Pittsburgh is either a great place to bike or a hellish one...
I'll give some info about the scenic river bike trails below.
But for the more masochistic bikers (aka Markos): The Danny Chew: Dirty Dozen, the Toughest Hills in da Burgh
Now for some easy River Trails, these are good for running, biking and rollerblading.
What I recommend four trails: HERE IS THE MAP
- The Jail Trail: Running from 2nd Avenue by the PNC Building to Hot Metal Bridge (in the Pittburgh Steelmaking days, molten steel was produced on one side of the river then pumped accross to the other side to be cast into products). You get a view of the Allegheny County Jail (the most expensive apts in the burgh) and the Monongahela river.
- North Shore Trail along the Allegheny River: Science Center with a submarine, The casino should be open by that time also, PNC PARK, but I would recommend biking to Washington's Landing and catching a bite to eat at Redfin Blues (has an amazing view of the river and there is a marina there also).
- Biking along the Southside by Station Square. Also recommend stops at Beehive Coffeehouse ( to get caffinated and/or icecream) and Hoffbrau Haus (Traditional German Bier Hall) . (Although for real Pittsburgh beer I personally recommend Church Brew Works, East End Brewery, and lastly and most importantly Penn Brewery in the North Side.
- Point State Park going to the Strip District. Go to the point and then start biking to the Strip District. Recommend going to Klavons Ice Cream Parlor (an original ice cream parlor, go to the website for the history).
Remember all these trails are easy and fun.
Now for the Hell: Pittsburgh's Dirty Dozen: Pittsburgh's 13 Toughest Hills
This Includes the Steepest Legal Road in the US. Canton Street a 37.5 degree hill.
And 12 other little\tiny killer super hills for an awesome Bakers Dozen (map of route).
HISTORY OF THE DIRTY DOZEN
In 1983, Dan & Tom Chew and Bob Gottlieb wanted to showcase Pittsburgh's
steepest and toughest hills in one ride, never getting more than 10 kilometers away from the center of the city. So on Saturday December 17, 1983, the first Dirty Dozen ride was held in 27 degrees F with snow flurries. Among the 5 starters were Oscar Rattenberg and Ron Reider, but only Dan, Tom, and Bob
finished.
When Tom Chew moved away from Pittsburgh in 1985, Dan Chew took over as the ride organizer.
Back in the early years (the 80's) a macho attitude prevented any rider
from using gears lower than a 42x24. In recent years, the ride has gotten easierdue to lower gearing and several of the hills being paved (asphalted) which used to be rough cobblestone or wavy blacktop killing what little momentum the rider had. The highest low gear ever used by a Dirty Dozen winner was a 42x23 by Dan Chew in 1988. The highest low gear used by a Dirty Dozen finisher was a 42x21 by Justin Walker, Mark Colenbrander, and Phil Rhodes. In recent years, riders have used a 39x32 gear which makes the ride much less taxing on the rider's
upper body.
For more detailed route information.
Well thats enough stuff for the day. I've attempted about half the hills and they are tough but worth the challenge. Pittsburgh has a lot to offer. Hope everyone has an amazing time at netroots nation. And remember the most important thing: MORE AND BETTER DEMOCRATS!!!