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.
Mileage listed is total mileage "out & back."
Saturday, April 15 - 10:00 Bicycling Workshop - "Tips for Riding After A Long Absence" 
Archangel Gabriel Youth Center (St. Malachy gym)
SUNDAY April 16 - No bicycle ride... PARISH KITE FLY AT YOUTHTOWNE (click "KITE FLY" for info) - Clinton, PA outside of Imperial
12:00 noon to 5:00 PM 
Saturday, April 22 - Bicycle Blessing CANCELLED due to impending storms - 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.)
April 29 FIRST GROUP RIDE - Montour Trail: Mile 0 to the Gazebo  (9 miles total)
May 6 - Mile 0 to Cliffmine Rd. (12 miles) 
May 13 - Mile 0 to Enlow [5 Points Intersection after tunnel]. (16 miles) 
May 20 - Mile 0 to Clinton Rd. (using the Airport Connector) (24 miles) OPTIONAL: to Boggs.
May 27 - 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
June 17 - 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...
July 22 - Panhandle Trail - McDonald to Colliers, WV (36 miles)
August 12 - BONUS AUGUST RIDE! 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.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 to the end of the North Shore Trail at Western Penitentiary or maybe toward Sandcastle on the GAP 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 10:00/10:30. 
August 26 - Wheeling Heritage Trail - Starting the Pike Island Lock and Dam on Rt. 2 at 10:00 (30 miles) Click for directions: Directions to Pike Island Lock and Dam Parking from Holy Trinity Church (a one hour drive)
September 23 -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! Register here: Tour the Montour 
October 14 (please note change from 9/30) - GRAND FINALE! STARTING LOCATION TO BE ANNOUNCED HERE - Ride Around the Rivers. We will leave on our bikes at 10:00. and visit the trails along the North Shore and the Jail Trail to the Hot Metal Bridge. We will have lunch at the Hofbrauhaus on and return down the South Side Trail. 
Saturday, November 18 - Light Up Night Ride in Pittsburgh. Mark this one on your calendar! A very 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. Lights are a must (even a flashlight strapped to your handlebars or a headlamp strapped to your helmet). A flashing tail light is a big plus. (Click here to view video from 2021) You can meet us there or join us as we leave Holy Trinity parking lot at 6:00 and go to the First Ave. parking garage adjacent to the Eliza Furnace Trail (Jail Trail). The ride starts next door near the Golden Triangle Bike Rental shop at 7:00. 

Directions to the Montour Trail
Click here: From I79 North, or Coraopolis Rd., or Forest Grove Rd or insert your own starting point.