I had the opportunity to participate in the 20th version of the Ride Allegheny Pittsburgh to DC bike ride to raise awareness and money to support Operation Second Chance. This non-profit, run by Cindy, helps disabled vets work through the challenges from their time in combat zones. As a group, we were able to raise over $650K this year. Additionally, I donated a Warhawk gravel frame for the raffle and raised another $3,000. Overall, it was a great experience and whether you decide to ride the route supported, unsupported and camp along the way, you'll come away with some great memories.
Prep and departure
This has been a tough year for everyone. Most bike events have been canceled or changed in some way to mitigate the spread of the virus. This ride was no exception. There was lots of discussion on how to safely get the 150 or so riders from DC to Pittsburgh to start the ride. The RA20 crew had 4 buses to transport the riders and each bus had about 20 people on them. Masks were worn by all on the bus. Some opted to carpool in private vehicles to Pittsburgh to lessen the load on the buses. In the end, the plan worked out well.
The RA20 crew runs this event as a self guided, supported ride. Every morning, you pass off your bag and they transport it to the next destination, brilliant! Along the route, we stayed in hotels three nights and in an Airbnb in Ohiopyle, sharing a house with 4 others but with private rooms. The support did not end there. During the ride, there was plenty of food at all the rest stops along the way, including lunch. The dinners were also provided except in Pittsburgh. I know of others that have risen that same route completely unsupported either camping along the trail on the way or stopping off at Inns and B&Bs.Some have even rented the Lockhouses that are available along the C&O Canal.
Day 1. After getting the bikes ready to go and grabbing breakfast, we gathered for the pre ride meeting in front of the hotel (masks on and spread out). The group left in waves, riding along the bike trail adjacent the streets of Pittsburgh, as we made our way to the wooded Allegheny trail. The path continued along the river and old industrial sites- you could imagine the buzz of activity that used to surround this area during the height of the steel industry in America. After 8 miles or so we were into the woods with a gentle climb up and over the foothills, leaving Pittsburgh behind us and never looked back. One great thing about this ride is the number of people you come across while riding and just strike up a conversation. I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet all the great people along the ride, at the rest stops and at the end of day happy hours. On Day 1 we rode 68 miles, steadily climbing the last 20 or so miles on a railroad grade (1.5% slope) trail. It was some of the nicest rail trails I’ve ridden and the scenery was magnificent with the river and the trees all threatening to change to their fall colors right before our eyes. The ride on day 1 ended in the quaint town of Ohiopyle that sits nestled in a little valley along the Youghiogheny River. We were greeted by the RA crew for a post ride happy hour in the parking lot near the old train station. That night we were treated to some BBQ pork and ate at picnic tables along the river. Nice way to end the day.
Day 2. We awoke early to hot coffee and a cool dark morning as we loaded up our bags and made way for breakfast at the local market. It was a chilly 40 degrees. After a hearty egg sandwich we jumped on our bikes and hit the fog filled forest to begin the days ride. The ride was the most scenic of them all, with gorgeous views along the trail as we continued the railroad grade climb for the 73 miles to Cumberland. As I approached the Big Savage Tunnel, I spotted a furry thing lumbering along the trail, a porcupine! The most notable parts of the day was the 40 steady, but shallow climb to the Eastern Continental Divide and the steep descent into Cumberland- 20 miles of smooth, fast downhill, a nice change from two days of climbing.
In Cumberland we completed the Allegheny Trail and connected with the C&O Trail at its end point, mile 184. Our hotel was right on the trail and made for a great end of ride happy hour as we toasted the riders finishing up for the day. Today we rode 73 miles.
Day 3. While the weather was enviable by all accounts (no rain), the mornings were cool but warmed up quickly throughout the day. On day three we saw the temps go from 34 degrees at the start to the low 70s by midday, making it tough to dress comfortably for a long day on the bike.
There was something satisfying about being on the C&O canal towpath that morning. I regularly ride the towpath in the DC area, so it had a familiar feel to it. Except we still had 184 miles to go. There were several interesting things along the route on day three, however, to include the PawPaw tunnel. This tunnel is about 20 yards long, it is unlit, with a narrow space between the railing and the old brick wall, and the trail surface is very uneven. It was a precarious transition and most riders walked their bikes through.
On the southside, one could see the need for the tunnel- solid rock walls. There was no other way for the towpath and the canal to continue in this section without going through the solid rock hill. After a long 90 miles we rolled in Hagerstown, MD and our hotel. And of course the happy hour van was there to greet us again!
Day 4. The last day of any journey is always a mixed bag, excitement to complete the journey, melancholy to end such a great experience. The ride today included the last section of the C&O Canal towpath. We started right at the mile marker 100 near Hagerstown, MD.
It was a nice day to ride, warmest so far with clear skies, and the trail was dry and fast. I rode the 100 miles to DC stopping for lunch along the way and to get a few scenic pictures. The last 60 miles I rode straight through until I got past the boathouse in Gerogetown, When I arrive, I had to hunt around a bit to find the origin of the C&O Canal, but was happy to finish up the adventure with a great sense of accomplishment and many great memories.
What a great event. I have always wanted to ride Allegheny trail and make the trip by bike form Pittsburgh, RA20 gave me the opportunity to do it and support a great cause along the way. I am thankful for the chance to meet so many great people as well. You must find the time to make the journey, it will be some of the best days you spend on a bike.
0 comments