details
Take a long relaxing weekend to stretch your legs and take in the pleasant fall temperatures. You’ll have the option to ride a lot or a little each day as we make our way along the Great Allegheny Passage.
This tour is fully supported and is geared to the cyclist and non-cyclist alike. The four day tour includes all of your accommodations. Enjoy the relaxed setting, the history, and the incredible views as we travel through the Laurel Highlands.
itinerary
On day one we'll travel from Pittsburgh to the trail. You'll have the option to ride 0,17 or 38 miles to Ohioplye. That's right you can choose each day to relax and not even bike a mile. It's your vacation! On this day you can choose to tour Fallingwater in the afternoon. We'll meet in the East Parking Lot of Station Square from 8:00-8:30 am for check-in. The shuttle leaves at 9:00 am and we'll be on the trail by 10:00 am.
Day two finds you on a short shuttle to Rockwood to pedal 28 miles back to Ohiopyle. On the way you'll pass through the sleepy town of Confluence. Take the time to see the earthen damn holding back the Yough Lake and sit down to a fabulous lunch. On this day you can choose to tour Kentuck Knob in the afternoon.
The third day has you pedaling through amazing tunnels as you go over the Eastern Continental Divide. This gradual rise turns downhill for twenty-two miles of easy pedaling on your way to Cumberland.
Wake up the fourth day in the Queen City. Today you can choose to: join the shuttle to see the Paw Paw Tunnel, or ride the steam engine 15 miles up to Frostburg. With your bike on the train you'll have a great time riding back to Cumberland.
price
This will be a small tour, limited to just 30 riders. Based on double occupancy, the registration fee is $795. Single riders add $200.
Double occupancy - Sign up now
Single occupancy - Sign up now
A portion of each registration fee will be donated to the ATA, the all volunteer group this builds and maintains the Great Allegheny Passage.
we provide
This tour includes all your transportation, trail guide, lodging, a detailed itinerary and lunch on the last day. The entire tour is van supported and we will transport your gear each day. Venture Outdoors will provide:
- Shuttle from Pittsburgh to the Trail
- Itineraries
- SAG support
- 3 nights of accommodations
- Shuttle from Cumberland to Pittsburgh
rider provides
- Bike
- Helmet and bike gear
- All meals
- Snacks and drinks
frequently asked questions
Q: How does the ride work?
A: You show up ready to ride in Pittsburgh and we’ll shuttle you, your bike, and your gear to the Trail. We’ll put an itinerary in your hand and transport your gear to the first overnight location. You just follow the trail.
Q: What should I pack for the trip?
A: Check out our suggested packing list.
Q: How many bags may I bring?
A: Cyclists are encouraged to pack light. A forty pound bag might not seem heavy to carry from your front door to your car, but it’ll feel like 100 lbs after a day of riding.
Q: What type of bike do I need?
A: The first three days of our trip will be on the crushed limestone of the Great Allegheny Passage. If you choose to see the Paw Paw Tunnel on the final day you'll be riding on the clay C & O Canal Towpath. This section can become muddy in the rain. We recommend a hybrid, trail, touring, or cross bike for the trip with tires that are at least 1.5 inches wide with some tread.
Q: How hilly is the route?
A: The trail is slightly uphill the first day followed by slightly downhill after that.
Q: How will I know if I’m in shape for the ride?
A: During the summer you’ll want to build up your mileage so you’re comfortable riding for multiple hours on two consecutive days. If you can ride 30 miles on Saturday and follow that up with 20 miles the next day and your legs and rump are okay, you should be in good shape to enjoy the ride.
Q: Are there any groups that I can ride with to get in shape?
A: Yes, you can ride with Venture Outdoors, the Western Pa Wheelmen, or the Major Taylor Cycling Club.
Q: How does it work on the first day?
A: The first day you’ll need to meet the Venture Outdoors staff in Pittsburgh with your bike ready to be shipped and yourself ready to ride. Your bike should not have any protruding accessories, such as mirrors, lights, bags, etc. that could be damaged in transit. You should be dressed ready to ride the bus and then get on your bike once on the trail.
Q: What if I’m late to Pittsburgh on the first day?
A: As we cannot have 19 people wait on one person, if you miss the vehicle departure you will need to find your own transportation to Ohiopyle, Pa.
Q: Do we ride as a big group?
A: No. Everyone rides at their own pace. Some people will be early birds while others leave later in the morning.
Q: Do I need to carry water with me?
A. YES! Make sure you have at least two water bottles with you and fill up whenever you have the chance.
Q: Should I carry snacks with me?
A: Yes, make sure to have something with you on your bike as you’ll be burning a lot of calories each day.
Q: How does lunch work on the ride?
A: For all the meals not provide by Venture Outdoors you are on your own. There will be small towns along the way for lunch.
Q: Will the support vehicle be able to help me if I have a flat tire?
A: The roads do not parallel the trail. Therefore you’ll want to have the tools and knowledge to fix a flat tire. If you’ve not done this before, check out a tutorial online or visit your local bike shop.
Q: Is there a ride limit?
A: Yes, the ride is limited to 30 riders.
Q: What are the accommodations like?
A: We stay in quality motels and hotels. Most of the overnights are very close the trail. For this trip we’ll be in hotels in Cumberland and Ohiopyle.
Q: Is there a refund policy?
A: Yes. If you cancel prior to one month before the event you’ll receive a full refund minus $100. If you cancel between a month and two weeks before the event you’ll receive a 50% refund. If you cancel within two weeks of the event you will receive no refund. But, you can have another person take your spot. If this happens, contact biketour@ventureoutdoors.org or 412.255.0564 ext 235 asap to alert the staff.
Q: How do I register for the ride?
A: Just click on this link above next to the lodging you wish to reserve and fill in the needed information.
Q: Can children join the ride?
A: Yes, children of any age can join the ride but they must be attended to at all times. The staff of Venture Outdoors can not take responsibility for the child.
Q: I’d like to join the ride but I don’t have anyone to go with, are other people social on the ride?
A: Touring cyclists are often social creatures and are usually having a great time when on their bikes. Feel free to chat with other riders along the way.
Q: Has Venture Outdoors ever organized a group ride?
A: Yes, VO offers organized public and private tours along the Great Allegheny Passage and C & O Canal Towpath between Pittsburgh and Washington DC. We also offer rides on the Pine Creek Trail and Greenbrier River Trail in West Virginia. Additionally, each year we take a group of cyclists to New York City for the 5 Boro Bike Tour.
In 2008 we led a group of 90 cyclists from DC to Pittsburgh while organizing 150 cyclists to relay ride the same trail in less than 24 hours. To make it a real challenge, we held both events simultaneously.
Q: Why does Venture Outdoors offer this tour?
A: Our mission is to encourage everyone to participate in outdoor recreational activities. We promote Pittsburgh’s unique natural amenities, highlight the region’s excellent quality of life, foster a greater appreciation for the environment, inspire an active lifestyle and create a shared sense of community.
Q: Why should I join this tour?
A: Because it’s a great time.
Q: I have more questions. Who should I ask?
A: Ask our Bike Tour Coordinator, Seth Gernot, at biketour@ventureoutdoors.org or 412.255.0564 ext 235.