Days 50-51: Columbiana, Ohio to Pittsburgh, Pa.

After leaving Cleveland, we have now permanently left the Adventure Cycling route. Out of Cleveland, we were able to follow nice, calm roads and bike paths for much of the day. The route into Pittsburgh was less ideal, though we did have some pleasant stretches, and saw more changes in scenery as we weaved through Amish country, post-industrial zones along the Ohio River, and up a steep climb to the condo where we are staying overlooking downtown Pittsburgh.

We started off the day in Ohio along a moderate-traffic highway, but thankfully quiet Saturday morning traffic was not too much of an issue. Although there were signs for Amish, we did not see any carriages on the highway. Just a little way down the road, we passed into our 12th state. The road turned busier, but also had a much wider shoulder. After stopping for a snack at a donut shop, we began following the Ohio River and traffic became heavier as we began to enter the area north of Pittsburgh. We spent a stretch riding along a completely empty industrial access road, with quiet steel mills alongside us and varying road conditions. We were following the google maps route which was mostly pleasant, however, as we began to get closer to Pittsburgh, we hit a few snags with the route it suggested. First, after riding across a long industrial island north of the city, we came to find that the only bridge at the south end of the island was closed. Thankfully, workers had left a gate open, so we were able to sneak through. From there, the route took us back and forth across the river several times, up steep side streets, carrying our bikes up a flight of stairs, and finally to the base of the hill we needed to climb to reach our destination. It looked fairly steep, and as we began ascending, Ed’s computer confirmed that it was about a mile up, with a 19% grade at its steepest. We were both grateful for our extra-low gearing, and arrived much more tired (and sweatier) than we’d expected.

We were greeted by Ed’s friends who are hosting us for two nights here in Pittsburgh. Shortly after we arrived, my brother Alex walked in, having flown in from Charleston. Shortly thereafter, my mom also arrived. Alex will be joining us on the last week of riding, and my mom is here visiting us as we enter our final stretch. We spent the rest of the afternoon catching up, enjoying the excellent view and a delicious Polish meal prepared by our gracious hosts.

We’ll spend a rest day here and head out on the GAP trail tomorrow which will connect to the C&O trail that will take us all the way into Georgetown, where our trip concludes.

By the numbers:
Miles traveled: 57
Total climbing: 2513 ft.
Average pace: 12 mph
Average temperature: 80F
Max heart rate: 160 bpm
Steepest grade: 19%
Bridges across the river: 7
New Petkus’ encountered: 2

 Entering Pennsylvania.

 View of the river coming into the city.

 Along the river, just before the closed bridge.

Quiet industrial road alongside highway 51.

 Ed coming up the steep grade near the end.

 Along a trail coming into Pittsburgh.

Caution signs in Amish country in the morning.