Man, I'm SO glad to hear comments like this. I've wondered if I need to break these trips up into smaller videos but I've always been hoping that people would just return to the video at a later time. Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it. do you mind if I quote you in a future video?
I really like your videos. I use them on my indoor Elliptigo. I watch them and ride and feel as if I am on the trail myself. They also show me new trails I will try in the Spring, Summer and Fall. I found your talk about retirement and meeting new people very pleasurable and interesting. Keep up the good work, they are very much appreciated. I live in PA and think the Rail Trails are the best biking trails in the US and we are fortunate that they exist for our use.
Glad you like them! And thanks for sharing about using them on a trainer. That always makes me happy. Agreed on PA rail trails!!! It is such a treasure for the state. Great investment.
I can’t tell you how inspiring this video is. When I first started cycling, I lived in Pittsburgh. I had logged many, many days and miles on the Montour and Panhandle trails. It really kept me sane. I’ve been living in Fort Lauderdale since 2018. I had thought that with the nice year round weather I would ride that much more. But it is very dangerous with the cars here. Also, there are really no trails that are car free. I watched this video looking for inspiration - which it gave me! I am going to plan a trip by train up that way and revisit some past familiar places. Thank You!!!
I’m so glad you liked it! PA is just a paradise for rail trails in general and the trails in the western part of the state are fantastic. Enjoy the ride!
Not sure if you will see this but I also suffer from insomnia. You said you have hours of footage. You should make an AMSR video. The sound of your tires on the gravel combined with nature is perfect. Thanks for the videos.
Great video! I retired last January and live about fourty miles south of Pittsburgh. I have ridden on local sections of the the GAP trail but have yet to do the whole trail. Your video is very inspiring for me to finally get moving and complete this long time bucket list adventure. Thanks also for your thoughts that you shaired along the way.
I like the length of your videos! It’s like literally riding along with you and being able to experience the trail. It was super helpful in planning our first Bikepacking trip to get an idea of what the trail will actually look like, not just the highlights. Keep making them this way!!!
Thanks for watching. Yeah, and I realized at the end that there are a lot more scattered around the western part of the state! The one that really stands out to me is the Redbank Trail. Hope you get a chance to enjoy!
Watched the whole video ( a day off from work) outside 100 F why not watch this beautiful 🚲trails / video 💪💪💪👏👏👏🌴👌👍🚲 thank you… greetings from St. Petersburg 🌴🌴☀️☀️
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it. I’m hoping to go riding down your way in the Fall. Coast to coast, then head down to Sanibel and maybe beyond. Still planning. Any tips on getting across Tampa bay? 😊 thanks for watching.
This is great. Thank you is too small of a phrase to express what these virtual cycling trips mean to me. I am riding indoors so I DON'T "lose my butt" and can keep my sanity through the winter. This is my first indoor season and for the first 12 weeks it was fine. I was following a program and got myself built back up but now I wanted something fun that would make me smile. You have succeeded! I am riding along with you and "talking" to you and we are having a great time. I think you have a great mix of both talking and letting the trail talk to us. I have one of the top-rated trails in the country (Trail of the Coeur d'Alene's) somewhat close to me. I can't be gone for a multi-day trail ride right now, but I think I can now figure out how to do an overnight or two-nights on the CDA this summer. At least it has me thinking. Again, this channel is great. I love it. I appreciate it. Don't stop. Keep riding.
You made my day with this. I’m delighted (and honored) to share a virtual “great time” together! I also love that expression: “lose my butt”-such a great term. I’ve also heard great stuff about that trail. It would be a long ride from Delaware, but maybe some day. Take care and thanks again.
@@RideAlongAdventures so the reason I bought a trainer was two reasons; I injured my knee last May and it all but curtailed my cycling season-at the least it was very short and was just getting back into road cycling when the weather turned. Second, I take care of an elderly parent and can’t be gone too long. These virtual rides help scratch the “exploration” itch I have while remaining close by if needed. Thanks for being my riding buddy 🤗🤭👍🥰😁😁
Hi, new subscriber. I love your long videos. I get on my exercise bike, and I zone out on your videos. I am mentally there with you. I wish that I could have done that bike trail. It is beautiful, and I also like how you not only invite us on your trails, but also in your car while you drive. How I wish I had someone to bike with and go to all those awesome trails. I always bike on my own, I can’t seem to find someone with the same interest. Anyway, love your videos, don’t change them!
Wow, thanks so much for the kind words. I'm very glad you enjoy the videos. One suggestion on meeting up with other riders is to look into facebook groups devoted to specific trails. Seems like people connect on riding together there a lot. Personally, I find it a funny sort of thing. I absolutely love riding with others when I get the chance but I also thoroughly enjoy the solitude and peace of being out by myself. Anyway, thanks for subscribing and, again, I appreciate the encouragement. Safe travels.
@@RideAlongAdventures When it gets warmer up here in south Montana I will look up that FB suggestion, (or whatever I decide to retire next year)thanks for that tip. Actually, I got used to riding along, been doing it for a long time, so I’ve been in solitude and peaceful for a while now, can’t complain, I am so happy that I can still ride at this point of my life regardless. Have a marvelous day.
I live near the ART and my understanding is the 31 miles is to oil city. I’m planning on doing that this weekend. Above Rockland tunnel on the dirt road .5 mile is a beautiful waterfall locals call freedom falls
Right now due to a complete rotator cuff tear and complete bicep tear, these are great for me to do on my stationary. Not to brag, but this has also helped me to drop 35 pounds and go from type 2 diabetes to a prediabetic. Your rides have been tremendous for me. Look up Jo Biden's fall from his bike, I did the same thing but on my left side.
Likewise, Chris! That was a great ride-I felt badly that I left the GoPro at home. 🙂 DE is a great place for cycling also. Hey, stay in touch on your GAP C&O trip!
Great video nice to see someone make a long video! Looks like trails our Recumbent Trikes would be ok to ride thanks for taking us along for the ride 🚴🤯☔😁👍
Absolutely! I love recumbent trikes because everyone I ever see riding them is incredibly happy. 😊 I really really need to try one someday. Best wishes and thanks for watching.
Ah man I just did all of the Redbank trail end to end and back and so sorry you missed the Brookville end beautiful bridges and Brookville has a restaurant called the court house and it is excellent. East Brady tunnel is being worked on by Penn Dot I believe and is due to be opened this fall 2024. Hopefully soon!
That’s a trail I really want to return to soon. I had to cut it short but I found it to be really beautiful. Thanks for the tips. I’d like to start in Brookville and camp at that rustic site near the other end. That’s super cool about the Brady tunnel! Thanks for watching!
lol. Gary, this was like a never ending mystery that continued into several later videos. Bike shop techs kept telling me my chain was dirty so I kept cleaning it which often made the squeak worse. It’s funny (now) how aggravating it got until my local bike guy showed me how my rear derailleur needed lubrication on the rollers themselves, not chain lube but an oil lube like amzn.to/3tcXD4p. I should add that I’ve met people that use this for their chain also but I stick with Squirt amzn.to/46tWvYs Live and learn. I haven’t had issues since.
I wish I had my Schwinn's. I'm beginning to be seventy and beyond and I sure would love 💕 to ride too. I've a neighbor who is older than I and he was always on his bike riding. He dressed with a white coat and hat and he was toting a 2-way transmitting radio,...his bike had a tall antenna!!
2-way radio!! wow. I passed a group of riders the other day, there were six of them and they had this cool little device on their chinstraps that allowed them to talk between the six of them...not yelling, just normal voice. Looked expensive but, wow, how cool.
I just finished watching the whole thing, Bryan. What a great combination of rides. Pennsylvania has the best rail trails, in my opinion. And New York the best canal trails. I think the Montour trail would have been even more beautiful with clear skies. The number of near continuous bridges and tunnels in some sections was fabulous. Gord
Thanks, Gord. Agreed! I’ve had the privilege of watching the Montour develop over the years. It’s come a long way and it’s clear they are still putting a lot into it.
Bryan could you please talk about your biking shoe prefernces? Also a bit about your observations concerning clipless vs. cages and flat pedals. I wasn't sure where to ask to get in your FAQs. Thanks, Ron
Sure, I can do that. Briefly for now: I've done all of the above and finally have just settled on flat pedals. I'm kind of indifferent honestly. I tried clips but then I had to bring another pair of shoes in my bike bag so I just went with a pair of heavy-duty Merrell Moabs. They are indestructible and easy to scrub off if they get muddy or dusty. I still see a lot of people with clips though.
@@RideAlongAdventures Yeah, I ran into the shoe thing during last year's trip to the GAP. It was a logistical challenge and has me thinking about simplifying the process and going back to cages. Still I question if I'd be taking a step back. Still up in the air. Thanks for your comments.
I believe I did about 360 miles total but the trails are longer than I rode in several cases (storms, etc). Example: I only rode 35 miles down the Pine creek trail but it is 65 miles long. It was a fun collection of trails!
Here’s a suggestion for you. Would be an interesting ride. Ride the Gap out of Ohiopyle to the Montour trail. Then take the Montour to the Panhandle. Then the Panhandle to the Ohio river. I’ve looked and you can do all three basically without leaving the trail. They all connect to each other.
@@RideAlongAdventures or you could ride the GAP out of Cumberland, through the Montour, then the panhandle to WV, and call it “The Great Tri-State Adventure.”
@StobetheHobobyDaniel rock on! My “dream” (one of them) is to ride from Cincinnati clear to Virginia Beach. (OTET> panhandle> Montour> Gap> C&O> Mt Vernon> Virginia Capital> beach. And they, why not-get across the bridge and head up the Delmarva peninsula to home. 😊
@@RideAlongAdventures let me know if you do this trip. Would like to meet up with you when you do the Panhandle. I live like 30 minutes from the WV start point of the panhandle.
When you’re preplanning your rides, how much research do you do? Ie: we headed to the Greenbrier River Trail in WV with goal of about 50 miles. There’s limited resources on the section I did. Trying to figure out best snacks and such to take. Might be a good FAQ
Thanks, will do. It sort of depends. From a purely video standpoint I try to look at some websites about history, famous residents (😀), things to look for, etc. obviously some places don’t have much online. Then it’s up to reading markers and plaques. Some sites (GAP, Erie Canal, Ohio to Erie, Katy) have super detailed websites with just about anything you’d want to know. Sometimes I don’t plan much and just learn as I go. I think for me the basics are having some idea about where I might stay and where I’m going to end my day. That’s critical. If you’ve got any other specific questions about planning I’d enjoy hearing them because the FAQ is a really good idea.
I just use an inexpensive Rockbros bag. Same with the top tube…I like Rockbros because they are cheap but they seem to last a long time. I looked into a more fancy Ortlieb handlebar bag but it got in the way of my camera setup so I sent it back.
Finnialy getting cought up ! Those post on the trail are super tight especialy with panniers. The Weather we just wing it rain or shine ! Deffinalty need to get onto the montour trail
Great video I thought I started watching another where you went back maybe a year later to finish this ride you were riding a rail trail along another track that was I use you mentioned you had never seen a train on it in all times ridden there not long till a train come by my internet went down I haven't been able to find that video since what was the name of the video
I think you’re talking about this one: The Great Allegheny Passage (Episode 10) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5TB5074Jgak.html Thanks for watching!
Great job on your videos. I’ve lived in FL a long time but WPa is home, and I try to get back every year to ride some trails. Usually the GAP. You hit on all the trails on my list including the Pine Creek RT. Was a long video but I enjoyed every minute including most of your views on life. As I get close to retirement my plan is similar. Enjoy your summer!
Thanks. Yeah, I was really impressed with these trails. PA has so many. I'm not sure where you're at in FL but I'm thinking of doing another ride down there in the Fall...I'd like to ride the Coast to Coast but I want to somehow make my way down to Sanibel. We are usually there every summer but the hurricane stopped that this year. with regards to retirement, i still don't know what I'm doing but I'm certainly enjoying the extra time to see more of the world. Good luck with the transition. Stay in touch!
@@RideAlongAdventures I did a section of the C2C this week. Was a quick overnighted from Brooksville to Clermont through the Green Swamp. Wanted to check it out for when I did the entire route. Thought I might do it this summer but I’ll be waiting until it’s cooler. I am south of Tampa.
There's two Geology Orogeny lines right though there I believe. One, Avalon and the other one, Taconic Orogeny. You must be close to where the North American Craton and these two Arcs are mended together. Appalachia is just full of Geology.
Hmm…I’m not sure how to answer that one. Obviously, autumn is fantastic with all of the color but I enjoyed summer…there’s a lot of tree cover. I could imagine spring being awesome. Sorry…don’t mean to dodge.
Enjoyed the video. I'm on call and your three hour plus video is great to pass the time. I'm definitely putting some of these on my list. I'm not a big fan of out and back type riding. I'm willing to keep an open mind though.
Lol. awesome. Yeah, I'm with you. I like more point to point or even big loops. I'm going to be releasing each trail as a standalone video. Probably one per week.
I finished this virtual ride a few days ago. I beleive some of the tunnels here were on your Pittsburg to DC ride. The C & O Gap, not sure. I was watching the history channel about Andrew Carnegie and Henry Clay Frick and was wondering were some of those brick furnaces his. Both of these men spearheaded the steal industry in the early 1800's I wonder what it could have been like if these two guys weren't greedy.
Both these guys were power hungry and wanted to be in charge. Either way both these men retired very wealthy and made alot of contributions to our country.
There's a series called "The Men Who Made America" (not sure if that's what you were watching) in which they give both of them a pretty sober portrayal. Especially Frick. Seems like Carnegie softened in his later years when he started his philanthropic work. I just rode through Homestead last week and saw the site of that terrible, bloody labor battle. Yikes. British politician Lord Acton: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
I will look for those series. So cool to ride through the are where this all happened. There is so much history during that time. Is there a Gettysburg ride? That would be so cool to see.
There’s definitely a lot of crazy out there. No doubt. No, I’m only armed with my quick wit and charm. 😂 ok all seriousness, I sometimes think I should have some pepper spray. Maybe. One of the key benefits of trails, especially rail trails is that they go through friendly areas with people who, by and large, look out for one another.
Fun, Fun, Fun. I have a similar T-shirt "Yes, I have a retirement plan- Bike". Petticote Junction site says 2 night minimum stay for glamping (tent or hut). Did they update after your trip, or did you have a coupon/code?
😳 you know…you’re right. And I don’t have a good answer. I booked through their website and it didn’t decline my reservation so…hmm. Not sure. On previous trips I’ve stayed two nights. The place is positioned so perfectly…I rode south and back one day and then north and back the next day. If you’re looking for a single night, I think the Hotel Manor does that.
I just did a shakedown on the Pine Creek this weekend (I have only been riding a month). Went from Jersey Shore to Black Walnut Bottom campground and back the next day. Road into Slate Run for some lunch at Wolfe's. I was inspired by one of your previous videos about the trail. It was so beautiful. Great weekend and a great ride. Love the channel. Follow-up questions: I live in central PA am interested in all these trails. I am really struggling to find information about campsites along these trails and any information about water. Do you have any tips, apps anything to help me plan better or am I over thinking it. I don't mind the idea of staying in hotels but there is a certain appeal to camping on these trips. Thanks in advance.
hey, congrats. that's awesome. you did that after only a month on the bike???? there should be an award for that. Yeah, I keep going back because I find the area breathtaking. Thanks for watching also!
@@RideAlongAdventures Thanks I rode your Cape Henlopen Loop last week also (lewes, henlopen, gordons pond, rehoboth and the breakwater trail). But I also added in the Georgetown to Lewes trail. I parked at a church by the trailhead on joseph rd near georgetown which was way easier than doing anything around highway 1. I think it was right around 27 miles. Real nice ride where you get to see so much of the area.
Hey, sorry…I missed your follow up questions: yeah, that’s a common question about camping. I use Hipcamp but it doesn’t cover primitive campsites. Honestly, that’s why I normally ride a trail once to sort of figure out the lay of the land. Pine Creek has numerous websites about camping. The Montour has three sites. I think it’s the PA dept of natural resources has a great website about state wide camping.
Love this video, of course!! Some notes" For the person that asked why your videos are so long, I believe the name of this channel is "Ride Along Adventures"...nuff said. I would be very happy if you just let the camera run with all the commenting (which I adore, love the giggling)! The longer the video, the better!! I am waiting for you to ride across the country, now that you are retired, and all... That tornado alert, NO BUENO, I would be adding to me shorts with that I have an Infinite saddle, very comfy!! very expensive, though When I retire in 2 years, I plan on doing all the TrailLink until I can't anymore
lol...thanks, Amy. Yeah, I'm going to try and release a video for each trail also. 3:20+ is pretty long. :) It's really amazing how many trails are out there and how well-groomed they are. Really fantastic. I talked to an older gentleman in New Bethlehem and he was so proud of the trail running through his town. Nice. yeah, the call of the cross country ride is definitely ringing in my ears. perhaps next spring/summer. thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching!
"why are you giggling" seems like a super odd question. Do they not want you to be out enjoying your trip? If i could figure out a way to laugh and giggle I'd do it my entire trip
lol. I don’t think it was a mean spirited comment. I think it was just an observation. I do find a lot of joy and playfulness in bike touring. It’s hard NOT to! Thanks for watching. And I’m just curious…did you watch all of this video? This video has sort of surprised me. It runs counter to RU-vid logic: too long, few views. But it’s not that. Just curious. Thanks again.
@@RideAlongAdventures I watch stuff while I work, I’m still watching and I will watch it all. If I don’t finish today, I’ll finish tomorrow. I started watching your stuff recently and I enjoy it. I just got into bike touring and I post videos on RU-vid as well. It’s always a juggle to try to get what you want but not make them too long. I just sort of go with it. On longer stuff I try to make a video for each day and then just put them together in playlists.
Honestly, I can do the basics but not much more than that. I'm thinking of taking a class at our local bike shop now that I've got extra time. My thinking is that everyone should be able to: repair a flat, lube a chain, be able to remove/reconnect both tires (I stopped at a trail recently because a guy couldn't figure out how to put his back tire back on the bike!), lube the derailer, etc. Beyond that, I proceed with extreme caution. I've got an excellent bike shop nearby and I rely on them for more major issues, including doing a fairly extensive tuneup each Spring. I was thinking of a video that shows the repair kit I take along during tours (multi bike tool, puncture plug kit, pump, patches, spare tube, a roll of electrical tape, etc. Let me pull something together. would you be willing to help me edit the video? just give me your thoughts and suggestions? I'd appreciate it if you've got the time.
Loving this long video. I've been down for 3 weeks, and will be down for another x number of weeks, and yours and a few other channels are keeping me somewhat sane. Thanks for sharing your adventures, you're much appreciated.
Good idea! I actually lubed my pedals thinking maybe it was coming from there--no I don't use cleats any more. The crazy/yet hilarious situation was that when I would get to a bike shop, they would tell me I was just "hearing things" which is a funny phrase to begin with--yes, i'm hearing a squeak. I don't know if I ever shared the actual fix: it was the pulley in the rear derailleur (I had to look up how to spell that word) that needed an extra, extra dose of lubricant. After a really hard rain, the noise came back and I lubed the same pulley and it was all good. The other root cause is that I'm terribly ignorant on maintenance.
