Activity Note
Getting in/out of a van; driving 46 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Biking about 30 miles throughout the day; paved sections, with a few brief share-the-road sections. Riding a few miles in urban downtown Pittsburgh, bike across several high bridges with switchbacks, some root-rutted pavement in the morning.
Breakfast:
At Laurelville.
Morning:
We’ll depart from Laurelville to Pittsburgh (traffic dependent) to begin our urban riding in the heart of the “Steel City.” While the bike experts unload our bikes, we’ll first ride the Duquesne Incline to see a spectacular view of the city and learn about Pittsburgh’s history. We’ll then bike to Point State Park. Here the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers form the Ohio River at the iconic “Point” fountain. We’ll then begin our 12-mile journey to Homestead, winding through downtown. This segment of the trail runs alongside the river, offering great urban views, particularly as you cross over the Smithfield Street and Hot Metal Bridges. It’s crucial to travel together this morning. Today’s stretch is the final part of the trail to have been constructed and now formally connects the Point in Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C.
Lunch:
Sack lunch in Homestead.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll bike from Homestead to Buena Vista, which is 18 miles. This afternoon, we’ll go through McKeesport, which is strategically located where the Youghiogheny and Monongahela Rivers join. The city became a major steel center for most of the 20th century until mill closures affected the economy in the 1980s. Today, the major industries are telecommunications, pipe-making, and steel fabricating. We’ll stop at Boston for snacks and water, as well as a chance to see their visitor's center, a retired caboose. We’ll end at mile 120 at Buena Vista and return by van to Laurelville.
Dinner:
At a favorite locally owned restaurant, the Connellsville Canteen, where the proprietor will present a program about local railroad history and explain the venue's vast historical collections, which includes a WWII parachute bike.
Evening:
The evening will be spent enjoying each other’s company over fine food at a local restaurant, so expect a late return back to Laurelville.