The trip will take place on a rather unique trail system, considered by Conde Naste Magazine to be one of the seventeen most beautiful trails in the world. This is a world class ride that is filled with a multitude of natural, cultural and historically significant sites. The initial 125 miles from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland are located on abandoned railroad bed (and some back roads). The final 180 miles from Cumberland to downtown Washington D.C. are located on the towpath of the now defunct C&O canal. What this means to cyclists is: 315 miles of trail that begins at 850 feet in elevation, climbs over the Allegheny Front of the Appalachian Mountains at 3200 feet in elevation, and terminates at sea level. All of this happens with a maximum grade of 2% and only 25 miles of riding on roads.

We will begin the trip among the modern giants of glass and steel of Pittsburgh. It won't be long until the buildings are exchanged for a canopy of trees. We will then head down the trail and back through history. Along the way we will ride past remnants of the early 1900's industrial revolution when Pittsburgh Steel was king, Victorian Mansions, Civil War Battlefields, Historic Districts, Canal remains and good ol' Americana.

THE RIDE

2003 Tentative dates
Spring: May 11 - May 18 (6 people needed to book this trip)
Fall: September 25 - October 2
and October 12 - October 19.
(more people book in the fall for this bike tour.)

Details Details Details
Cost: $895 a person/ Double Occupancy
Single supplement charge: $150.00
Cannondale Bike rentals are available for $75 for the trip

Includes
Sag van support,
Breakfast for 5 days,
Lunches and snacks for 6 days,
Lodging for 5 nights
Dinner night 1.

Sag Wagon: 15 Passenger Van and 12 foot box trailer.
This vehicle will meet all riders in Ohiopyle and shuttle everyone to our start point in Boston, PA. This vehicle will provide daily support to the group throughout the ride. This support will consist of shuttling riders between the trail and nightly lodging, rendezvousing with the group at trail intersections, preparing lunch, "sweep" vehicle during any road sections. At the conclusion of the trip in DC we will provide shuttle back to Ohiopyle.

Staff Persons: Two guides who will operate the Sag Wagon, prepare meal stops, ride portions of the trail to provide on trail assistance and keep the bikes tuned on a daily basis.

Mobile Repair Shop: All necessary parts, including the carrying of two (2) spare bicycles.

Food: Breakfast is included, most mornings it is at our place of lodging. Daily lunch, a menu appropriate for multi-day calorie burning trip. Daily snacks to consist of fruits, energy bars etc. Drinks with lunch, and a continual supply throughout the day of water or desired beverage, a vegetarian option will be available if necessary. Dinners on night one is included, all other dinners are on your own at the lodging facility or local restaurant.

See you on the trail!!!!