Introductions - Pittsburgh, PA Checking In

Greetings fellow cyclists! It is wonderful to be amongst you again. I returned to cycling three years ago after about 2 decades of relative sedentariness. From riders like you and through forums like this, I've learned to care for my bike and train smart. I'm a recreational rider of the road and rail trails. I especially enjoy the MS 150 and events of that nature. I was prepared (physically) for the best season ever last year when I was called to duty in Afghanistan. After 5 and a half months working in the Army field hospital at Bagram I'm ba-ack! So you see, it IS wonderful to be amongst you again! I'm looking forward to getting to know you and sharing in the conversation.

Hi, druhl. Welcome to the Forums! Hey, my brother used to go to the University of Pittsburgh, and when I was visiting, I never came across any good roads that seemed nice for riding. Are there a lot of good places I don't know about? He was no help to ask, since he's not any type of cyclist.

Talk to you soon,
velo

hiya... velo asked the question that was in my mind.. i visit pittsburgh every 6 weeks or so.. and the roads.. are horrible.. sorry guys but the drivers aren't much better... i borrowed a mtn bike and did some riding through South park etc.. but i would really like to try my road bike on those hills!

Hmmm, what can I say here? I may have said it best in a pm to Velo. Cycling Pittsburgh IS an acquired taste. The condition of local roads leaves a lot to be desired and local motorists are... well, worse. Having said that be certain that there are some great rides in and around Pittsburgh. Perhaps the most help I can offer is a book by Oscar Swan "Bike Rides in and around Pittsburgh" (Lektorek c. 1998). To my surprise the whole thing seems available on line at:

http://pittsburgh.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pittsburghcycling.org%2Fpghrides%2Falpha_index.html

I live south of the city in the Monongahela (Mon) Valley. I've found routes for just about any kind of ride I'm in the mood for.

If you enjoy rail-trails the Youghiogheney River Trail was voted one of the ten most scenic trails in the world. It can start you on a journey from McKeesport PA all the way to Washington DC.

Pittsburgh is, perhaps, a diamond in the rough.

hi, thanks where i stay is not far from Mckeesport... off 51 , so hopefully when i get my new mtn bike i can head out on some of those routes in March/april. Heard about the A-trail... is that the one that is being built to go all the way to Washington? something like 150 mile trail.. with 52 miles already done?
thanks again