Anyway, Pedal Pittsburgh is just what it sounds like. It's pedaling through the city of Pittsburgh... on a bike, in case you didn't figure that part out. I did it with my bother (Tim) and George. Tim live in Indiana and drove out for the ride. He originally intended on doing the metric century (62 miles) with George, but I signed up for the 25 miler.
I basically told Tim he was crazy to tackle the 62 miler. Not because he can't handle the milage (he did 100 miles a few weeks back), but because the climbs seemed really tough and stop and go through the city didn't sound very conducive to 62 miles. After MUCH coercion, I talked him into doing the 25 miles. I was relieved because I really didn't want to do 25 miles all by my lonesome.
I really love the city of Pittsburgh. It might not seem like much to people who aren't from here (and I get that), but to me it's a really cool city. I love the bridges and the rivers. I love that it's old and has older neighborhoods nestled throughout. I love that my college alma mater is basically a metro area. I just love Pittsburgh. My bother feels the same way.
We started off in South Side works and rode through
- Pittsburgh’s Historic South Side
- Downtown
- Northside
- Strip District
- Bloomfield
- East Liberty
- Highland Park
- Larimer
- Point Breeze
- Squirrel Hill
- Oakland
- and Uptowon
I won't go through the course turn by turn, but here's the elevation.
The course was 100% doable. The worst climbs were heading into Bloomfield and then again in Highland park, but I can't even say there was a hill I hated (and I HATE hills).
There was a lot of stop and go as you'd expect for a city ride, so if that's not your thing then skip it. I think we averaged just under 14 MPH, but that was because of the traffic and stops, not due to the terrain.
I really loved this ride because I love seeing the city from a different point of view. I especially enjoyed doing it with George and my brother. Tim must have said a million times how much he really loved the ride and that was pretty cool, seeing him so happy.
The support on this ride was good (there were 2 rest stops on the 25 mile course, but we only stopped at one). There was plenty of food and drink and even free bike mechanics (who did a minor, much needed, repair on my bike).
If you're thinking of a city ride, Pedal Pittsburgh is should definitely be on your list. The 25 miler might just become one of my annual events.
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