The Allegheny County Parks Department, in partnership with the Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group, will host the Fourth Annual Allegheny County Mountain Bike Festival on July 17, 18 and 20.
“Allegheny County arguably has some of the best mountain biking opportunities of any major urban area,” said County Parks Director Andy Baechle. “Within an hour’s drive of Downtown Pittsburgh, there are an abundance of trails suitable for everyone from beginners to the most avid mountain bikers, and many of these trails are conveniently located in Allegheny County Parks.”
During the festival, mountain bikers can participate in free, organized rides in three County parks. The South Park ride begins at 6:00 p.m. on Fri., July 17, at the skating rink parking lot. North Park’s ride starts at 12:00 noon on Sat., July 18, at the swimming pool playground near the McCandless Shelter. The Boyce Park ride begins at 6:00 p.m. on Mon., July 20, at the soccer fields near the Pack Shelter. Cyclists are strongly encouraged to have proper equipment, including a helmet, water and knobby-tired mountain bike in good working condition.
“The Allegheny County Mountain Bike Festival is an inventive way to reach out to the growing number of cyclists and acquaint them with the trail systems available in our County parks,” added Baechle. ―We’re pleased to partner with the Pittsburgh Trails Advocacy Group on this exciting endeavor, and we encourage anyone who likes mountain biking to come out and enjoy what our parks have to offer.”
The rides will last approximately two hours and will cover 12 to 15 miles per ride. All trips will be led by local cyclists who are eager to share their knowledge and experience with festival participants. Following each excursion, bikers are encouraged to bring a snack or dish to share with fellow riders and to take advantage of the pools, picnic shelters, free concerts and other recreational activities and amenities available in the County parks.
For additional information or questions regarding the excursions, please contact the appropriate ride leader:
South Park – John Hinderliter at 412-897-2065 or john.hinderliter@gmail.com
North Park – Brian DelVecchio at 412-559-0470 or bdelvecchio@spkpowerlaw.com
Boyce Park – Barry Jeffries at 412-977-3217 or info@dirtyharrys.net
Information on the Fourth Annual Allegheny County Mountain Bike Festival is also available at www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/bike.aspx.
