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Join us on PA Bicycle Route L for the annual RAP Ride!
Pennsylvania is lucky to have nine state bike routes. Three go all the way across the state travelling east and west, four other go across the state north and south. Join us for the RAP Tour on PA Bicycle Route L from the Northeast corner to the Southeast corner of the state.
We’ll move your gear each night, provide some of the meals, and give you the support so you can ride with friends and enjoy the countryside of the Keystone State. After a day of riding choose to camp out under the stars or enjoy a night with a roof over your head. Either way, there will be a hot shower waiting for you at the end of the day.
For any riders that joined us for the Pittsburgh250 tour from Washington DC to Pittsburgh, consider this a reunion tour. So grab your friends and bike shorts and join the adventure!
itinerary
Wednesday, July 13: state line to the University of Scranton in Scranton - 56 miles
Thursday, July 14: Scranton to Jim Thorpe - 60 miles
Friday, July 15: Jim Thorpe to Lehigh University in Bethlehem - 58 miles
Saturday, July 16: Bethlehem to West Chester - 66 miles
Sunday, July 17: West Chester to the state line and back or Wilmington, Delaware and back - 22 or 40 miles
price
Prices are based on the type of lodging you prefer. Prices listed below are the early bird prices until June 1st. After June 1st the standard prices will take effect. No registration after July 6th, 2011.
Camping: $480 - Sign up now
Indoor lodging in dorm rooms:
Double occupancy: $505 - Sign up now
Single occupancy (when possible): $575 - Sign up now
Standard Prices:
Camping: $520
Indoor double occupancy: $545
Indoor single occupancy: $615
we provide
- Parking in West Chester for 5 days
- Shuttle from West Chester to starting point near the border
- Daily Itineraries
- SAG support along the way
- Three breakfasts and three dinners during the tour
- Reserved rooms and camping area at all overnight stops
Rider provides: bike, helmet and gear, all other meals, drinks and snacks.
frequently asked questions
Q: How does the ride work?
A: You show up ready to ride in West Chester and we’ll shuttle you, your bike, and your gear north to the start. We’ll put an itinerary in your hand and transport your gear to the first overnight location. You just follow the PA Bicycle Route signs and Venture Outdoors markings. A support vehicle and safety riders will be along the route until 5pm each day to provide assistance.
Q: What if I can’t make it to the overnight location by 5pm?
A: If you think that you’ll need extra time we recommend that you wake up and leave early and limit your stops. At 5pm any riders still on the course will be picked up by the support vehicle.
Q: Why can’t I just ride after 5pm?
A: Traffic will become heavier after 5pm increasing the chances of an accident. Additionally, we want to avoid having any cyclists on the road after dark.
Q: What should I pack for the trip?
A: Check out our suggested packing list.
Q: I’d like to stay indoors in a dorm room. Do I need to bring a pillow and linens?
A: Yes, we cannot guarantee that linens and pillows will be in your rooms so we suggest you bring a light sleeping bag and a small camping pillow.
Q: I’d like to ride but I’m going to reserve a hotel room in each town. Can I still join the ride?
A: Yes, just be aware that we will not be able to transport you, your gear, or your bike to and from the hotel. Additionally, we can not provide you with a support van while you’re riding off the official bike route.
Q: How many bags may I bring?
A: Cyclists staying indoors are limited to one bag, campers may bring two bags. Make sure to pack light as you’ll be moving your own bags to and from the truck each day. 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: Where will my bags be at the end of the day?
A: The bags will be unpacked from the truck and placed on the ground behind the truck. Make sure to pack your gear in a plastic bag before putting it in your duffel bag to shield it from rain.
Q: What do I do with may bag once it’s packed in the morning?
A: Place it on the luggage truck.
Q: I'm riding with the YMCA group, what do I need to do?
A: Do NOT sign up with Venture Outdoors. Contact Deb Moore at dmoore@ymcaofpittsburgh.org and she'll take care of your registration.
Q: What type of bike do I need?
A: The route is a combination of road and rail trails. A road bike, cross bike, touring bike, or hybrid would be preferable for the tour.
Q: How hilly is the route?
A: There will be hills on the route, most will be rolling. We will bypass most of the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
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 40 miles on Saturday and follow that up with 30 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: I’d like to ride but don’t have the money now. Can I put a deposit down and pay the rest later?
A: Yes, send a check for $100 to Venture Outdoors, Attn: RAP Tour, 33 Terminal Way, Suite 527 East, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Then send in the balance of your payment by June 13th, 2011. With your deposit send all of your contact information including the accommodations that you need (camping or indoor - single/double occupancy)
Q: How does it work on the first day?
A: The first day you’ll need to meet the Venture Outdoors staff at West Chester University 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 at the start. You will not have access to your luggage at the start.
You will need to be in West Chester ready to go before 6:30 am so your gear and bike can be packed as all the vehicles will be leaving at 7 am sharp.
Q: What if I’m late to West Chester on the first day?
A: As we cannot have 99 people wait on one person, if you miss the vehicle departure at 7 am, you will need to find your own transportation to either the start or the first overnight location.
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. We suggest you leave early as the roads will heat up later in the day.
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. The support staff is on hand to assist disabled riders and will not have enough liquids to refill your bottle.
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. Some people will choose to stop at a small town along the route for lunch, others will just bring snacks and eat lunch and dinner at the overnight stop.
Q: Will the support vehicle be able to help me if I have a flat tire.
A: The support vehicle will travel the ride route a number of times each day and sweep the course at 5pm. They will be on hand to assist riders that have mechanical or physical problems. We highly encourage you to have all the tools necessary to change a flat tire and the knowledge to do so. It may take a few hours for the support vehicle to pass your way, so you’ll be back on the road in much less time if you can fix your own flat. If you don’t know how to change a flat, ask a friend that does or check out tutorials in print or online.
Q: Is there a ride limit?
A: Yes, the ride is limited to 100 riders.
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 the links above next to the type of lodging you prefer and fill in the needed information. Or click the Sign up now link at the top of the page and then navigate to the tour with the lodging you desire.
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. We caution you to think about the entire trip and make sure you’re prepared to be away from home and on the road with you child for four days.
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. This is our second year hosting the RAP Ride
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, by emailing biketour@ventureoutdoors.org or by calling 412.255.0564 ext 235.