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Intro to Touring on the Great Allegheny Passage


  • Point State Park 601 Commonwealth Place Pittsburgh, PA, 15222 United States (map)

At Peony Women's Bike Tours, we are passionate about reaching women who have never toured before and would like to learn now.  If that's you, this clinic and ride are for you!  If you know someone who might be interested, please invite them.  There is a voluntary donation only for the clinic so that cost is not a barrier to learning. 

Come join us to learn about bike touring and bike packing.  All are welcome!

Clinic: Thursday, May 15, 2025 @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm @ Wilkins School Community Center, 7604 Charleston Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218

The clinic we will cover the following:

  • Type of touring by bicycle - Bikepacking vs Bike Touring

  • Type of bikes and packing options

    • Basic assessment of your bike for bikepacking or touring

  • Types of Tours

    • Self-supported vs supported touring

    • Camping vs indoors

    • With a group, friends, or alone

  • How to plan a tour vs how to join an organized tour

  • How to pack a bike

  • How to ride a loaded bike

  • What to take

    • Weather

    • Tools/equipment

  • How to prepare your body

    • Training

    • Comfort

Overnight Ride: Saturday, June 7, 2025 @ 10:00 am to Sunday, June 8, 2025 to 4:00 pm @ the fountain in Point State Park, 601 Commonwealth Place, Pittsburgh PA 15222

  • Description: Ride 68 miles in 2 days on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) from Pittsburgh - West Newton and back.

  • Difficulty Level: Easy - Moderate self-supported

  • Daily Distances: 34 Miles

  • Daily Saddle Time: 4-6 Hours

  • Total Riding Miles: 68 Miles

  • Terrain: Mostly trail, mix of pavement and crushed limestone surface with less than 2% grade

  • Rider Limit: Minimum 5 | Maximum 8

  • Price:

    • Free Clinic - There is a suggested donation up to $25 if you are able to help pay for the space but it is not required. Clinic includes:

      • Bike touring/bike packing basics from A to Z

      • Assessment and recommendation of your bike and equipment options

    • $130 (Ride only); Price Includes:

      • Lodging: Both single and double occupancy.

      • Meals: 1 breakfast included

      • Guides: 2 guides, lead and sweep, carrying bike tools, patch kits, first aid kit, satellite radio and good humor

Details Below:

May 15: Introduction to Touring Clinic @ 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm @ Wilkins School Community Center, 7604 Charleston Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218

June 7: Let’s Ride! Meet @ 10 a.m. at the fountain in Point State Park.

Lodging: Plumer House, West Newton PA

  • The Plumer House is a historic B&B, built on the banks of the Youghiogheny River

  • All lodging is single occupancy per bed, except one room has two queen beds

Required:

  • A working bicycle capable of carrying gear

  • Bike rentals are available through Bike The Burgh Tours. Let them know you are riding with Peony.

  • Bike packing or touring bags; we have a limited number of panniers for rent if needed.

  • Helmet

  • Water bottle(s)

  • Spare inner tube for your tire size

  • Bike light

  • Rain gear

  • On and off-the-bike clothing

  • Swimsuit (optional)

Book this Tour

  • Clinic Only: $0 - pre-registration is required. Donations are accepted of up to $25 to help pay for the space

  • Ride: $60 non-refundable deposit is required at time of registration. Completion of the clinic is highly encouraged

  • Full payment will be due 60 days prior to the ride's start

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June 18

Pittsburgh and The Great Allegheny Passage - Pittsburgh to Cumberland