Biking the Great Allegheny Passage – Day 1

The first day of biking was a challenging sixty mile ride.

Starting from Pittsburgh the four of us were anxiously anticipating what was to come. We started our bike trip around 9:00AM after a breakfast at the Fairfield Inn. Temperature was 60 degrees. Carl freaked us out when he said at breakfast before biking sixty miles: “Going to the gym to work out!”

As we are leaving Pittsburgh, you can that we have fully packed panniers on the back of our bikes.

The Fearsome Foursome Puts in Sixty Miles

We lucked out and had a great day for our first ride. Thankfully, without any accidents or rain. We all got along – No one complained – No one fell behind. This just might work out!

Heading out on Day 1

There was a lot of trepid anticipation of what was to come!

Carl on the McKeesport Connecting Railroad Bridge

We stopped along the trail for the many cool sites – waterfalls, railroad bridges, and quaint taverns for lunch

C Hirst sets the pace
Mile 15 – New Boston, PA – Rob and Carl meet a volunteer at one of the many spots along the trail that assist bikers with any needs.
Rob in Mckeesport
Mark at the Mckeesport biker’s support station
C. Hirst ready to roll
Carl takes in the scenery at a break point

Stopping at one of the many waterfalls along the trail

Fearsome Foursome’s Thoughts of the Day:
Carl: “I am overwhelmed at the beauty, serenity and cleanliness of the trail and all the nice people we meet. All of the service people we have met are exceptionally friendly. The quality of the trail has been excellent – very smooth and well maintained. We were so lucky to miss the rain. It was all around us.”

C.: “Who lit the fire under Mark’s ass? Other than that, good trail with awesome view and great riding company.”

Rob: “Impressive trail and impressive people. No trash on the trail was very noticeable.”

Mark: “C’s comment needs explanation! He kept this torrid pace all day. We exchanged lead rider occasionally to break the wind. At my turn in the front, I merely was trying to keep the pace I thought they all wanted! Otherwise, unbelievably impressed with nature and beauty of the trail.”