Trail. 22 Miles, All Paved. We started in
> the middle, rode to one end, turned around, rode to the other end, turned
> around, and ended up back at the middle. With a few minor detours it was a
> 46 mile day
>
> Today 7/7/2005
> We rode part of the North Youghioghany River Trail. We rode from West Newton
> to McKeesport which is the end of the trail. We then turned around and went
> back. Total milage today was 33 Miles.
>
> The rest of the trip (weather permitting) will be more of the North Yough
> Trail and the South Yough Trail. We are also considering cycling around the
> town of Carlisle which is where Dickenson College is located. It seems to be
> an interesting little (flat) town. We had dinner there Tuesday night.
>
> Jeff
As you head further south of West Newton, there's some minor hills in
Connellsville, and a couple of miles of continuous grade heading into
Ohiopyle; kinda deceptive, because the trees and the recumbent posture
seem to combine to mask the grade's existence.
I did my first century ride this Sunday on the Yough River trail;
started in Little Boston (about 4 miles south of McKeesport), and rode
down to Ohiopyle state park, then back. Ohiopyle was really silly, due
to the aforementioned continuous grade; I hadn't realized I was
actually pedalling uphill! I just thought I was really tired, until I
turned around and immediately found myself doing 6 miles per hour
faster...
The only other point I can think to mention is that water is not
readily available after Connellsville, headed south; be sure to fill up
there, as it's at least 10-15 miles before you'll get another
opportunity.
Have fun, and keep us posted!
Dan
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Date: 12 Jul 2005 19:32:23
From: Jeff Grippe
Subject: Re: Rides in Southern PA
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The rest of the trip...Some surprises...
The weather was iffy for the Yough for both 7/8 and 7/9. By using
www.weatherunderground.com (my favorite weather site) I was able to
determine that the storm system was moving North East.
For example the forecast for McKeesport was 40% chance of rain on 7/8 and
partly cloudy for 7/9. For Ohiopyle it was 70% chance of rain for 7/8 and
40% chance of rain for 7/9. Finally for Confluence it was 100% on 7/8 and
50% on 7/9.
So I got out the "1000 Rail Trails" book I had bought the day before and
started to look South West from where I was staying (Uniontown). That is how
we discovered Morgantown, WV and the Mon River Trails. The forecast was for
20% on 7/8 and partly cloudy on 7/9. It turns out that Morgantown was about
the same distance to drive as West Newton so we went to Morgantown.
These were some of the most beautiful trails that we saw during the whole
trip.
On 7/8 we started from Morgantown and rode on the Mon River Trail South. We
didn't realize that we were on the south trail so we turned around at 10
miles and rode back. There were an additional 10 miles of this trail that we
could have ridden. We rode the paved trails in Morgantown (about 10 miles of
fully paved trails are there) and ended up with a 33 mile day.
We were so taken with the beauty of the Mon River trail that we decided to
return to Morgantown on 7/9 and do the entire Mon River Trail South. It ends
at a park where there is a pre-civil war fort. It is a beautiful trail that
I highly recommend. We finished with 42 miles for the day.
There is a trail there that we didn't do called the Deekers Creek Trail. It
had a 3% climb going out (about 20 miles) and then (obviously) downhill all
the way back. We only rode the first few miles which are in town, paved, and
flat. It looks like and interesting ride.
On 7/10 we finally got back to the Yough. We drove to Ohiopyle and decided
that we wanted an easy day. We started with a trip to the high bridge and
then we turned around and rode to Confluence. As I know you know, this
section of the Yough trail is one of the most beautiful. The part of it that
we did the first day (West Newton - McKeesport) gave you a more urban
feeling. For much of it you felt like you were riding through someone's back
yard and the river was not easily seen. We finished with 24 miles for the
day.
The Ohiopyle - Confluence section was the exact opposite. You can almost
constantly see the river and other signs of civilization are few and far
between.
This trip has made us rail trail fans.
If you haven't been to the Mon River trails, do yourself a favor and go. I'm
sure you will enjoy them. Tonight I'll finish post the pictures that we took
to my MSN group. I post the url when the pictures are there to be seen.
Jeff
"Dan B." <reddan@trimestigus.net > wrote in message
news:1120785019.571545.173090@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
>
> Jeff Grippe wrote:
>> "Dan B." <reddan@trimestigus.net> wrote in message
>> news:1120741355.681970.207910@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>> > So, where did you end up riding?
>>
>> I'm in the middle of the trip right now. I'm doing a journal. I'll post
>> it
>> if you think people are interested.
>>
>> So Far:
>> Wednesday 7/6/2005
>> We rode the Western yland Rail Trail. 22 Miles, All Paved. We started
>> in
>> the middle, rode to one end, turned around, rode to the other end, turned
>> around, and ended up back at the middle. With a few minor detours it was
>> a
>> 46 mile day
>>
>> Today 7/7/2005
>> We rode part of the North Youghioghany River Trail. We rode from West
>> Newton
>> to McKeesport which is the end of the trail. We then turned around and
>> went
>> back. Total milage today was 33 Miles.
>>
>> The rest of the trip (weather permitting) will be more of the North Yough
>> Trail and the South Yough Trail. We are also considering cycling around
>> the
>> town of Carlisle which is where Dickenson College is located. It seems to
>> be
>> an interesting little (flat) town. We had dinner there Tuesday night.
>>
>> Jeff
>
> As you head further south of West Newton, there's some minor hills in
> Connellsville, and a couple of miles of continuous grade heading into
> Ohiopyle; kinda deceptive, because the trees and the recumbent posture
> seem to combine to mask the grade's existence.
>
> I did my first century ride this Sunday on the Yough River trail;
> started in Little Boston (about 4 miles south of McKeesport), and rode
> down to Ohiopyle state park, then back. Ohiopyle was really silly, due
> to the aforementioned continuous grade; I hadn't realized I was
> actually pedalling uphill! I just thought I was really tired, until I
> turned around and immediately found myself doing 6 miles per hour
> faster...
>
> The only other point I can think to mention is that water is not
> readily available after Connellsville, headed south; be sure to fill up
> there, as it's at least 10-15 miles before you'll get another
> opportunity.
>
> Have fun, and keep us posted!
>
> Dan
>
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Date: 07 Jul 2005 06:02:35
From: Dan B.
Subject: Re: Rides in Southern PA
|
Jeff Grippe wrote:
> "Dave Miller" <davemiller@operationstech.com> wrote in message
> news:8oq6c1lnma7bd46d9deqrf07sacq74bj1v@4ax.com...
>
> > Have you done the Valley Forge tp Philly ride?
> >
>
> I haven't done any rides in PA at all. I've got five days next week that are
> set aside just for riding in PA. I'm certainly going to do some of the Yough
> / Alleghaney rail trails but I'm also still looking and researching.
>
> Thanks
Jeff,
So, where did you end up riding?
Dan
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Date: 07 Jul 2005 19:58:40
From: Jeff Grippe
Subject: Re: Rides in Southern PA
|
"Dan B." <reddan@trimestigus.net > wrote in message
news:1120741355.681970.207910@f14g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
> So, where did you end up riding?
I'm in the middle of the trip right now. I'm doing a journal. I'll post it
if you think people are interested.
So Far:
Wednesday 7/6/2005
We rode the Western yland Rail Trail. 22 Miles, All Paved. We started in
the middle, rode to one end, turned around, rode to the other end, turned
around, and ended up back at the middle. With a few minor detours it was a
46 mile day
Today 7/7/2005
We rode part of the North Youghioghany River Trail. We rode from West Newton
to McKeesport which is the end of the trail. We then turned around and went
back. Total milage today was 33 Miles.
The rest of the trip (weather permitting) will be more of the North Yough
Trail and the South Yough Trail. We are also considering cycling around the
town of Carlisle which is where Dickenson College is located. It seems to be
an interesting little (flat) town. We had dinner there Tuesday night.
Jeff
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Date: 01 Jul 2005 11:47:20
From: Mike Vore
Subject: Re: Rides in Southern PA
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Southern PA to me could be anything in the southern quarter the whole width of
the state, so your question is hard to answer.
There are plenty of good rides in the Lancaster area. The terrain ranges from
fairly rolling to hilly, the lots of the roads are hardly traveled (by cars).
This is Pa Dutch country, so there are lots of horse and buggys, the main
hazard is "Horse Apples".
Jeff Grippe wrote:
> Hello All,
>
> I'm looking for suggestions for rides in Southern PA. Ideally the type of
> ride I'm looking for is either a loop or an out and back with total mileage
> of between 30 and 50.
>
> I've already got the rail trail guide and I will be doing some of them but I
> still need a few more to complete the planning for a trip.
>
> I am only interested in well paved, low traffic rides. I won't be equipped
> for off-road. I'll be on a trike so flatter is better but I can manage hill
> too.
--
Mike
http://www.ohmywoodness.com
http://mike.vorefamily.net/twr
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Date: 01 Jul 2005 04:33:06
From: Dan B.
Subject: Re: Rides in Southern PA
|
Jeff Grippe wrote:
> "Edward Dolan" <edolan@iw.net> wrote in message
> news:3Y6dnVk9nsnWT1nfRVn-vg@prairiewave.com...
> >
> > The bike trails are your best bet if you insist on doing PA. PA has a
> > pretty good bike trail system compared to some other states, but of course
> > it can't compare to Minnesota. I do believe Minnesota may very well have
> > the best bike trail system of any state in the country. And the trails in
> > Minnesota are paved, not like those trails in Wisconsin which are mostly
> > crushed limestone - and even gravel for Pete's sakes!
> >
>
> Well Minnesota is not on the list for this year but I intend to hit every
> state (on my trike) eventually. Do you care to share any good resources for
> finding rides and trails?
>
> Thanks,
> Jeff
Jeff,
TrailLink isn't bad:
http://www.traillink.com/TL_Active_Pages/TrailSearch/default.asp
Although I'm sure you've probably seen it in your PA trail research,
the DCNR trails site is pretty good for Pennsylvania trails:
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/railtrails/SouthWest.aspx?RegID=4
Enjoy your triking,
Dan
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Date: 29 Jun 2005 23:47:15
From: Dave Miller
Subject: Re: Rides in Southern PA
|
On Wed, 29 Jun 2005 12:06:49 -0400, "Jeff Grippe"
<jgrippe@hilldun.com > wrote:
>Hello All,
>
>I'm looking for suggestions for rides in Southern PA. Ideally the type of
>ride I'm looking for is either a loop or an out and back with total mileage
>of between 30 and 50.
>
>I've already got the rail trail guide and I will be doing some of them but I
>still need a few more to complete the planning for a trip.
>
>I am only interested in well paved, low traffic rides. I won't be equipped
>for off-road. I'll be on a trike so flatter is better but I can manage hill
>too.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Jeff
>
Have you done the Valley Forge tp Philly ride?
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Date: 30 Jun 2005 05:50:32
From: Jeff Grippe
Subject: Re: Rides in Southern PA
|
"Dave Miller" <davemiller@operationstech.com > wrote in message
news:8oq6c1lnma7bd46d9deqrf07sacq74bj1v@4ax.com...
> Have you done the Valley Forge tp Philly ride?
>
I haven't done any rides in PA at all. I've got five days next week that are
set aside just for riding in PA. I'm certainly going to do some of the Yough
/ Alleghaney rail trails but I'm also still looking and researching.
Thanks
|
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Date: 01 Jul 2005 00:18:59
From: Edward Dolan
Subject: Re: Rides in Southern PA
|
"Jeff Grippe" <jeff@door7 > wrote in message
news:11c7g1vtedfbe7@news.supernews.com...
>
> "Dave Miller" <davemiller@operationstech.com> wrote in message
> news:8oq6c1lnma7bd46d9deqrf07sacq74bj1v@4ax.com...
>
>> Have you done the Valley Forge to Philly ride?
>>
>
> I haven't done any rides in PA at all. I've got five days next week that
> are set aside just for riding in PA. I'm certainly going to do some of the
> Yough / Alleghaney rail trails but I'm also still looking and researching.
My advice would be to stay off of the roads in PA. I have driven across that
state many times and have never enjoyed it much. The whole place is full of
hills and mountains and the roads are congested about 100% of the time. That
is why they put one of the first turnpikes in PA, so you could cross the
state in relative safety and sanity.
The bike trails are your best bet if you insist on doing PA. PA has a pretty
good bike trail system compared to some other states, but of course it can't
compare to Minnesota. I do believe Minnesota may very well have the best
bike trail system of any state in the country. And the trails in Minnesota
are paved, not like those trails in Wisconsin which are mostly crushed
limestone - and even gravel for Pete's sakes!
Ed Dolan the Great - Minnesota
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Date: 01 Jul 2005 06:46:08
From: Jeff Grippe
Subject: Re: Rides in Southern PA
|
"Edward Dolan" <edolan@iw.net > wrote in message
news:3Y6dnVk9nsnWT1nfRVn-vg@prairiewave.com...
>
> The bike trails are your best bet if you insist on doing PA. PA has a
> pretty good bike trail system compared to some other states, but of course
> it can't compare to Minnesota. I do believe Minnesota may very well have
> the best bike trail system of any state in the country. And the trails in
> Minnesota are paved, not like those trails in Wisconsin which are mostly
> crushed limestone - and even gravel for Pete's sakes!
>
Well Minnesota is not on the list for this year but I intend to hit every
state (on my trike) eventually. Do you care to share any good resources for
finding rides and trails?
Thanks,
Jeff
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Date: 30 Jun 2005 22:31:33
From: Grande News
Subject: Re: Rides in Southern PA
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I think the Yough/Alleghaney River Trail is one of the best rides I've ever
done. It's very scenic and the trail was in excellent shape.
I live in TX and am looking forward to this years "That Dam Ride" in Sept.
Info at www.thatdamride.org
"Jeff Grippe" <jeff@door7 > wrote in message
news:11c7g1vtedfbe7@news.supernews.com...
>
> "Dave Miller" <davemiller@operationstech.com> wrote in message
> news:8oq6c1lnma7bd46d9deqrf07sacq74bj1v@4ax.com...
>
>> Have you done the Valley Forge tp Philly ride?
>>
>
> I haven't done any rides in PA at all. I've got five days next week that
> are set aside just for riding in PA. I'm certainly going to do some of the
> Yough / Alleghaney rail trails but I'm also still looking and researching.
>
> Thanks
>
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Date: 29 Jun 2005 11:47:01
From: Dan B.
Subject: Re: Rides in Southern PA
|
Jeff Grippe wrote:
> Hello All,
>
> I'm looking for suggestions for rides in Southern PA. Ideally the type of
> ride I'm looking for is either a loop or an out and back with total mileage
> of between 30 and 50.
>
> I've already got the rail trail guide and I will be doing some of them but I
> still need a few more to complete the planning for a trip.
>
> I am only interested in well paved, low traffic rides. I won't be equipped
> for off-road. I'll be on a trike so flatter is better but I can manage hill
> too.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff
Jeff,
If you are anywhere near the Pittsburgh region, I highly recommend the
Youghiogheny River Trail (http://www.youghrivertrail.org/). The trail
is long enough that you can do an out-and-back of any length up to
about 200 miles, and it's pretty flat, even for a rail trail. Also,
I've seen a couple of trikes on the trail with wheelbases as wide as
the EZ-3, so there shouldn't be too many places you can't squeeze
through.
Very pretty, mostly shaded, with well-spaced trailheads and amenities.
On the downside, it is priily hardpack limestone, not pavement.
HTH,
Dan
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Date: 13 Apr 2006 22:39:37
From: Grande News
Subject: Re: Rides in Southern PA
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GOT TO GO ON THE YOUGH BIKE TRAIL
Best traill any where. Start from Boston PA or West Newton or Connelsville.
Go to youghrivertrail.org for more info
"Dan B." <reddan@trimestigus.net > wrote in message
news:1120070821.848314.232210@g47g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>
> Jeff Grippe wrote:
>> Hello All,
>>
>> I'm looking for suggestions for rides in Southern PA. Ideally the type of
>> ride I'm looking for is either a loop or an out and back with total
>> mileage
>> of between 30 and 50.
>>
>> I've already got the rail trail guide and I will be doing some of them
>> but I
>> still need a few more to complete the planning for a trip.
>>
>> I am only interested in well paved, low traffic rides. I won't be
>> equipped
>> for off-road. I'll be on a trike so flatter is better but I can manage
>> hill
>> too.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Jeff
>
> Jeff,
>
> If you are anywhere near the Pittsburgh region, I highly recommend the
> Youghiogheny River Trail (http://www.youghrivertrail.org/). The trail
> is long enough that you can do an out-and-back of any length up to
> about 200 miles, and it's pretty flat, even for a rail trail. Also,
> I've seen a couple of trikes on the trail with wheelbases as wide as
> the EZ-3, so there shouldn't be too many places you can't squeeze
> through.
>
> Very pretty, mostly shaded, with well-spaced trailheads and amenities.
> On the downside, it is priily hardpack limestone, not pavement.
>
> HTH,
>
> Dan
>
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