BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

I *drive* a decent chunk of it daily in the eveniongs anywhere from 3:30 - 7PM (sometimes in AM too, depending on traffic elsewhere). The bit I drive is Seven Fields to rt 8 ('cause 228 is a nightmare now).

It's never too fast, people actually go close to the speed limit or a little less (as opposed to 70 in a 45 like some roads). That part the speed limit is between 35 and 45. It's also never too busy or backed up, I'd say worst is around 4:30-5:30. The only place that an actual line forms regularly is at a 3 way stop on... Babcock I think? But it's not a stressful intersection, people just take their time.

During the day, it's even emptier, but no faster.

I've never biked it, but there's a motorist's POV (one who bikes, but still). I'd totally do it... in fact I'm planning on it when the leaves start to turn.

It's a great road to ride during the week. Little traffic in most areas. You'll have a great ride.

Sweet, well I'm just getting ready to roll out. I'll update how it goes.

89 miles

6 hours moving time

2650' of climbing

and 4200 burned calories later Im home.

11 effing miles short of a century. fml.

Also some words of advice:

Bullcreek Rd is closed and the detour you take is a nice long climb so be prepared.

Wear sunscreen and take chapstick with you.

You cant eat or drink enough during this ride, I went through well over a gallon of water and a bottle or two of gatorade. It wasnt enough.

Dont wind up on McKees Rocks Bridge during evening rushhour. Its probably the worst stretch of road I've ever been on in regards to traffic, the speed of traffic and the space, or lack there of, that people give you.

Carry a spare phone battery. My gps app wore through a freshly charged battery about 60 miles in. I would have been effed if something happened.

Make sure you have the tools to make adjustments/repairs. Nothing like getting 80 miles in and realizing that while you do have co2, a tube and patches you managed to forget your tire levers and multitool at home.

that sounds like the Best Thursday Ever.

Wonderful

Quick go ride to the southside and back. You still have this evening to make a century!

Im debating if I should go get those 11 miles real quick or just stay home and eat like an entire pizza.

GO!

You could always ride TO a pizza place (and back....)

Aside from the long ride observations, and the detour, was the rest of it worthwhile?

@boostuv...next time you head out that way, take Thompson/Sun Mine Rd off Bull Creek up to Saxonburg, then back down Saxonburg Blvd to pick up the Red Belt in Culmerville. Should get ya close to a century.

Also, the Red Belt loop is worth doing in the other direction, too.

+1 for 89 mi on a Thursday. Sleep well!

Dan, if I would have followed you're route and left from downtown I probably would have hit the century mark with the detour. I decided to leave from Oakland and go through Highland Park instead.