Allegheny Loop Info

[teambovine]

Hello All,
We are thinking of doing the Loop in late September/early October and some in the group have concerns over traffic/lack of shoulders and steepness of grades. Is traffic less of an issue at the time of year we are planning? Also, any information on the surface conditions of the route? From the maps, it looks mostly on-road except for the Greenbriar River trail. Some of us are planning on touring bikes others on 29s with thiner tires. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
John

[FredHiltz]

Buy the Adventure Cycling map, which answers all these questions. Without undercutting the income that supports all the good things they do, I can summarize a bit. The valleys are rolling terrain with many local roads. Going over the mountains between the valleys, you will share the few available roads with cars and trucks. These are steep and many have little shoulder and short sight lines. The profiles show you what to expect for number, length, and slope of climbs. The Riding Conditions section discusses the traffic and roads, including a few tempting shortcuts that you would be sorry if you tried.

Parts of the route are unpaved. Conditions vary with recent rains, when the grader last went through, and how much dust rises in dry weather. No one can predict this for you.

I have ridden only a few parts of this route, and can say I found it beautiful and challenging. Others with more experience will soon chime in, I hope.

Fred

[indyfabz]

A report from last year:

http://www.adventurecycling.org/forums/index.php?topic=8937.0

I am thinking of doing it this fall, but I said that last year.

[AnnieBikes]

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/2012AlleghenyMountainsLoop

We just finished riding this route last week and have written a crazyguy journal which will fill you in on all that you might want to know and it will answer some of your questions.  We definitely recommend your buying the ACA downloadable (and printable maps). They are really necessary!  Hope you have fun and that you enjoy this route.  It IS challenging but going with a group is a great idea! There are some very remote sections of this ride.  If you only read one part of the journal, read the conclusion which my husband wrote as it is very informative!  Let us know if you have any other questions.

[CMajernik]

Hi AnnieBikes!
I appreciate what Ben wrote about the route - it's great to hear from folks who have ridden it. I plan to incorporate some of his comments into our online description of the route.

[indyfabz]

Great journal. I bought the map a few years ago and keep saying "I'll get to it." After reading your account, I definitely need to get my rear in gear. I have plans to ride to my 30th high school reunion in Mass. next year. I should be able to carry over enough vacation days to do both and still have time for a trip with the GF.