Fun & Fitness with Friends
Have you been thinking about dragging out that old bicycle you bought 10 years ago? Or maybe you were one of those folks looking to get out of the house at the height of the pandemic and bought a new bicycle. Are you, like many of us, the kind of person that needs the encouragement of others to drag yourself out of bed for a little exercise? Maybe you’re just looking for some fun? Then this group is for you! All skill levels of riders are invited.
What is it about bicycles that makes a person feel like a kid again? There aren’t many better ways to enjoy the outdoors and get fit at the same time. Gabe’s Riders, our parish recreational bicycling group, is looking for some people who want to enjoy some sunny Saturday mornings with others on the Montour Trail, build up some stamina, and who knows, maybe lose a couple of pounds.
It's time to get out of the house and ride!!!
Please see the calendar below. The May rides are "mostly" for people who haven't ridden much recently or are new to the sport. These early rides will be spent slowly building up mileage and confidence. By the end of that time (if you also do some riding on your own) you will be able to ride 25 - 30 miles comfortably.
Remember, though, riders of all skill levels are welcome. Just ride at your own pace and distance. The goal is to have fun!
The group is large and diverse enough that you will not be riding on your own. (Click here to see pictures of past rides)
Veteran riders might want to wait until June to join us though you are more than welcome to join in the May rides. Beginning in June, Gabe's Riders will go once a month visit to other local trails. You can join us for every ride or for just one ride. Whatever suits you and your schedule.
Usually we will meet at the destination trail at 10:00. Directions will be provided on this webpage.
For more information call Deacon Tim at: 412-787-1472
All May training rides leave from Montour Trail Mile 0 (beginning of the trail) at 10:00 am.
All mileage listed is total mileage "out & back."
April 24 - No bicycle ride... PARISH KITE FLY AT YOUTHTOWNE (click "KITE FLY" for info) - Clinton, PA outside of Imperial
April 30 - Bicycle Blessing - Mile 0 of the Montour Trail at 10:00 AM. (Directions to Mile Zero of the Montour Trail below this calendar.) After the blessing you'll be able to do some riding on your own. (See video of the blessing at the bottom of this page.)
May 7 - Montour Trail: Mile 0 to the Gazebo CANCELED DUE TO RAIN Try to get out this week and ride this week (9 miles total)
May 14 - Mile 0 to Cliffmine Rd. (12 miles)
May 21 - Mile 0 to Enlow [5 Points Intersection after tunnel]. (16 miles)
May 28 - Mile 0 to Clinton Rd. (using the Airport Connector) (24 miles) OPTIONAL: to Boggs.
June 4 - CELEBRATORY RIDE! Oakdale to Burgettstown on the Panhandle Trail (approx. 26 miles)
We will leave the Helicon Brewery parking lot at 10:00 (102 Union Ave., Oakdale, PA 15071
July 9 - Great Allegheny Passage - The Waterfront (Homestead) to Boston (28 miles)
We will meet at The Waterfront and begin riding at 10:00: Click here for Waterfront Trail parking area...
August 13 - Teutonia Männerchor RADLER Ride - "Radler" means "bicycle" in English. The Teutonia Club on the North Side (near the bottom of Troy Hill) holds a very casual ride every year on local river trails. Entry fee is $20.00 The shortest ride is 14 miles - 7 to the Hofbrauhaus for a beverage and a pretzel and 7 miles back to the club where brats and similar await. Some better riders go a little further and arrive at the restaurants at the same time as the casual riders. Includes an event t-shirt, as well!
We will caravan from Holy Trinity church and leave promptly at 9:00 for the Teutonia Club on the North Side. Or you can just meet us at the Teutonia Männerchor Club. (856 Phineas St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212) Riders depart at 10:30.
August 20 - Armstrong Trail - Starting from Ford City at 10:00 (28 miles) Click for directions: Directions to Ford City Trailhead
September 24 -Tour the Montour Bicycle Ride (benefits the Montour Trail) Starts at 8:00. Lunch included as well as an event shirt designed by our own Deacon Tim! Click here for details and to register: Tour the Montour
October 8 - GRAND FINALE! Ride Around the Rivers. Leave on the North Shore Trail near the old Western Penitentiary (near the ALCOSAN plant) at 10:00. Stop at the Hofbrauhaus on the South Side for Lunch. Directions to the start point will be provided here.
November 19 - Light Up Night Ride in Pittsburgh. Mark this one on your calendar! A unique, once a year opportunity to join a large group of riders (many of whom decorate their bikes) on a casual evening ride around the city using many of its trails. Details to come. Lights are a must. (Click here to view video from 2021) Meet up details to follow . . .