Riding near Greensburg, PA?
01-10-23, 04:16 AM
#1
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Riding near Greensburg, PA?
I just moved to the Greensburg area (Irwin, to be exact) in October, moved from the Altoona area that has tons of great riding. The roads I drive to work are mostly back roads but there is ZERO shoulder and don't look like very good options. The other is Route 30 but I have no interest in that kamikaze mission.
And there are no bike shops that I've found to ask, so I turn to you, internet. So, what are some good roads around here?
And there are no bike shops that I've found to ask, so I turn to you, internet. So, what are some good roads around here?
01-10-23, 05:30 AM
#2
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When I lived back East, I rode that area a lot. Your right, riding stinks there. One bright spot is the backroads up the Cumberland Valley. There was a lifetime of backroads that were great. Checkout Pine Grove Furnace area and for longer trips, the Apple orchards between Mt. Holly and Goodyear. (You'll need a car for that.)
01-10-23, 06:13 AM
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I expect you can use back roads (or maybe gravel roads), if you have a Strava account you can use the heatmap feature to see where local fellow cyclists are riding. Find a local bike club, even if it's closer to Pittsburgh, and look at their route library. You can also search routes on ridewithgps.com but that may be more hit/miss. Good luck!
01-10-23, 07:08 AM
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Don't know the area. But PA. has LOTS of rail-trails. Surfaces vary, from crushed limestone to asphalt. Might want to look into them, and if fnd them to suit, maybe get a gravel bike or other suitable bike for them (if you don't already have one).
TrailLink: Trail Maps & Guide for Biking, Hiking & Running Trails | TrailLink
TrailLink: Trail Maps & Guide for Biking, Hiking & Running Trails | TrailLink
01-10-23, 12:36 PM
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Not familiar with rides / roads in and around areas east of Pittsburgh including Westmoreland County, Indiana County, Greensburg area etc
might get some responses in the Regional - Mid Atlantic forum (?) - I suggest a post there also
attached a link to an outstanding resource created by Oscar Swan - Bike Rides out of Pittsburgh (includes rides east of the city)
https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~apd/Pittsburg...Pittsburgh.pdf
.
might get some responses in the Regional - Mid Atlantic forum (?) - I suggest a post there also
attached a link to an outstanding resource created by Oscar Swan - Bike Rides out of Pittsburgh (includes rides east of the city)
https://www.cs.cmu.edu/~apd/Pittsburg...Pittsburgh.pdf
.
Likes For t2p:
01-10-23, 09:23 PM
#6
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Hello,
I live in Hollidaysburg. My wife is from Everson. I remember riding an old Route near the old Volkswagen plant. I think it was route 31. It seems to be a pretty long route which probably goes into Pittsburgh.
There is a Rails to trails along 119 near Youngwood, I think. There is also a small bike shop on 119 in Youngwood close to where it meets 70. I never had the chance to stop in and browse.
Moving is a pain, but at least you get to experience some different sights in your travels. I've been riding Scotch Valley and Poplar Run most of my life.
Good luck
I live in Hollidaysburg. My wife is from Everson. I remember riding an old Route near the old Volkswagen plant. I think it was route 31. It seems to be a pretty long route which probably goes into Pittsburgh.
There is a Rails to trails along 119 near Youngwood, I think. There is also a small bike shop on 119 in Youngwood close to where it meets 70. I never had the chance to stop in and browse.
Moving is a pain, but at least you get to experience some different sights in your travels. I've been riding Scotch Valley and Poplar Run most of my life.
Good luck
01-11-23, 09:04 AM
#7
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I just moved to the Greensburg area (Irwin, to be exact) in October, moved from the Altoona area that has tons of great riding. The roads I drive to work are mostly back roads but there is ZERO shoulder and don't look like very good options. The other is Route 30 but I have no interest in that kamikaze mission.
And there are no bike shops that I've found to ask, so I turn to you, internet. So, what are some good roads around here?
And there are no bike shops that I've found to ask, so I turn to you, internet. So, what are some good roads around here?
01-12-23, 02:39 AM
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Hello,
I live in Hollidaysburg. My wife is from Everson. I remember riding an old Route near the old Volkswagen plant. I think it was route 31. It seems to be a pretty long route which probably goes into Pittsburgh.
There is a Rails to trails along 119 near Youngwood, I think. There is also a small bike shop on 119 in Youngwood close to where it meets 70. I never had the chance to stop in and browse.
Moving is a pain, but at least you get to experience some different sights in your travels. I've been riding Scotch Valley and Poplar Run most of my life.
Good luck
I live in Hollidaysburg. My wife is from Everson. I remember riding an old Route near the old Volkswagen plant. I think it was route 31. It seems to be a pretty long route which probably goes into Pittsburgh.
There is a Rails to trails along 119 near Youngwood, I think. There is also a small bike shop on 119 in Youngwood close to where it meets 70. I never had the chance to stop in and browse.
Moving is a pain, but at least you get to experience some different sights in your travels. I've been riding Scotch Valley and Poplar Run most of my life.
Good luck
Thanks for the tips everyone. I'm not a fan of rails to trails but they will probably be my best bet.
01-25-23, 04:06 PM
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Pittsburgh roads are definitely more tricky to navigate especially if you came from a more bike-friendly environment. We just moved to the Pitt area as well and I have been having similar challenges. Shoulders are more narrow and sometimes there are no shoulders but the drivers are surprisingly more respectful/nice here. The other day I had a flat in backroad and every single car stopped to ask me if I need help. That exceeded my expectations by miles, honestly. What I do is carefully ride to backroads where traffic is little to sometimes non-existent. Hours and hours of riding in peace, only if I had time and the weather was good (sigh).
I do not hesitate to take over a lane when I have to. I also purchased a Varia which gives me extra piece of mind. I think it's a must-have in this area. Just go out and explore the roads. Zwift is your friend too.
Btw what t2p posted is an amazing resource. I am blown by how detailed it is. WOW! Thank you!
I do not hesitate to take over a lane when I have to. I also purchased a Varia which gives me extra piece of mind. I think it's a must-have in this area. Just go out and explore the roads. Zwift is your friend too.
Btw what t2p posted is an amazing resource. I am blown by how detailed it is. WOW! Thank you!
