I live in York County and mid june is when it blooms here I do believe
. On the Masion Dixion trail I have seen it and it is quite amazing.
That is the Rhododendron I am talking about and the domestic ones
bloom right now as in the beautiful one in my yard.The wild ones are
more of a white flower. They might be a week or two behind on that
trail because it is a little cooler than in the York area.





- In PAtrails@yahoogroups.com, "David" <Hiebert@z...> wrote:
> According to a Sierra club report, the Laurel blooms mid-June, which
> corresponds to my recollection. However, I have heard that some
people are
> disappointed when they see the laurel, which has few blooms than the
> domestic varieties.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> DAVID HIEBERT
>
> 311 Market Street
>
> Scottdale, PA 15683-1907
>
> 724.875.3050
>
> Hiebert@z...
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: PAtrails@yahoogroups.com [mailto:PAtrails@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf
> Of rsd381
> Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2005 7:59 PM
> To: PAtrails@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [PAtrails] Yough Trails
>
>
>
> When does the mountain laurel or rhododendron bloom on the trail?
> I've always throught that this would be a great time to ride the
trail.
> If someone knows the best locations I would appreciate that info
also.
>
> Robert Daniels
> rsd381@g...
>
>
>
>
>
>
>   _____
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> *        To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PAtrails/
>
>
> *        To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> PAtrails-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:PAtrails-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe>
>
>
> *        Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
> <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>  Service.

When does the mountain laurel or rhododendron bloom on the trail?
I've always throught that this would be a great time to ride the trail.
If someone knows the best locations I would appreciate that info also.

Robert Daniels
rsd381@...

Final Report: D.C. to Pittsburgh (with links to amenities added)

Troy Bogdan, NBG Scout reporting from home on the D.C. to Pittsburgh leg of
the 2005 Mayor's Ride.

What a wonderful trip we had!!  Over 400 miles logged,  New friends (and
old), new places (and some we've seen before), new experiences; that's what
makes these Mayor's Rides so special.  Yes, I have been home less than a
day, and already I look forward to next year's trip again.  We will probably
change the route a little bit next year to explore new things, but one thing
remains the same, and that is, you get to meet some of the greatest people
in the world on the trails.

Note: Some of this you may have read in earlier posts, but new details may
have been added.  Previous posts also have forwarding arrows on the left
margin.  The timeline is now in consecutive order and (hopefully) I've
corrected all mistakes and misspellings.

Day 1
Mayor's Office, District of Columbia - Friday the 13th of May, 2005
As the bicyclists started to gather outside City Hall, the fellowship
started.  Some new faces, some old, meeting and re-meeting, it was a
gathering of comrades, linked together by a common cause: Bicycling.  We all
were in awe of finally meeting Concetta Curtis, the superstar biker we read
about.  Here she was, riding her electric blue Bianchi bicycle; the same
bicycle that had carried her from Florida, and the one that will take her
all the way to California, and possibly beyond.  It was an honor and a
privilege to finally meet her, and to be able to accompany her for a portion
of her trip.
At approx. 3:00 p.m. the ceremony at the Mayor's office started.  Jim
Sebastian, Bike Coordinator for the District of Columbia, read the
proclamation from Mayor Anthony Williams, and then asked the bicyclists to
say a few words about why they were doing this ride.  Each spoke in turn,
and then there was a moment of applause, and then it was time to say our
farewells and hit the roads leading to the trails.  Biking through
Washington D.C. is really a special treat.  Surrounded by monuments of
history as we pedal our bicycles, we realize that we are creating our own
history, by forging new paths to the future, yet following the same exact
path of those who came before us.  Whether by bicycle, horse, canal boat or
hiking boots, the feeling of awe is appropriate when thinking about the
history of this region, and that feeling surrounds you, because you are not
enclosed in a car or train or bus.  You are a part of your surroundings, and
that feeling goes with you the entire way.

Our trail experience started at Mile Zero on the C&O Canal.  This is also
known as "Watergate (Yes, the hotel was named after it)" because this is the
place where the canal meets the Potomac River, and believe it or not, the
old wooden, rotting, frame of the original water gate still stands in the
water, a testament to the craftsmanship of the canal.  From here, we enter
Georgetown, and follow the towpath through city and town and eventually
wilderness towards our destinations.

>Nick, Pete and myself (Troy) left D.C. on Friday at 4:00, did an optional side
>trip of 14 miles on the Capitol Crescent Trail, and then back on the C&O
>towpath to Swains Lock Camp.  Luckily for us, some other campers were having a
>celebration, and sang campfire songs (with guitar) well into the night ;-)

Day 2

In the morning, Nick and I explored the Great Falls Tavern visitor's center,
and also biked up to and walked the "Gold Mine Trail," which has interesting
relics and old buildings that were used in the gold mining industry.  We let
Pete sleep in for some much needed rest.

>Continued Saturday towards Harper's Ferry on the towpath, where we finally
>found Concetta (who stayed with a friend in D.C. after the Ceremony).  She
>biked 90ish miles to catch up with us in the rain, thunder and lightning.  We
>changed our camping plans for the night, due to weather conditions, left the
>trail, crossed the bridge into town, and the four of us stayed in a historic
>hotel in Harper's Ferry, called "Historic Hilltop House".  They had a garage
>for visitors to keep bicycles in!!  We were supposed to get a free continental
breakfast, and a hiker/biker discount, but it turns out they were a little
unorganized the day we stayed because of some conferences, and things could
have been better, but for us, it was o.k, and they were the only place in
town that had a vacancy, so we paid a little more than we should've.  Online
at: http://www.hilltophousehotel.net/

Day 3

>Today (Sunday) we head to Hancock Md. for the night.

On the way to Hancock, we stopped at Barron's Hiker Biker Store, a local
fixture since the canal first started having hiker/bikers, and where the
prices are still the way they were back in 1959 ;-)  What a great place this
is, run by Mr. & Mrs. Barron on weekends only, you have to stop here just to
get a sense of the living history that this couple has seen.  I wish them
many more continued years of being able to serve our hunger for both
nourishment and companionship.

Just before Fort Frederick State Park we split up from one big group into
individual travelers.  Nick (slightly before me) and I jumped onto the paved
Western Maryland Rail trail to Hancock.  Concetta found the pavement a
little farther up the towpath, and poor Pete, he found a problem with his
bike that held him up for a while.  He finally met up with us in Hancock in
the dark, but he made it!!  We checked into the C&O (CanDo) Bike Shop's
Bunkhouse ( http://www.candobicycle.com/bunkhouse.htm )for the night, and
met the new owner Dennis Hudson and his family.
George, Pamela and their son Chauncey (the original proprietors of this fine
establishment, who took care of us last year) are retiring and going on the
road in their new motor home (Named "CanDo").  We were able to see them
before they hit the road, because they knew we were coming, and stuck around
a few more days so they could greet us and have dinner with us (At Little
Sandy's truck stop) before they left town.  By the way, the C&O Bike Shop
charged us the "Group Rate."  Bunk and showers were $10 each, instead of
$15.  Thanks to Dennis for his help with our bikes also.

>Will motor on towards Cumberland and eventually Pittsburgh.  More Later as I
>find internet access along the way.

Day 4

>> ========================================
>> Hello Again from the trail . . .
>>
>> Oh my mind is starting to get tired, as is my body, trying to keep up
>> with Concetta!!  I hope I get all this right from my tired old memory.
>>
>> After leaving Hancock, we rode to Bill's Place, a bar/store in Little
>> Orleans, MD along the C&O Canal. It was there that we met the Mayor,
>> Bill himself, and after eating his food and nourishing our bodies
>> with his liquid refreshment, we found a new member to join our team.
>> Dennis Caffrey, a Firefighter from Washington, PA joined our Mayor's
>> Ride team, and would ride with us the next 2 days.

Dennis had read about the Mayor's ride in an e-mail that Troy had posted on
the Great Allegheny Passage Yahoo Group, and decided to join us in route.
He started in Washington D.C., as did we, and was trying to catch up with
our group.  When Pete broke down the night before on the trail, it was then
that he realized he had caught up with at least one member of the Mayor's
Ride group, and knew where to find us the next day.

>> As a group, we rode through the historic and marvelous Paw Paw tunnel, and
>>then camped near the forks of the Potomac river and just outside of Oldtown
>>MD, (an old Frontier town that was a popular rest stop for George Washington
>>in the olden days).

Day 5

>>After waking up to a flat tire on my bike, we fixed it quickly as a team, and
>>the toured the old Cresap House (Circa. 1700's) in Oldtown.  Nick and Peter
>>motored on, but Dennis Concetta and Troy found some breakfast in Oldtown, at
>>the old Oldtown School.  There is a diner set up in the school's former
>>cafeteria, and we found the food to be good, reasonably priced, and best
>>of all, the locals were all friendly and freely offered good trail advice
>>and tips.  Plus, they sell postcards and a few other small souvenirs, and
>>they have a museum of sorts on the town's history.

>> From Oldtown, we continued on our way to Cumberland, and to the historic
>>Train Station they now call "Canal Place".  This is where Pete left
>> the group, to go home and attend his Senior prom.  Nick's Wife, Sue, was
>> waiting for us, and after a few photo opps., and saying our good-byes,
>> she drove Pete back to Morgantown. Afterwards, we went into a cool
>> bike shop recently built at the end of the trail.  The name is Hites Bikes,
>> (  http://www.hitesbikes.com ) and we were very impressed with the place.  In
>>addition to repairs, parts, clothing and bike trinkets, they offer showers,
>>shuttle services and advice.  After having two flats on this trip, I decided
>>to get a new rear tire, and Concetta got a much needed spoke job.  The prices
>>were extremely reasonable.

Since the C&O trail ends in Cumberland, and the new trail is still being
constructed towards Frostburg, we needed to ride on roads for approx. 30
miles.

>> The bike shop owner (Gary) offered to shuttle our heavy gear (and Dennis'
>>SUV) to Meyersdale, PA (our destination for the night) and we agreed to go
>>light.  We were also given a shortcut tip that (we were told) would allow us
>>to get back on the trails sooner than later, and have less roads to travel.
>> Well, as a group we started riding on the roads.  We got to where the
>> shortcut was, and found out it was complete railroad ballast that
>> would not be good for some of our smaller bike tires (Like Concetta's and
>> Nick's recumbant-bike), so we decided to split up the group.
>> Dennis took the rough train-trail, and the rest of us stayed on roads.
>> Well, to make a long story short, we all had thought we had a better idea
>> than the next, so we all went our different ways and figured we'd find out
>> who's route was best.
>>
>> Somehow each of us found the town of Frostburg, MD (Where the trail is
>>finished and open) separately, and eventually met  as a group just short of
>>the PA line on the trail on Mt. Savage.
>>Dennis had the most direct route, and was first to arrive, Troy
>> second, Nick third, and Concetta caught up last.

From what everyone told us, and confirmed by the owner at Hites Bikes, we
thought the rest of the trail would be finished enough to get us through to
Meyersdale, PA.

Well, we kept going, but the trail did not.  It was the roughest section of
trail most of us had ever ridden on.  Nick got off and rode the road, while
the three of us all soldiered on through a trail that was at best,
barely passable. After a short contemplation about taking the road, Dennis
quickly decided to stay on the trail, and sped on like a Baja Racer in the
dessert.  Concetta and Troy went on the road, but quickly turned around
after we saw how easy it looked for Dennis.  It wasn't easy for much longer
though, the trail soon turned from easy into horrendous.  Like turtles on an
obstacle course, Troy and Concetta continued along an unfinished trail with
huge rock ballast, construction equipment blocking the route and whole
bridges missing, but we finally made it and when we finally reached a
section that was mostly finished, sailed over the Keystone Viaduct and into
Meyersdale right next to the train station.

>>As it happened,  Nick was first to Meyersdale, Dennis second and Concetta and
>>Troy brought up the rear.  To our amazement, there was a note waiting for us
>>on the train station bulletin board, from the president of the Meyersdale
>>Historical Society, Dennis "Coach" Stahl, and his wife Penny, offering us free
>>lodging for the night.  That was the perfect ending to a very hard day.
>>Unfortunately though, Dennis the  Firefighter had to go home, so just
>>three of us stayed the night.

(By the way, we ate dinner at a nice restaurant in Meyersdale called "Main
Street Inn," and in addition to having the best and hottest plate of pasta I
have ever had (with excellent garlic bread and salad (with veggies)),  they
also offer lodging to us biker/hikers coming in from the trail. Here is
their info:  http://www.mainstreetinnandrestaurant.com/

What wonderful people Mr. & Mrs. Stahl turned out to be.  They were the
nicest hosts that one could ever imagine for.  It was truly an honor and a
privilege to be able to meet and get to know them.  We cannot thank them
enough, and look forward to seeing them on our next trip to Meyersdale, so
they can give us a tour of the train station.

Day 6

>> The next Morning (today), Nick bolted off early to ride to
>> Morgantown, and Concetta and I had a nice slow day and made it to
>> Confluence (Lucky Dog Cafe) where I am now writing this e-mail.

Before arriving in Confluence, Concetta and I stopped in a town called
Rockwood, and had an excellent lunch at the Rockwood Mill Shoppes and Opera
House.  Coffee, ice cream, pizza, souvineers and antiques, not to mention
performing arts in the evenings can all be found under one roof.  Worth the
short detour off the trail to see.   http://www.rockwoodmillshoppes.com/

The Lucky Dog Cafe is also worth mentioning, since they have been very
helpful to the Mayor's ride the last two year's.  Erica and her staff are
always eager to help and the internet connection, weather channel, and all
the great food and drink offerings, make this trailside service unique.

We camped in the State owned, Yough Dam overflow campground.  The hiker
biker "pre-season" rate was $3 each.  Last year it was $6 during the "main"
season, but one difference is in pre-season, the showers are not yet turned
on.  We missed a shower by one day, since it was almost opening weekend.  Oh
well, at least we saved three dollars ;-)

Breakfast was at "Sister's Cafe," another great place fairly close to the
trail.  The portions were huge, the prices were good, and they also have
lots of maps and travel guides.  BYW, they claim that Lance Armstrong stops
in for chili and fish sandwiches, whenever he is biking the "Great Allegheny
Passage."

>> Looking forward to one more night of camping in the Pennsylvania
>> wilderness (Round Bottom Campground along the Yough River), and then on to
>>Pittsburgh for Friday night, and
>> eventually Saturday's Mayoral ceremony.  More later, probably from
>> home, as I complete this leg of the ride, and Concetta will move on
>> to the next city, Columbus.
>>
>> More if possible,  Sincerely,  Troy

Day 7

Biking from Yough Dam, we stopped at Ohio Pyle (Ohiopyle) for lunch.  The
train station/visitor's center was open, and provides nice big, clean
restrooms, and all the travel guides and maps that you could ever fit into
your panniers.

Continuing along, we also stopped in Connellsville at Bikes Unlimited (Also
along the trail/bikepath right in town.  They had great advice, and sold
cool trail t-shirts.  Here is the web page: http://www.bikesunlimited.biz/

> Troy's final update from the trail:
>
> After an rainy night at the Round Bottom Campground along the Yough river
> (somewhere in-between Connellsville and West Newton), Troy and Concetta
> dried off and hit the trail for the final day of travel from Washington D.C.
> to Pittsburgh.  They stopped for a hearty brunch in West Newton, visited
> Korber's bicycle shop (right next to the trail), and also visited the office
>of the local trail council.
>Then continued along the river to the City of Mckeesport, where
> donning their bike helmets, met the Monongahela river and the roads that
> connected them on their way to Pittsburgh, passing Kennywood Amusement Park,
> The Waterfront in Homestead, Sandcastle Water Park and finally back onto
> trails that lead them into the city of Pittsburgh and to the tourist area
> known as Station Square, a former train station that has been converted into
> one of Pittsburgh's hottest areas for food, shopping and entertainment.
> That is where they met back up with Dennis Caffrey, the bicyclist that
> accompanied the riders from Washington D.C. to Meyersdale, PA.  Dennis
> shuttled bikes and gear to his Mt. Washington home (cliffside overlooking
> Pittsburgh) and Troy and Concetta rode the incline up the mountain and set
> up Victory Headquarters at Dennis' home.  Dinner was held at Buca Di Beppo's
> Southside Italian Restaurant, where they were joined by Nick Hein and his
> entourage of bicyclists from Morgantown, and also Troy's Wife Sharon.

Day 8

> Saturday morning: the bicyclists toured the city bike trails
> around Pittsburgh (including Herr's Island) and eventually made their way to
>the Eliza Furnace (Jail Trail) trail, where met up with a number of other
>bicyclists from around the city to celebrate "National Bicycle Greenway" day in
>Pittsburgh (See Press Release below).  They rode from the trail through the
>city, and eventually met on the North Shore (Near Heinz Field)
> for the noon-time presentation by Mayor Tom Murphy, proclaiming it "National
> Bicycle Greenway Day" in Pittsburgh. This proclamation took place
> during the Venture Outdoors festival, which was celebrating outdoor
> activities and groups.
>
>
> Press Release: WELCOME THEM TO PITTSBURGH
>
> Four bicyclists with the National Bicycle Greenway project, including Troy
> Bogdan of Bridgeville, PA, Dennis Caffrey of Washington, PA, Nick Hein from
> Morgantown, WV, Concetta Curtis from Katy, TX, are traveling from Washington
> D.C. to Pittsburgh to help promote an interconnected system of trails and
> bike-friendly roads across the country.  There are also three bicyclist
> arriving from Morgantown, West Virginia. They are scheduled to arrive at
> 12:00 noon, Saturday May 21st, at the Venture Outdoors Festival on the North
> Shore.
>
> The riders have invited local bicyclists to join them at 11:00 a.m. at the
> Greenfield Trailhead of the Eliza Furnace Trail for the bicycle ride into
> town. A police bicycle escort will accompany the parade of bicyclists from
> the trail to the North Shore, where they will be greeted by Mayor Tom
> Murphy, and who will also read a proclamation declaring it "National Bicycle
> Greenway" day.
>
> For more information, call the Venture Outdoors at 412-255-0564 or go to
> www.bikeroute.com and click on the Mayor's Ride logo.
>

In conclusion, I wish to thank Martin Krieg of the National Bicycle
Greenway, for without his vision, there would be no Mayor's Ride, and no
story to tell.  Concetta for her cause, determination, and friendship (and
without her there would be no Mayor's ride this year either)!!  Also to my
Wife, Sharon, for allowing me to make her a "single-mom for a week," while I
shuck my responsibilities and "explore myself" one more time.

Secondly, I wish to thank all my riding companions and those who we met
along the trail, for making the experience real.  "Coach" Stahl and Penny,
THANKS for you generosity and kindness!!

Lastly, thanks to our sponsors, Martin and the NBG, Phil at City Bikes (
http://citybikes.com/ ), Washington D.C., Jim Sebastian (D.C. Mayor's
Office), Venture Outdoors (Michael and Maggie and all the others), The
Mayor's Office of Pittsburgh (THANKS so much Ro!!! and to Mayor Tom), David
at Bike Pgh., and all the other friendly bikers who came down to support us,
The Morgantown Entourage (especially Rich, and Jonathan), Roy Weil, Ed Bortz
of the Green Party, "Bike Maven/Judes", and all the others I am forgetting
by name, but remember their smiling faces!

One final word of thanks to Bill (and Pam) Metzger of Confluence!!  I hope
you have some better days ahead Bill, and I am here if you ever need, and I
am able to provide, my help to you (Just call or e-mail).  I admire what you
have done, and are continuing to do, and you've got the best trail maps
anywhere!!!  Looking forward to the next book!!!

See you out on the trails, and hopefully again for each and every next
Mayor's ride!!!!

Sincerely and Organically Yours,  Troy Bogdan, Bridgeville, PA

One final Note:  Available now at most bike shops and some trail-side shops,
is the "Trail Book 2005 (Gotta Have It), which links trail users and
businesses along the Great Allegheny Passage.  The price is $6, and includes
a nice Tyvek Map (Bill Metzger Designed) of the route from Cumberland to
Pittsburgh, including the Montour Trail.  I highly recommend it (Even though
they printed my photo of the Lucky Dog Cafe without giving me a photo credit
- hint, hint)!!!  You can also order them by mail or e-mail:

$6 + $2 for shipping
Fieldstone Press
522 Handwerk Road
Markelton, PA  15551
trailbook@...

Or online at the Allegheny Trail Alliance website:

www.atatrail.org

I contacted the trail contact on a web page I found for the Armstrong.
  Here was his reply to my question:

"Currently there is 8 miles of improved trail that stretches from just
south of Ford City to north of Kittanning.  The improved section is
asphalt going through the towns and crushed limestone at other locations.
The trail through Manorville is not finished and uses the local
streets. Another 4.5 miles is expected to be completed by the end of
summer. The rest of the trail is rougher with railroad ballast and
cinders as the surface."

Ron Steffey
Trail Conservation Manager



--- In PAtrails@yahoogroups.com, "David" <Hiebert@z...> wrote:
> I doubt that the email address at that link will get much response, but
> might be worth a try.
>
>
>
> But seeing "East Brady" listed as a trail head reminds me of the
time I had
> ridden a ways on the trail then showed up in long biking tights at the
> grocery store in East Brady. The way people looked at me, you might have
> thought I was from another planet-and maybe I was.
>
>
>
> Land holders near the trail had also looked at me in the same way when I
> asked, "Is there a bike trail around here? Where does it start?"
>
>
>
> It was one of the coolest responses I've ever gotten while biking.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> DAVID HIEBERT
>
> Scottdale, PA 15683-1907
>
> 724.875.3050
>
> Hiebert@z...
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: PAtrails@yahoogroups.com [mailto:PAtrails@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf
> Of (Dave)Campdavid
> Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2005 5:47 PM
> To: PAtrails@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [PAtrails] Re: Armstrong Trail
>
>
>
>
>
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/railtrails/oneTrail.asp?name=ARMSTRONG+TRAIL
> This is the only link I could find, there is an email adress on the
link.

Residents try to block plans for bike trail
Erie Times News - - Sunday, May 22, 2005

The Clear Lake Authority wants a recreational trail from Spartansburg to
Hydetown, following an abandoned Penn Central Railroad right of way.

But a dozen property owners near Centerville -- including several Amish
families -- don't want to see a bike trail and they have blockaded the right
of way at their properties.

Greg Nagy, a spokesman for the property owners, said they have no intention
of allowing a recreational trail pass through their property.

"My research shows much of it (right of way) should revert back to the
landowners when the railroad was abandoned," he said. "If they own it,
there's nothing we can do, but they don't (own it)."

Steve Cox, who is Clear Lake Authority chairman, said he and other members
of his group are confident in its ownership of the right of way.

"The deed searches we have done and everything we have been given says we
own the property," he said. "Our attorney is comfortable with what we are
doing."

Nagy said he and the other property owners would take the issue to court if
necessary.

They already have retained a lawyer, Matthew Wolford of Erie, to assert
their property rights. They have spent about $3,400 on legal services so
far.

"I'm not going to be happy until a judge tells me I have to quit,"he said.

Nagy made the statement at a gathering of the property owners on the back
porch of the home of Urie Byler, one of the Amish opposing the bike trail.

As he spoke, a dozen Amish children played on the nearby right of way in
front of a barricade, limiting access to the planned trail off Glynden Road.

In the other direction off Glynden Road, Urie Byler's son, Bill Byler, has
built a sawmill off the right of way, using it as access.

"What would happen to him if they take it (the right of way),"Urie Byler
said. "He would be landlocked."

But the property owners quickly agreed that the real issue for them is not
access, or ownership of the right of way, but the bike trail itself.

"It's pretty much a matter of privacy and quality of life,"Nagy said.

The property owners said ATVs and snowmobiles already are a problem for
families who live along the right of way, and the problem would only be
worse with an improved trail. In addition, the recreational trail would
bring strangers to their backyards and possibly provide access for crime,
they said.

"We won't know these people coming through," Urie Byler said. "We won't know
what they do."

A copy of the deed shows the Clear Lake Authority bought the right of way in
1992 from Penn Central Corp., successor to Penn Central Railroad, for
$18,000.

It's initial intent was to gain the area along Clear Lake in Spartansburg
for a community park. However, the authority -- with the support of regional
recreational trail enthusiasts -- soon looked to the right of way as the
foundation for a regional trail system.

It took several years, but the authority eventually had a firm plan in hand.
About three years ago, it began clearing and grading the trail beginning in
Spartansburg and slowly moving south. It is now improved for about 3.5
miles, ending at a trestle over Sportsmen's Club Road,where the property
owners have placed a barricade.

In July 2004, the property owners turned participants in a statewide bicycle
trip, billed as the Pennsylvania Greenways Sojourn, off the trail onto
township roads at the trestle.

The Clear Lake Authority is committed to extending the trail south from
Glynden Road to Centerville this year, a distance of about three miles, Cox
said.

That would carry it through the center of the area disputed by the property
owners.

The dining room table in Nagy's house is covered with carefully organized
files containing maps, deeds and other records relating to the right of way
and property ownership.

Nagy said he is convinced that many of the deeds of the dozen property
owners clearly show that the railroad never purchased the right of way
outright, but only the use of a right of way.

If successful, their claims would effectively block development of the trail
and largely dash hopes for an Erie connection to an extensive trail system
in Venango County and, eventually, to a continuous trail from the Great
Lakes to Washington, D.C.

Nagy said there are alternatives, including putting the trail onto township
roads.

Cox said if any of the property owners can prove ownership, then the
authority can do nothing but accept it and end the trail, but he doesn't
believe that will be the case.

"They (property owners) have yet to bring us anything credible that shows
their ownership of the property, or anything that will cause us to take a
step back," he said. "My opinion is if they had that type of information in
hand, they would have done that."

Nagy said that's exactly what the property owners are doing, but that the
authority has to be willing to accept it.

"We don't want them to railroad this through," he said.

Troy Bogdan, NBG Scout reporting from home on the D.C. to Pittsburgh leg of
the 2005 Mayor's Ride.

What a wonderful trip we had!!  Over 400 miles logged,  New friends (and
old), new places (and some we've seen before), new experiences; that's what
makes these Mayor's Rides so special.  Yes, I have been home less than a
day, and already I look forward to next year's trip again.  We will probably
change the route a little bit next year to explore new things, but one thing
remains the same, and that is, you get to meet some of the greatest people
in the world on the trails.

Note: Some of this you may have read in earlier posts, but new details may
have been added.  Previous posts also have forwarding arrows on the left
margin.  The timeline is now in consecutive order and (hopefully) I've
corrected all mistakes and misspellings.

Day 1
Mayor's Office, District of Columbia - Friday the 13th of May, 2005
As the bicyclists started to gather outside City Hall, the fellowship
started.  Some new faces, some old, meeting and re-meeting, it was a
gathering of comrades, linked together by a common cause: Bicycling.  We all
were in awe of finally meeting Concetta Curtis, the superstar biker we read
about.  Here she was, riding her electric blue Bianchi bicycle; the same
bicycle that had carried her from Florida, and the one that will take her
all the way to California, and possibly beyond.  It was an honor and a
privilege to finally meet her, and to be able to accompany her for a portion
of her trip.
At approx. 3:00 p.m. the ceremony at the Mayor's office started.  Jim
Sebastian, Bike Coordinator for the District of Columbia, read the
proclamation from Mayor Anthony Williams, and then asked the bicyclists to
say a few words about why they were doing this ride.  Each spoke in turn,
and then there was a moment of applause, and then it was time to say our
farewells and hit the roads leading to the trails.  Biking through
Washington D.C. is really a special treat.  Surrounded by monuments of
history as we pedal our bicycles, we realize that we are creating our own
history, by forging new paths to the future, yet following the same exact
path of those who came before us.  Whether by bicycle, horse, canal boat or
hiking boots, the feeling of awe is appropriate when thinking about the
history of this region, and that feeling surrounds you, because you are not
enclosed in a car or train or bus.  You are a part of your surroundings, and
that feeling goes with you the entire way.

Our trail experience started at Mile Zero on the C&O Canal.  This is also
known as "Watergate (Yes, the hotel was named after it)" because this is the
place where the canal meets the Potomac River, and believe it or not, the
old wooden, rotting, frame of the original water gate still stands in the
water, a testament to the craftsmanship of the canal.  From here, we enter
Georgetown, and follow the towpath through city and town and eventually
wilderness towards our destinations.

>Nick, Pete and myself (Troy) left D.C. on Friday at 4:00, did an optional side
>trip of 14 miles on the Capitol Crescent Trail, and then back on the C&O
>towpath to Swains Lock Camp.  Luckily for us, some other campers were having a
celebration, and sang campfire songs (with guitar) well into the night ;-)

Day 2

In the morning, Nick and I explored the Great Falls Tavern visitor's center,
and also biked up to and walked the "Gold Mine Trail," which has interesting
relics and old buildings that were used in the gold mining industry.  We let
Pete sleep in for some much needed rest.

>Continued Saturday towards Harper's Ferry on the towpath, where we finally
>found Concetta (who stayed with a friend in D.C. after the Ceremony).  She
>biked 90ish miles to catch up with us in the rain, thunder and lightning.  We
>changed our camping plans for the night, due to weather conditions, left the
>trail, crossed the bridge into town, and the four of us stayed in a historic
hotel in Harpers Ferry, called "Historic Hilltop House".  They had a garage
for visitors to keep bicycles in!!

Day 3

>Today (Sunday) we head to Hancock Md. for the night.

On the way to Hancock, we stopped at Barron's Hiker Biker Store, a local
fixture since the canal first started having hiker/bikers, and where the
prices are still the way they were back in 1959 ;-)  What a great place this
is, run by Mr. & Mrs. Barron on weekends only, you have to stop here just to
get a sense of the living history that this couple has seen.  I wish them
many more continued years of being able to serve our hunger for both
nourishment and companionship.

Just before Fort Frederick State Park we split up from one big group into
individual travelers.  Nick (slightly before me) and I jumped onto the paved
Western Maryland Rail trail to Hancock.  Concetta found the pavement a
little farther up the towpath, and poor Pete, he found a problem with his
bike that held him up for a while.  He finally met up with us in Hancock in
the dark, but he made it!!  We checked into the C&O (CanDo) Bike Shop's
Bunkhouse for the night, and met the new owner Dennis and his family.
George, Pamela and their son Chauncey (the original proprietors of this fine
establishment, who took care of us last year) are retiring and going on the
road in their new motor home (Named "CanDo").  We were able to see them
before they hit the road, because they knew we were coming, and stuck around
a few more days so they could greet us and have dinner with us (At Little
Sandy's truck stop) before they left town.

>Will motor on towards Cumberland and eventually Pittsburgh.  More Later as I
>find internet access along the way.

Day 4

>> ========================================
>> Hello Again from the trail . . .
>>
>> Oh my mind is starting to get tired, as is my body, trying to keep up
>> with Concetta!!  I hope I get all this right from my tired old memory.
>>
>> After leaving Hancock, we rode to Bill's Place, a bar/store in Little
>> Orleans, MD along the C&O Canal. It was there that we met the Mayor,
>> Bill himself, and after eating his food and nourishing our bodies
>> with his liquid refreshment, we found a new member to join our team.
>> Dennis Caffrey, a Firefighter from Washington, PA joined our Mayor's
>> Ride team, and would ride with us the next 2 days.

Dennis had read about the Mayor's ride in an e-mail that Troy had posted on
the Great Allegheny Passage Yahoo Group, and decided to join us in route.
He started in Washington D.C., as did we, and was trying to catch up with
our group.  When Pete broke down the night before on the trail, it was then
that he realized he had caught up with at least one member of the Mayor's
Ride group, and knew where to find us the next day.

>> As a group, we rode through the historic and marvelous Paw Paw tunnel, and
>>then camped near the forks of the Potomac river and just outside of Oldtown
>>MD, (an old Frontier town that was a popular rest stop for George Washington
>>in the olden days).

Day 5

>>After waking up to a flat tire on my bike, we fixed it quickly as a team, and
>>the toured the old  Cresap House (Circa. 1700's) in Oldtown.  Nick and Peter
>>motored on, but Dennis Concetta and Troy found some breakfast in Oldtown, at
>>the old Oldtown School.  There is a >>diner set up in the school's former
cafeteria, and we found the food to be >>good, reasonably priced, and best
of all, the locals were all friendly and >>freely offered good trail advice
and tips.  Plus, they sell postcards and a >>few other small souvenirs, and
they have a museum of sorts on the town's >>history.

>> From Oldtown, we continued on our way to Cumberland, and to the historic
>>Train Station they now call "Canal Place".  This is where Pete left
>> the group, to go home and attend his Senior prom.  Nick's wife was
>> waiting for us, and after a few photo opps., and saying our good-byes,
>> she drove Pete back to Morgantown. Afterwards, we went into a cool
>> bike shop recently built at the end of the trail.  The name is Hites Bikes,
>> and we were very impressed with the place.  In addition to repairs, parts,
>> clothing and bike trinkets, they offer showers, shuttle services and advice.
>> After having two flats on this trip, I decided to get a new rear tire, and
>> Concetta got a much needed spoke job.  The prices were extremely reasonable.

Since the C&O trail ends in Cumberland, and the new trail is still being
constructed towards Frostburg, we needed to ride on roads for approx. 30
miles.

>> The bike shop owner offered to shuttle our heavy gear (and Dennis' SUV) to
>>Meyersdale, PA (our destination for the night) and we agreed to go light.  We
>> were also given a shortcut tip that (we were told) would allow us to get back
>> on the trails sooner than later, and have less roads to travel.
>>
>> Well, as a group we started riding on the roads.  We got to where the
>> shortcut was, and found out it was complete railroad ballast that
>> would not be good for some of our smaller bike tires (Like Concetta's and
>> Nick's recumbant-bike), so we decided to split up the group.
>> Dennis took the rough train-trail, and the rest of us stayed on roads.
>> Well, to make a long story short, we all had thought we had a better idea
than the next, so we all went our different ways and figured we'd find out
>> who's route was best.
>>
>> Somehow each of us found the town of Frostburg, MD (Where the trail is
>>finished and open) separately, and eventually met  as a group just short of
>>the PA line on the trail on Mt. Savage.
>>Dennis had the most direct route, and was first to arrive, Troy
>> second, Nick third, and Concetta caught up last.

From what everyone told us, and confirmed by the owner at Hites Bikes, we
thought the rest of the trail would be finished enough to get us through to
Meyersdale, PA.

>>Well, we kept going, but the trail did not.  It was the roughest section of
trail most of us had ever ridden on.  Nick got off and rode the road, while
>> the three of us all soldiered on through a trail that was at best,
>> barely passable. After a short contemplation about taking the road, Dennis
quickly decided to stay on the trail, and sped on like a Baja Racer in the
dessert.  Concetta and Troy went on the road, but quickly turned around
after we saw how easy it looked for Dennis.  It wasn't easy for much longer
though, the trail soon turned from easy into horrendous.  Like turtles on an
obstacle course, Troy and Concetta continued along an unfinished trail with
huge rock ballast, construction equipment blocking the route and whole
bridges missing, but we finally made it and when we finally reached a
section that was mostly finished, sailed over the Keystone Viaduct and into
Meyersdale right next to the train station.

>>As it happened,  Nick was first to Meyersdale, Dennis second and Concetta and
>>Troy brought up the rear.  To our amazement, there was a note waiting for us
>>on the train station bulletin board, from the president of the Meyersdale
>>Historical Society, Dennis "Coach" Stahl, and his wife Penny, offering us free
lodging >>for the night.  That was the perfect ending to a very hard day.
Unfortunately >>though, Dennis the  Firefighter had to go home, so just
three of us stayed the night.

What wonderful people Mr. & Mrs. Stahl turned out to be.  They were the
nicest hosts that one could ever imagine for.  It was truly an honor and a
privilege to be able to meet and get to know them.  We cannot thank them
enough.

Day 6

>> The next Morning (today), Nick bolted off early to ride to
>> Morgantown, and Concetta and I had a nice slow day and made it to
>> Confluence (Lucky Dog Cafe) where I am now writing this e-mail.

We camped in the State owned, Yough Dam overflow campground.  The hiker
biker "pre-season" rate was $3 each.  Last year it was $6 during the "main"
season, but one difference is in pre-season, the showers are not yet turned
on.  We missed a shower by one day, since it was almost opening weekend.  Oh
well, at least we saved three dollars ;-)

>> Looking forward to one more night of camping in the Pennsylvania
>> wilderness (Round Bottom Campground along the Yough River), and then on to
>>Pittsburgh for Friday night, and
>> eventually Saturday's Mayoral ceremony.  More later, probably from
>> home, as I complete this leg of the ride, and Concetta will move on
>> to the next city, Columbus.
>>
>> More if possible,  Sincerely,  Troy

Day 7

> Troy's final update from the trail:
>
> After an rainy night at the Round Bottom Campground along the Yough river
> (somewhere in-between Connellsville and West Newton), Troy and Concetta
> dried off and hit the trail for the final day of travel from Washington D.C.
> to Pittsburgh.  They stopped for a hearty brunch in West Newton, visited
> Korber's bicycle shop, and also visited the office of the local trail
> council. They continued along the river to the City of Mckeesport, where
> donning their bike helmets, met the Monongahela river and the roads that
> connected them on their way to Pittsburgh, passing Kennywood Amusement Park,
> The Waterfront in Homestead, Sandcastle Water Park and finally back onto
> trails that lead them into the city of Pittsburgh and to the tourist area
> known as Station Square, a former train station that has been converted into
> one of Pittsburgh's hottest areas for food, shopping and entertainment.
> That is where they met back up with Dennis Caffrey, the bicyclist that
> accompanied the riders from Washington D.C. to Meyersdale, PA.  Dennis
> shuttled bikes and gear to his Mt. Washington home (cliffside overlooking
> Pittsburgh) and Troy and Concetta rode the incline up the mountain and set
> up Victory Headquarters at Dennis' home.  Dinner was held at Buca Di Beppo's
> Southside Italian Restaurant, where they were joined by Nick Hein and his
> entourage of bicyclists from Morgantown, and also Troy's Wife Sharon.

Day 8

> Saturday morning: the bicyclists toured the city bike trails
> around Pittsburgh (including Herr's Island) and eventually made their way to
the Eliza Furnace
> trail, where met up with a number of other bicyclists from around
> the city to celebrate "National Bicycle Greenway" day in Pittsburgh (See
> Press Release below).  They rode from the trail through the city,  and
eventually met on the North Shore (Near Heinz Field)
> for the noon-time presentation by Mayor Tom Murphy, proclaiming it "National
> Bicycle Greenway Day" in Pittsburgh. This proclamation took place
> during the Venture Outdoors festival, which was celebrating outdoor
> activities and groups.
>
>
> WELCOME THEM TO PITTSBURGH
>
> Four bicyclists with the National Bicycle Greenway project, including Troy
> Bogdan of Bridgeville, PA, Dennis Caffrey of Washington, PA, Nick Hein from
> Morgantown, WV, Concetta Curtis from Katy, TX, are traveling from Washington
> D.C. to Pittsburgh to help promote an interconnected system of trails and
> bike-friendly roads across the country.  There are also three bicyclist
> arriving from Morgantown, West Virginia. They are scheduled to arrive at
> 12:00 noon, Saturday May 21st, at the Venture Outdoors Festival on the North
> Shore.
>
> The riders have invited local bicyclists to join them at 11:00 a.m. at the
> Greenfield Trailhead of the Eliza Furnace Trail for the bicycle ride into
> town. A police bicycle escort will accompany the parade of bicyclists from
> the trail to the North Shore, where they will be greeted by Mayor Tom
> Murphy, and who will also read a proclamation declaring it "National Bicycle
> Greenway" day.
>
> For more information, call the Venture Outdoors at 412-255-0564 or go to
> www.bikeroute.com and click on the Mayor's Ride logo.
>

In conclusion, I wish to thank Martin Krieg of the National Bicycle
Greenway, for without his vision, there would be no Mayor's Ride, and no
story to tell.  Concetta for her cause, determination, and friendship (and
without her there would be no Mayor's ride this year either)!!  Also to my
Wife, Sharon, for allowing me to make her a "single-mom for a week," while I
shuck my responsibilities and "explore myself" one more time.

Secondly, I wish to thank all my riding companions and those who we met
along the trail, for making the experience real.  Coach Stahl and Penny,
THANKS for you generosity and kindness!!

Lastly, thanks to our sponsors, Martin and the NBG, Phil at City Bikes
Washington D.C., Jim Sebastian (D.C. Mayor's Office), Venture Outdoors
(Michael and Maggie and all the others), The Mayor's Office of Pittsburgh
(THANKS so much Ro!!! and to Mayor Tom), David at Bike Pgh., and all the
other friendly bikers who came down to support us, The Morgantown Entourage
(especially Rich, and Jonathan), Roy Weil, Ed Bortz of the Green Party,
"Bike Maven/Judes", and all the others I am forgetting by name, but remember
their smiling faces!

One final word of thanks to Bill (and Pam) Metzger of Confluence!!  I hope
you have some better days ahead Bill, and I am here if you ever need, and I
am able to provide, my help to you (Just call or e-mail).  I admire what you
have done, and are are continuing to do.

See you out on the trails, and hopefully again for each and every next
Mayor's ride!!!!

Sincerely and Organically Yours,  Troy Bogdan, Bridgeville, PA

Troy's final update from the trail:

After an rainy night at the Round Bottom Campground along the Yough river
(somewhere in-between Connellsville and West Newton), Troy and Concetta
dried off and hit the trail for the final day of travel from Washington D.C.
to Pittsburgh.  They stopped for a hearty brunch in West Newton, visited
Korber's bicycle shop, and also visited the office of the local trail
council. They continued along the river to the City of Mckeesport, where
donning their bike helmets, met the Monongahela river and the roads that
connected them on their way to Pittsburgh, passing Kennywood Amusement Park,
The Waterfront in Homestead, Sandcastle Water Park and finally back onto
trails that lead them into the city of Pittsburgh and to the tourist area
known as Station Square, a former train station that has been converted into
one of Pittsburgh's hottest areas for food, shopping and entertainment.
That is where they met back up with Dennis Caffrey, the bicyclist that
accompanied the riders from Washington D.C. to Meyersdale, PA.  Dennis
shuttled bikes and gear to his Mt. Washington home (cliffside overlooking
Pittsburgh) and Troy and Concetta rode the incline up the mountain and set
up Victory Headquarters at Dennis' home.  Dinner was held at Buca Di Beppo's
Southside Italian Restaurant, where they were joined by Nick Hein and his
entourage of bicyclists from Morgantown, and also Troy's Wife Sharon.

Saturday morning, the bicyclists will meet up and tour the city bike trails
around Pittsburgh and eventually making their way to the Eliza Furnace
trail, where they will meet up with a number of other bicyclists from around
the city to celebrate "National Bicycle Greenway" day in Pittsburgh (See
Press Release below).  They will bike through the city, with police bicycle
escorts, and eventually meet at noon on the North Shore (Near Heinz Field)
for a noon-time presentation by Mayor Tom Murphy, proclaiming it "National
Bicycle Greenway Day" in Pittsburgh. This proclamation will take place
during the Venture Outdoors festival, which is celebrating outdoor
activities and groups, and runs from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Admission is
free, and so is the parking, in Heinz Field Gold Lot.  Look for signs and
volunteers to show you where to park.  Hope to see you there!!!!


WELCOME THEM TO PITTSBURGH

Four bicyclists with the National Bicycle Greenway project, including Troy
Bogdan of Bridgeville, PA, Dennis Caffrey of Washington, PA, Nick Hein from
Morgantown, WV, Concetta Curtis from Katy, TX, are traveling from Washington
D.C. to Pittsburgh to help promote an interconnected system of trails and
bike-friendly roads across the country.  There are also three bicyclist
arriving from Morgantown, West Virginia. They are scheduled to arrive at
12:00 noon, Saturday May 21st, at the Venture Outdoors Festival on the North
Shore.

The riders have invited local bicyclists to join them at 11:00 a.m. at the
Greenfield Trailhead of the Eliza Furnace Trail for the bicycle ride into
town. A police bicycle escort will accompany the parade of bicyclists from
the trail to the North Shore, where they will be greeted by Mayor Tom
Murphy, and who will also read a proclamation declaring it "National Bicycle
Greenway" day.

For more information, call the Venture Outdoors at 412-255-0564 or go to
www.bikeroute.com and click on the Mayor's Ride logo.




on 5/19/05 1:03 AM, Cycle America/Nat Bicycle Greenway (NBG) at
NBG@... wrote:

> Here we have Troy Bodgan http://www.bikeroute.com/TroyBogdan who left
> Washington DC last Friday the 13th with, Concetta, Nick Hein and his
> son Pete. And it sounds like theirs has been some rough riding:
>
> ========================================
> Hello Again from the trail . . .
>
> Oh my mind is starting to get tired, as is my body, trying to keep up
> with Concetta!!  I hope I get all this right from my tired old memory.
>
> After leaving Hancock, we rode to Bill's Place, a bar/store in Little
> Orleans, MD along the C&O Canal. It was there that we met the Mayor,
> Bill himself, and after eating his food and nourishing our bodies
> with his liquid refreshment, we found a new member to join our team.
> Dennis Caffrey, a Firefighter from Washington, PA joined our Mayor's
> Ride team, and would ride with us the next 2 days.
>
> As a group, we rode through the historic Paw Paw tunnel, and camped
> outside of Oldtown MD, an old Frontier town that was a popular rest
> stop for George Washington in the old days.  After waking up to a
> flat tire on my bike, we fixed it and found some breakfast in Oldtown.
>
> From Oldtown. we continued on our way to Cumberland, where Pete left
> the group, to go home to attend his junior prom.  NIck's wife was
> waiting for him.  After saying goodbye to him, we met up with a cool
> bike shop at the end of the trail.  The name is Hite's (I think)
> Bikes, and I got a new rear tire (this was my second flat) and
> Concetta got a much needed spoke job.  The bike shop owner offered to
> shuttle our heavy gear to Meyersdale, PA (our destination for the
> night) and we agreed.  We were also given a shortcut tip that would
> allow us to get back on the trails sooner than later.
>
> Well, as a group we started riding on the roads.  We got to where the
> shortcut was, and found out it was complete railroad ballast that
> would not be good for some of our bike tires. We started to split up.
> Dennis took the trail, and the rest of us stayed on roads. Well, to
> make a long story short, we all had thought we had a better idea than
> the next, so we all went our different ways and figured we'd find out
> who's route was best.
>
> Somehow each of us found Frostburg, MD separately, and eventually met
> as a group just short of the PA line on the trail that we thought
> would get us through to Meyersdale, PA.  Dennis was first, Troy
> second, Nick third, and Concetta caught up last.  Well, we kept
> going, but the trail did not.  It was the roughest section of trail
> most of us had ever ridden on.  Nick got off and rode the road, while
> the three of us all soldiered on through a trail that was at best,
> barely passable.
>
> NIck was first to Meyersdale, and Dennis second.  Concetta and myself
> were last, but to our amazement, there was a note waiting for us from
> the president of the Meyersdale Historical Society, Dennis Stahl, and
> his wife Penny, offering us free lodging for the night.  That was the
> perfect ending to a very hard day.  Unfortunately though, Dennis the
> Firefighter had to go home, so just three of us stayed the night.
>
> The next Morning (today), Nick bolted off early to ride to
> Morgantown, and Concetta and I had a nice slow day and made it to
> Confluence (Lucky Dog Cafe) where I am now writing this e-mail.
> Looking forward to one more night of camping in the Pennsylvania
> wilderness, and then on to Pittsburgh for Friday night, and
> eventually Saturday's Mayoral ceremony.  More later, probably from
> home, as I complete this leg of the ride, and Concetta will move on
> to the next city, Columbus.
>
> More if possible,  Sincerely,  Troy
>

Welcome them to Pittsburgh

Four bicyclists with the National Bicycle Greenway project, including Troy Bogdan of Bridgeville, PA, Dennis Caffrey of Washington, PA, Nick Hein from Morgantown, WV, Concetta Curtis from Katy, TX, are traveling from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh to help promote an interconnected system of trails and bike-friendly roads across the country.  There are also three bicyclist arriving from Morgantown, West Virginia. They are scheduled to arrive at 12:00 noon, Saturday May 21st, at the Venture Outdoors Festival on the North Shore.   

The riders have invited local bicyclists to join them at 11:00 a.m. at the Greenfield Trailhead of the Eliza Furnace Trail for the bicycle ride into town. A police bicycle escort will accompany the parade of bicyclists from the trail to the North Shore, where they will be greeted by Mayor Tom Murphy, and who will also read a proclamation declaring it "National Bicycle Greenway" day.

For more information, call the Venture Outdoors at 412-255-0564 or go to www.bikeroute.com <http://www.bikeroute.com>  or NBG@... <http://NBG@...> .

Larry Walsh can be reached at lwalsh@... and 412- 263-1488.

Welcome them to Pittsburgh

Six bicyclists with the National Bicycle Greenway project, including Denise Hill of Oakland, are traveling from Washington to Pittsburgh to help promote an interconnected system of trails and bike-friendly roads across the country. They are scheduled to arrive at 12:30 p.m. Friday in Market Square, where Exit 11 will provide a musical welcome.

The riders have invited local bicyclists to join them at 11:30 a.m. at the Greenfield Trailhead of the Eliza Furnace Trail for the 3-mile ride into town. A police escort will accompany the group from the parking garage on First Ave. to Market Square. For more information, call the Western Pennsylvania Field Institute at 412-255-0564 or go to www.bikeroute.com <http://www.bikeroute.com>  or NBG@... <http://NBG@...> .

Larry Walsh can be reached at lwalsh@... and 412- 263-1488.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/railtrails/oneTrail.asp?name=ARMSTRONG+TRAIL
This is the only link I could find, there is an email adress on the link




- In PAtrails@yahoogroups.com, "David" <Hiebert@z...> wrote:
> I'm speaking only from my own experience biking. When I rode several
years
> ago, there was a section of paved trail through Ford City. On each
end of
> the pavement, there was a short section of "passable" trail. Then the
> ballast, brambles and birches clogged the right of way. I have ridden at
> least 5 miles on both sides of Ford City.
>
>
>
> Near/through Kittanning, there is a 10-15 mile section of ridable
trail.
>
>
>
> I'm not exactly sure where the Armstrong Trail begins and ends, but
there is
> a surfaced section through and on each end of a tunnel near Kennerdell
> [South of Franklin, PA.]
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> DAVID HIEBERT
>
> Scottdale, PA 15683-1907
>
> 724.875.3050
>
> Hiebert@z...
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: PAtrails@yahoogroups.com [mailto:PAtrails@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf
> Of bzinn7
> Sent: Tuesday, May 17, 2005 10:05 AM
> To: PAtrails@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [PAtrails] Armstrong Trail
>
>
>
> Can somebody update me on the trail conditions on the Armstrong Trail?
> Which sections (if any) have improved trail surfaces for easy bike
> riding and where are trailheads for those sections?  I've read that
> most of this trail is still rough ballast.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Bill Z.
>
>
>
>
>
>   _____
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
> *        To visit your group on the web, go to:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PAtrails/
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Can somebody update me on the trail conditions on the Armstrong Trail?
Which sections (if any) have improved trail surfaces for easy bike
riding and where are trailheads for those sections?  I've read that
most of this trail is still rough ballast.

Thanks!

Bill Z.

I just added a link for the East Coast greenway
This is a proposed trail running from The tip of Maine to the tip of
Florida.Some 40 miles will pass through PA around the Newjersey
border.It will be an urban trail for biking & hiking like a Rails to
trails.Some parts are already compleated and some existing trails will
be used.

Vote YES for Growing Greener
on May 17!
On Tuesday, May 17, Pennsylvania voters will have the long-awaited chance to vote on Growing Greener -- a $625 million bond issue for environmental funding.  
Voters will be asked:
"Do you favor authorizing the Commonwealth to borrow up to $625,000,000 for the maintenance and protection of the environment, open space and farmland preservation, watershed protection, abandoned mine reclamation, acid mine drainage remediation and other environmental initiatives?"
By voting YES, you will be supporting organizations such as the Agricultural Programs, Conneaut Lake / French Creek Valley Conservancy, Rails To Trails, and Clean & Green type tax initiatives and many other good programs, which can benefit from the state-funded Growing Greener program to financially drive important projects and land acquisitions.

Some important points:

• All registered voters are eligible to vote on this issue regardless of whether you are registered as Democrat, Republican, Green Party, or Independent.
• The passage of this environmental bond will not raise taxes.
• Find more information at these sources:
  
  • www.growinggreener2.com <http://www.growinggreener2.com/>
  • www.votegrowinggreener.org <http://www.votegrowinggreener.org/>
    

> I was wondering if the work on the bikeway over the Hot Metal Bridge
> has begun yet or not.

Real work hasn't started yet. I ride the Eliza Furnace Trail every day
and the only thing I have seen so far are survey stakes and paint
marks on the trail. The $6.6 million dollars for the project was in
place as of January. I don't know the status of contract bidding but
the Urban Redevelopment Authority hopes to get started this fall for
completion in the fall of 2006.

Kordite

I was wondering if the work on the bikeway over the Hot Metal Bridge
has begun yet or not.  I thought it was supposed to begin this year.

Bill Z.

First one is Lancaster parks system page and map.
2nd one is the Masion Dixon Trail System that runs from the AP Trail
to the Horseshoe Trail.It is Just a guide to to the trail.

I will be posting all the links that I can find on the links section
and the files section will be for maps.The states links are a good
place to start.I have them in the links section
Thanks and welcome to PA and the group.Dave




-- In PAtrails@yahoogroups.com, "Theresa" <thunderroze@c...> wrote:
> Pennsylvania trail system that includes railtrails hiking trails &
> greenways ;;;;;Is there a Map to tell me were this is?  I am new in
> area.
> Therea

Just wanted to let you know, I posted three pictures in the Photos
section of this site.  There is one photo from each of the three
trails I did this past weekend.  One is camping along the Samuel
Justus Trail, two is the Kennerdell Tunell along the Allegheny
River Trail, and three is the Belmar Bridge on the Sandy Creek
Trail.  Enjoy,  Troy

Pennsylvania trail system that includes railtrails hiking trails &
greenways ;;;;;Is there a Map to tell me were this is?  I am new in
area.
Therea

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Pennsylvania trail system that includes railtrails hiking trails &
greenways ;;;;;Is there a Map to tell me were this is?  I am new in
area.
Therea

I live in Red Lion PA and the Heritage Rail Trail County Park is that
trail.You could call it my home trail because that is only a few miles
from my house and is ridden alot by me.I love the MD part it seems to
change a little down there(no train track)and is more quaint.
I want to sometime ride the C&O canal trail into DC I have ridden it
around the Harpers Ferry area and would like to see what the running
waterfilled canal part looks like.
                                Thanks Dave



--- In PAtrails@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce" <bkthomas1950@y...> wrote:
> Though I live in DC I am a native Pennsylvanian (Lancaster) and get up
> that way frequently.  My sister who lives in Lancaster often takes
> advantage of trails in PA and when I am there I frequently join her.
>
> I do love the North Central Trail from Timonium, MD which joins the
> trail at the state line and runs into York, PA.  A GREAT ride... I
> call it a 'gravel century' as those 86 miles on the roundtrip surely
> must equal the energy expended on a paved century!
>
> This list is a great idea and I look forward to taking advantage of
> what I learn here...
>
> Bruce

Hello,
Troy here, reporting on a weekend bike trip I just completed.  I biked on
three different trails in two days.

On Saturday the 30th of April I started off by parking at the Belmar Bridge
parking lot of the Sandy Creek trail.  I rode across the bridge, crossing
the Allegheny River, and continued for 2 miles on the Sandy Creek Trail.  I
rode the paved trail over several nice bridges, and finally reached the Deep
Valley Tunnel.  The tunnel was under construction, so I had to turn around
there, and rode back to the Belmar Bridge.

At the bridge, I had to go down a very steep set of steps.  It was raining a
little, so the wood was very slippery, and I had some difficulty making it
all the way down to the bottom with my bicycle and the trailer I was
carrying.  At the bottom of the steps, there is a paved trail that connects
to the Allegheny River trail, which is also paved.  I chose to go North
along this trail up to Franklin.  The trail was very scenic, and I passed a
few campsites along the way.  There are lots of islands, and lots of
greenery.  In Franklin, it started to rain, so I pulled into a pavilion and
cooked lunch and ate while the rain continued.  There is a historic building
here that was dated in the 1800's.  I forget the date, but it is called the
"Saltbox House" and I hear it is open on the weekends to offer information,
plus it has books and snacks for sale.  It was closed this day.  Also in
Franklin is a good bike shop called "Country Peddlers."  They have a nice
selection of bicycles, and other supplies.  I was able to get a complete map
of the trail here for free.  From Franklin I continued North on the same
trail, but it changed names.  It is now called "The Samuel Justus Trail,"
and from what I understand, it is under the direction of a different trail
organization than the Allegheny River Trail.

We rode past several nice places that had benches, picnic tables and
port-a-johns.  The view continued to be nice as you ride along the river.
There are also several working oil wells that are sometimes pumping as you
go by them.  There was also an interesting estate called "River Ridge Farm"
that you pass.  The estate has an interesting stone and iron gateway that
you see from the trail.  From what I understand this used to be the home of
a local Senator who made his fortune in the oil business.  The trail ended
near a sewage treatment plant, but I continued riding along the road by
following the signs (PA Bicycle Route), all the way into Oil City.  The bike
route follows some roads, but then takes you back down to a paved trail on
the railroad grade.  Here there were interpretive signs discussing the oil
heritage of the region.  There were also some interesting oil relics on
display.  In Oil City,  I found a place to refill my water bottle and use a
pay phone (There is no water along the trail).  Then I turned around and
biked back to one of the campsites, where I set up camp for the night.

Sunday May 1st, I broke camp and biked back down the trail from where I came
yesterday, but continued past the Belmar Bridge heading South along the
trail.  A few miles down from Belmar, we found the "Indian God Rock."  This
is a giant boulder on the river's edge that supposedly had Indian carvings
on it.  There is an observation balcony, but I couldn't see the writings, so
I walked down to the rock to get a better look.  The Indian carvings are all
but gone, but I did see signatures dating back to the 1800's all the way to
the present.  This rock is on the National Register of Historic Places, but
there were no signs at all to describe what you are seeing.  I heard they
were vandalized.  Continuing South on the trail, we reached Brandon and then
kept going till the pavement ended.  There is some sort of land dispute
between Rails-to-Trails and the land owners, so the trail doesn't continue
on the railroad grade, but goes to the left of the trail and turns into a
dirt road for about 1/2 mile or so.  Follow the blue squares painted on the
trees to be sure you are going the right way.  The dirt road is muddy, wet
rocky and bumpy.  It also goes up and down in a few areas, and you may have
to get off your bike and walk a little bit due to the steepness and tricky
terrain.  After that, the paved trail is back again, and I rode all the way
to and through the Kennerdell Tunnel, which is a really cool tunnel.  For
one thing, I recommend a good headlamp, because it is really dark inside
(you cannot see the other end because it bends at the end) but luckily, the
pavement going through the tunnel has reflective markings that guide you
along.  At the far end of the tunnel there is a beautiful waterfall.  Here
is where I turned around, and went back to Belmar Bridge.  After going up
the steep steps (it was easier because they were dry), I went back across
the bridge to the parking area and that was the end of my weekend trip.

I really enjoyed these trails, and would recommend them to anybody, even
rollerbladers.

Total miles covered: Day 1 = 21 miles,  Day 2 = 32 miles

Greetings to all,
I am new on the list , and thank you for starting this new group.  I
am Troy from Western Pa.  I live in the Pittsburgh area in
Bridgeville, PA.  I have been an avid Rails-To-Trails rider and
supporter for over 10 years.

I would like to invite any bike riders who are interested in joining
this year's 2005 Mayor's Ride.  I am the "Scout" aka Group
Leader for the Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh leg of the ride.  I
have posted the schedule below, and also a link to find out more
info.  I hope to see you out on the trails,  Troy

This is pretty much the final itinerary for the upcoming Mayor's
Ride, although there may be a few minor changes.  Remember
there is still room for people to sign up.  The cost is free, but you
are responsible for your own food, lodging (bring a tent and
camp for free) and transportation to D.C.  Hope to see you out on
the trails,  Troy Bogdan

For more info on how to sign up, please go to
www.bikeroute.com and click on the "Mayor's Ride" graphic.


2005 Mayor's Ride
Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh
May 13-21, 2005

Friday, May 13th - Attend Mayor's Ceremony in Washington D.C.
1350 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., In front of Freedom Plaza
Mayor Anthony Williams & Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-MN)

Bike from D.C. to C&O Mile 16.7, Swain's Lock Campsite along
trail

Visit Georgetown C&O Visitor's Center

Bike Capitol Crescent Trail (Optional) 22 miles round trip

Saturday, May 14th - Swain's Lock Camp to Huckleberry Hill
Campsite - Mile 62.9

        Optional Back Trip - Great Falls C&O Visitor's Center &
        Bike the Gold Mine Loop Trail (Optional)
Mile 35 - White's Ferry boat across Potomac - Leesburg VA
(Optional) Repairs if needed
Mile 48.2 Visit Town of Point Of Rocks - Victorian Train Station
Mile 51.5 Examine Catoctin Aquaduct before it crumbles away.
Mile 55 Visit Brunswick Railroad Museum/C&O Visitor's Center
Mile 58 - Examine Red Lockhouse at Lock 31 - Scorched
Interior?
Mile 60 - Cross Harper's Ferry Bridge and see the sights in
Harper's Ferry

Sunday, May 15th -  Harper's Ferry to Hancock, Md.
In Morning, Tour Harpers Ferry.   Visit John Brown Museum and
then later, tour Antietam Battlefield and Shepherdstown if time
allows!

Mile 68.5 Explore Lime Kiln + Wooden Building - Mile 69.36
Explore Antietam Ironworks
Mile 75.61 Explore Killiansburg Cave
Mile 76.7 Stop at Barron's Hiker/Biker Store/Museum
Mile 83.3 Explore Dam #4 Cave
Mile 99 Visit Williamsport C&O Visitor's Center
Mile 112 Side Visit to Fort Frederick      (Optional)
Choose:  Stay on C&O Canal, or take Western Maryland
Rail-Trail to
Hancock (Mile 124) Sleep at C&O Bicycle Shop's Bunkhouse
(Repairs if needed)


Monday, May 16th -  Hancock to Lock 68/Potomac Forks
Campsite (Mile165)
Visit Hancock C&O Visitor's Center
Mile 127 - Look for Devil's Eyebrow in rocky cliff.

Explore Paw Paw Tunnel
Camp at Potomac Forks Campsite (Mile165)

Tuesday, May 17th - Lock 68/Potomac Forks to Cumberland Md.
Mile 184 ends the C&O Canal
Visit Old Railroad Station/Cumberland C&O  Visitor's Center

DETOUR AROUND TRAIL GAP - TOUGH DAY ON ROADS
Bike on roads from Cumberland to Myersdale via Frostburg

Camp or Lodging in Meyersdale area - Camp along trail???
B&B???

Wednesday, May  18th - Meyersdale to Confluence to Yough
Dam Overflow

Visit Meyersdale Train Station/Visitor's Center (If Open)

Mile Marker 23ish - Visit Rockwood Mill Shoppes & Opera House
Check e-mail and eat at the Lucky Dog Café.
Camp at Yough Dam Outflow Camping

Thursday, May 19th -  Confluence to Round Bottom Campsite
Visit Ohiopyle - Train Station Visitor's Center - Waterfalls
Hot Showers at David Hiebert's House in Scottdale

Friday, May 20th - Round Bottom to Pittsburgh

Bike along Yough River Trail / Steel Heritage Trail/
South Side Trail and Three Rivers Heritage Trail

Camping in Pittsburgh - - Perhaps on Herr's Island?????

Saturday, May 21st - 11:00ish Tent. Meet at Eliza Furnace (Jail
Trail) Trailhead.  Link up with bike groups from around the city.
Police escort to North Shore - Venture Outdoors Festival

Receive Mayoral Proclamation from Mayor Tom Murphy
(Tentatively) Eat lunch!!  Primanti Brothers (Sponsor)

Transfer Mayoral Proclamations to next bicyclist; Pittsburgh to
Columbus leg of Mayor's Ride.

Updated 5/02/05

Though I live in DC I am a native Pennsylvanian (Lancaster) and get up
that way frequently.  My sister who lives in Lancaster often takes
advantage of trails in PA and when I am there I frequently join her.

I do love the North Central Trail from Timonium, MD which joins the
trail at the state line and runs into York, PA.  A GREAT ride... I
call it a 'gravel century' as those 86 miles on the roundtrip surely
must equal the energy expended on a paved century!

This list is a great idea and I look forward to taking advantage of
what I learn here...

Bruce

I just added 2 new links that are the states offical webpages for
hiking trails and rail-to-trails.

York Countys Park System and The North County Trail system that runs
through PA and several other states.

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the PAtrails
group.

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Regards,

campdavidinpa <dcpardoe@...>

I just added a new link for the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail