What route did you take? Would you take the same route again? Any tips for other travelers?
Enquring minds want to know.
Mick
2009-07-01 20:12:25
8
Pittsburgh to Cleveland
I sucked it up and did it solo. Went the whole way, 152miles, 9:21 of riding. It was an awesome experience. I'm planning a London to Paris ride / loop next spring and others between then, whatever time permits. I stopped for breakfast, lunch and dinner at little country gas stations, and ate a bunch of gel packs, clif/odwalla bars, and fruit along the way.
My panniers arrived 3 days after my trip which would explain my desperate last minute cargo net and bungie cords that held up awesome, but weren't very convenient. Nothing crazy, disposable camera shots: pictures
51 was a pleasure to ride on. Wasn't expecting to be greeted by a "share the road" sign before even a speed limit sign, so I was stoked before I even got up the ramp. One flat tire at mile 140. It sliced the tire itself so I patched the inside of the tire and it ended up being ok thankfully.
2009-07-01 19:56:24
Good time, there! 16+ mph for 9 hours is hammering it.
What route did you take? Would you take the same route again? Any tips for other travelers?
Enquring minds want to know.
Mick
2009-07-01 20:12:26
i actually really enjoyed this ride too, i did it solo about this time last summer to work on boats on the lake... way more doable in one day than it seems at first... glad you have a good experience!
2009-07-01 20:21:19
You're absolutely right, I struggled to find a solid route, start to finish. So I did lots of google mapping and street view walks. The only part I did not stick with was at mile 120, I hit 86 which was my favorite road.
http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/pa/pittsburgh/909124493456754566
I would take the exact route again without any question. 534 had about 8 miles of long wheel eating cracks from wagons and far too much horse pooh which got old after a while trying to dodge, but I cruised at 10-15mph and enjoyed the surroundings during that time.
If anyone wants to actually hit downtown CLE from there, I would stick on 6 I think. Gets hilly, but a lot of parks and what have you are on that route.
2009-07-01 20:27:24
2009-07-01 20:29:59
imakwik1, I remember talking to you about it last year. I didn't know how bicycle friendly 51 was, I sweated it for nothing. McKees Rocks bridge messed me up a bit with the construction.
Mick, I was tucking down the hills. I felt that I deserved some speed after getting to the top of each one. I think I could take an hour off that time if I did it with an unloaded & newer bike that shifts smoothly. 16 months ago I was pushing a 40" waist. That's why this was such a big deal for me. Down to 30-32", 70lbs lost and am at < 12% BF after a year (2600 logged miles) of cycling, jogging and self taught nutrition.
2009-07-01 21:05:06
Thanks, Fly.
This thread is a great asset.
I've been surprised by 51 north of the city, too. in the South Hills and further south, it is on my "Do Not Ride" list.
Physically, this is a heck of an accomplishment - both the trip and your 70 lbs and fitness.
Mick
2009-07-01 22:59:09