Great video Mark !! I so enjoyed meeting you and it was an honor and a privilege to share some of the ride with you on your first day. You did not fail !! Rain and cold weather can take you down to a seriously miserable level. You’ll go back and finish that last 40 and I recommend starting in Sligo. That spur is beautiful as is the Armstrong Trail.
Thanks for sharing this. Loved the Matt Ryder type camera angles and commentary, great scenery and man I felt your pain in the cold rain. I also agree that long flat trails can be boring, I like some elevation changes, just to break it up. Looking forward to next adventures!
You didn’t fail. You just learned how to do it better the next time. Touring by bicycle can be challenging even for the most experienced riders. Keep riding and don’t give up on yourself - you are worth it! ❤
Thank you! I appreciate the encouragement, it was a challenging trip. But I loved every second of it. I cannot wait to plan my next big ride. These trips are all I think about lately. Glad you enjoyed the video!
I enjoyed the video ,the temperature, combined with the constant rain just drains your core body temperature and then your soul, your a warrior for trying. Thank you for posting the stunning views along this route.
Rain and Low 40's high 30's are the worst weather. It;s worse than below freezing. You did the right thing. Hypothermia is pretty serious in that weather.
Great job! As a fellow "big guy", I know how hard it can be, but you're killing it. I got back into cycling more seriously about 10 years ago and mostly do one day long rides for charity and am thinking about transitioning to multi-day trail/road rides like this. Your videos are a great resource and inspiration.
You totally should! I love multi-day rides. There's something special about having everything you need on your bike and progressing across longer distances. I cannot wait for my next trip.
Enjoyed the ride! I've called upon my wonderful wife to pick me up a few times as well! Thank goodness for her support. Take care and see you on the next one!
Thank goodness is right. Not ashamed to admit I needed bailed out on this one. Cold weather plus rain is no joke and it was my first time running into that combination. Glad you enjoyed the video!
Thanks for sharing! The Allegheny River Trail is amazing and I've been exploring it more this year, eventually to go Erie to Pittsburgh. Sucks about the rain, it's never fun to get caught in it! I did the Ohio to Erie 3 years ago and did an 80 mile day mostly in the rain, miserable.
@@BikingBeyondBoundariesyeah the OTET is a great trail, as is Erie Canal from Buffalo to Albany. I've got a 5 day OTET itinerary I'm happy to share, as well as any advice!
Oh awesome! Yeah I'll definitely take you up on that. Advice from someone who's ridden it is always welcome. If you're on Instagram, my info is listed in my channel. Otherwise you could email me at bikingbeyondboundaries@gmail.com
I love it too. The views are amazing. My only complaint is how bumpy it is from all the tree roots. I'd almost rather it be crushed limestone than asphalt. Still an amazing trail.
I would never attempt a ride like that this time of year, so more power to you. But you definitely gave me some ideas for my future riding. It was great to discover your channel as well.
Weather turned against you and begs the question, how much winter clothing to bring ?. This time of year in this location, any hint of rain I would have never started, so power to you.
Yeah its always a tough call. In the summer, rain doesn't bother me at all. Once these temps got lower it was brutal. I'm glad I at least tried that last day, but I really wish the weather hadn't fought me like it did.
I live in Erie, PA and go to Franklin to ride the trails several times each summer. It was great to see places I am familiar with including the brewery you ate at. I was really pulling for you to make it. The weather was very poor that last day. Great video.
Thanks for the video. You did great, managing the first day with the wind & hills wasn't nothing. I think most of us would have called it on day three. Thanks again, really enjoyed the scenery (I'm from Nevada) and your commentary. Ride on!
Great video Mark. Even though the leaves have fallen and the last day was miserable, it still made me home sick for western PA. The changes in weather there and the hills are harsh and calling it quits was probably a good idea. I really wish that Erie to PGH trail would be completed in my lifetime but I don’t see it happening. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yeah the hills are just ridiculous at times. Though I'm sure they're nothing compared to our West. I doubt they'll finish the trail connections anytime soon unfortunately. Still a great ride that I wanna try again sometime
Great video! For your first trip I think you did great! I've still only done day rides on local trails. I was looking at gear for rainy days and am probably buying some shoe covers, especially now that it's getting cold out. Looking forward to the next video!
Thanks! It was a challenging trip, but I'm really looking forward to the next one. I definitely need some better gear for rainy days, as what I brought with me didn't cut it. Glad you enjoyed the video!
Glad you made the call to stop the ride and that you had the good support from your wife. No need to be a hero and get hurt. I'm a fellow big man so appreciate your journey. Keep up the good work and the adventures. If you are ever down close to Baltimore I'd like to ride with you.
Hey, it's Joe great video, looks like you've made a nemesis out of this trip, one you will have to return and overcome it another day, and that will be RE- MARK- ABLE. (and I don't have a day job quit) Told you I'd subscribe on next video, so here I am. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to riding with you some (warmer) day. 😁
Definitely a nemesis trip now! Can't wait to go back and finish it. This time of year in PA the weather is just bleh. I'm always up for riding with people so let me know!
Good job on all your accomplishment this trip. Well done. Thx for videoing and sharing. I'd remove Failed from your title...you did not fail. Every ride is a finish.
In 2007, on day 28 of a 32-day transcontinental tour from Oregon to New Jersey, my route took me from Meadville, PA to Randolph, NY. I pedaled up PA state route 77 from Meadville to Corry, and I vividly recall the brutality of those quarter-mile and half-mile rollercoaster hills. It was 83 miles of hurt that day, despite the fact that I was in great shape. I grew up just outside of Philadelphia and have ridden all over Pennsylvania. I've pedaled across the U.S. on four different occasions. I can tell you that Pennsylvania is the toughest state I've ever ridden border to border, and I've ridden most of the rest. At any rate, keep pedaling, Brother. Get back out there on the road as soon as you can. You have my respect.
Wow, that's amazing that you've ridden across the country that many times. I'd love to do that, as well as the GDMBR someday. I agree Pennsylvania can be brutal. All around my house (I live just outside of Pittsburgh) its at least 100ft of elevation per mile, and it's what I've kinda just gotten used to at this point. Thank you for all the encouraging words! Much respect to you as well.
I really enjoyed your video. I have ridden the trail from Oil City to Schenley several times. I heard the part you rode the first day was a real bear so I have never tried it. You will like the Sligo trail to the Red Bank trail and then to the Armstrong trail. It's all slightly down hill. The Armstrong trail to Kittanning then Ford city and finally to Schenley is alot like the Allegheny trail from Oil city to Emelenton.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I can't wait to go back and finish those last few trails. I was so bummed about the rain but it just made it unbearable once I was soaked through everything.
As a hunter and cyclist, my two least favorite things are wet and cold. Separate them and it’s barely tolerable but after a while I’d be over it too. You did a great job pushing as far as you could but as others have said hypothermia isn’t worth the gamble. But looks like you had gorgeous scenery and good friendship on the ride.
100% agree. The combination of the rain and cold is what really did me in. It was just too much. I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Hopefully my next adventure is a bit better weather.
The cold is no joke! My trip was November 8th and it was around 35-40 degrees when I set out. I agree, I think these trails are the best looking late fall.
Ran across this and thought, what the heck it might be interesting, and glad I watched! Two takeaways for me: first, I have a major crush on Denise now❤❤❤. Second, I just retired and have been adrift wondering what to do in this phase of life and your mini-tour has inspired me to ponder how I could try something similar. I ride road, gravel, and recently bought a used mtb to give that a try. Never even thought about touring but I will now. To close, the geeky bicycle tech side of me has to suggest you look to moving to a double or triple crankset for these kinds of rides. It looked like you were in the small cog a lot and you were spinning some high RPMs. Having a greater range of gear ratios would allow you to vary your cadence throughout the day and that will would keep your legs fresher. OK, no more ramblings, thanks for the video man!
So awesome to inspire others! That makes me so happy to hear other people want to get out and explore like this. Seeing others do rides like this is what inspired me, so it's nice to pay it forward. You should definitely plan a trip and give it a go, I'm sure you won't regret it. I actually have a very wide range in my drivetrain. It's a SRAM AXS EAGLE 1x setup. I prefer 1x over 2x personally. It's a 40T in the front with 11-50T in the rear. Pretty massive range. As for cadence, I average around 77rpm over a long ride. My sweet spot is around 80rpm, and I can do that all day long. I've found cadence seems to be a preference thing, some people prefer low and others prefer high. Ride on man!
WOW what an ride. I’ve bailed out on ride as well but didn’t feel at all bad about it. I recommend you shouldn’t either. You will live to ride again. Biking the hills in that area has got to be very difficult.
In cycling the journey and sites and towns are the destination. That’s what you look for and you found it. So you never failed. You succeeded the moment you started pedalling. The location for the end of your journey is just the point you finish.
Failure is what I did once. I packed the bike in the car to go to a place for a day ride. I left my front thru axle bolt in the garage. And only found out when I got there. Had coffee. Sulked. Went home.
Oh geez. I'm sorry that happened. I'd be so mad at myself for that one. Ugh. I generally do a bike check before I leave the house just to make sure I've got everything. I'm a bit of a worry wart though.
Carry a good paper map of the area and your route, just in case. WRONG TURN. Excellent low budget horror movie about a family of mutant killers in the woods. The studio did well financially with the first one so I think they made 5 or 6 sequels 😃 Keep cycling.
Yes! I have a soft spot for good horror movies. The ones from the 90s and early 2000s are some of my favorites. A paper map is a great idea. I should have probably also downloaded some of the maps with Google maps. Didn't think of that unfortunately.
Nice video dude, tons of great greats around PA, and you can always ditch them and just ride the roads if ya run into of trails! I have content as well, the Pine Creek & GAP in PA are both pretty awesome options
Thats true! I actually really enjoy road riding, just wish I was a little faster on the hills sometimes. I'm sure that will come with my weight loss journey. I'll check out your channel!
Awesome video! I live near Oil Creek state part, been on those trails many times. I hear they are going to replace the bridge in Petroleum Center in 2027 :(.
Ah, I don't know how to feel about that, as I thought it was a really cool part of the ride was coming across that bridge. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Well done storytelling! This is an excellent example of why smartphone apps that are best "fit for purpose" for the type of bike travel intended are recommended. As you noted, in areas without mobile phone service, it is also necessary to make sure that all of the relevant map areas of the route are downloaded for offline use. Some comments on the upcoming visit to the Rock Hill, SC, area: SC will eventually have decent bike trails; for now, there are only scattered local community trails. Interesting to note that while this area is considered to be "flat" that some of the noted trails on apps like Trail-Link have a net elevation gain of +6,000/-6,000 ft for a 50 mile loop, good ebike territory. The Palmetto Trail and its non-road portions are still a work in progress. The sections noted on the usual bike forums and sites contain off-road single-track sections most likely more appropriate for 2.25-inch or wider tires. The Upstate portion, with its clay soils, can be messy during a wet period. The lower state coastal portion is feasible, but it is most likely best done on a fat bike and camping gear suitable for a swamp. I noticed your bicycle has "gravel bike" features, and you might want to check out some of the race routes used by the South East Gravel group: southeastgravel.com Keep the videos coming, and happy trails!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video! I agree. I had a full route planned out for this, and then when I hit that detour it was all out the window. So, I wasn't completely lost per say, but I didn't really know where I was or what roads I was going to end up on. And my bike computer GPS was a little slow to update when it came to an uncharted turn. Hmm. I'll have to be picky on my SC trip from what you're saying. I ride 42's on my checkpoint right now. That clay doesn't sound like fun if its dreary. I guess I'll have to start planning now. Haha. I'll definitely check out that site! Thank you for your insights! Happy riding!
It's only a failure if you didn't at least try (unless there was a good reason). I'm really enjoying your content....love the honesty and transparency. I do like that you're following what I think of as the Duzer genre. Love how it flows. Mat Ryder has done the same (and I think its brilliant. 😊). Your videos are really fun to watch and I really appreciate them. BTW....regarding that apple....for me they are kind of like power pills....I eat one before almost every ride...they're pretty amazing. Geez....sorry...one more comment. Hats off to your wife for following along, helping with navigation and being there for you. Super cool. Thx Mark!!!
Wow! Thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it and am glad you like the style of the video. Mat is definitely a big inspiration for me. I love his content. I'm totally bringing apples on every ride now. Haha. My wife was a godsend for this ride. I used garmins live track function and she was following me on her computer while she worked, texting me when I got off route and helping me when my GPS rerouted me, at least when I managed to get cell service...lol
Somebody from oil City calls you a lunatic, that's the pot calling the kettle black. Lovely little town downstream of the refinery. I think I would have laughed in his face.
Well I've been to oil City many times and nobody smiles there I'll tell you that much. I noticed you were pretty much the only one on the trail that time of year. You did very well. There's nothing worse than a cold rain. Even snow is easier to ride in. It's that transition temperature that's the worst. Well done. That's a long day. Good food!
Really enjoyed your video -- I've been on the Allegheny trail a few times, and not sure if you considered it, but there is an "unimproved" portion that you can take between Emlenton and Foxburg (it look like you hopped out on the road for that part)? This unimproved portion was a little muddy when I did it in August 2023, but definitely rideable with fatter tires -- probably anything 42 above or maybe even 38 mm.
I looked at that on the maps, but after some research found that where it ends in foxburg, it goes through private property. I didn't want to risk it when I did the ride. Honestly, the road between wasn't bad at all. Just some mild rolling hills.
I think being solo almost all of your adventure might have made it harder than it needed to be. I’ve done 180 miles in 15 hours with cold, dark, misty weather & 7000 feet of elevation to overcome, and other similar rides. But in every case - I was with a group. Having friends nearby, sharing the suffering makes a difference IMHO. But props to you for having the stones to take on the challenge. 🙂👍
That's true, though I rarely have people to ride with. I also feel like I slow others down, especially on climbs. I'll say the solo rides don't really bother me but I do love the company when I have someone to ride with. 180 miles in 15 hours sounds rough. I've still yet to do my first century. It was one of my goals for this year but I've sort of run out of good weather at this point of the year. Maybe next year!
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I guess I feel like I failed completing the route, but overall, I consider the ride a success because of how fun it was. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Nice! My bike is the driftless checkpoint. I love it. The wheels I upgraded to are the Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37V. They're awesome. Glad you enjoyed the video!
Well done. You did what you were able to do and knew that the trail would be there next year. I pushed the bike up hills on day 3 of my “Erie to Pittsburgh” ride in 2023 (ruclips.net/video/E4DTnUfaulI/видео.html). I enjoyed seeing the same sights I rode past during that ride. Titusville, Corry, and the same gazebo/picnic shelter along the north branch trail in Spartanburg. Annndddd, just off the north branch trail is where I stealth camped on night 2 of my through-ride. Hope you get to ride it again. If you do, continue on to the GAP/C&O - such a great route as well. Cheers!
Oh cool I'll check out your ride for sure! We actually did Pittsburgh to DC back in May of this year, but I unfortunately didn't record much of it. I put together a little one minute short on my channel from the ride if you wanna check it out!
Oof...August would be so hot and muggy...but definitely next spring. My buddy actually wants to do this ride with me next year so maybe that'll be another video.
I think the one I was looking at was called the Palmetto trail? Not sure. Also may just look at putting together a long road ride loop. I'll be staying in Fort Mill SC in December.
I looked at doing that, but the official route starts there and just runs along lake Erie to where I started for like 15 miles. I decided to cut those miles out due to time constraints. Yeah..this time of year wasn't great for weather unfortunately. Glad you enjoyed the video!
I've never done a review before but I've thought about doing one to show all the upgrades. I'll try to get one in the works. Thank you for the suggestion!
Haha agreed. I'm usually alright in the cold, as a big guy I heat up pretty fast. The rain though...I was not prepared for how cold that would be. I've done other rides where they were calling for rain and have had it completely miss me. I guess I was hoping for that on this ride, but unfortunately that didn't happen. Live and learn!
Great video Mark !! I so enjoyed meeting you and it was an honor and a privilege to share some of the ride with you on your first day. You did not fail !! Rain and cold weather can take you down to a seriously miserable level. You’ll go back and finish that last 40 and I recommend starting in Sligo. That spur is beautiful as is the Armstrong Trail.
It was a pleasure riding with you too! Definitely the highlight of the first day. Thank you for the support! I can't wait to go back and finish.
I am so impressed Mark. Never give up, keep biking and keep challenging yourself. Maybe tackle this trip again during better weather. You got this.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Definitely giving this trip another attempt sometime next year if all goes well.
Thanks for sharing this. Loved the Matt Ryder type camera angles and commentary, great scenery and man I felt your pain in the cold rain. I also agree that long flat trails can be boring, I like some elevation changes, just to break it up. Looking forward to next adventures!
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Mat is definitely an inspiration, he's just so good at all of this.
You didn’t fail. You just learned how to do it better the next time. Touring by bicycle can be challenging even for the most experienced riders. Keep riding and don’t give up on yourself - you are worth it! ❤
Thank you! I appreciate the encouragement, it was a challenging trip. But I loved every second of it. I cannot wait to plan my next big ride. These trips are all I think about lately. Glad you enjoyed the video!
I enjoyed the video ,the temperature, combined with the constant rain just drains your core body temperature and then your soul, your a warrior for trying. Thank you for posting the stunning views along this route.
The cold drained me way faster than I expected. Still bummed I had to stop the trip but it was the right call. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Rain and Low 40's high 30's are the worst weather. It;s worse than below freezing. You did the right thing. Hypothermia is pretty serious in that weather.
It was pretty miserable. I was tempted to keep going but I was worried about the effects the cold was having on me.
Congratulations! And I salute you for your effort!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed watching my adventure!
@@BikingBeyondBoundariesOf course!
Great job! As a fellow "big guy", I know how hard it can be, but you're killing it. I got back into cycling more seriously about 10 years ago and mostly do one day long rides for charity and am thinking about transitioning to multi-day trail/road rides like this. Your videos are a great resource and inspiration.
You totally should! I love multi-day rides. There's something special about having everything you need on your bike and progressing across longer distances. I cannot wait for my next trip.
Enjoyed the ride! I've called upon my wonderful wife to pick me up a few times as well! Thank goodness for her support.
Take care and see you on the next one!
Thank goodness is right. Not ashamed to admit I needed bailed out on this one. Cold weather plus rain is no joke and it was my first time running into that combination.
Glad you enjoyed the video!
Thanks for sharing! The Allegheny River Trail is amazing and I've been exploring it more this year, eventually to go Erie to Pittsburgh. Sucks about the rain, it's never fun to get caught in it! I did the Ohio to Erie 3 years ago and did an 80 mile day mostly in the rain, miserable.
Oof...80 miles in the rain sounds miserable. Ohio to Erie is on my list hopefully for next spring! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
@@BikingBeyondBoundariesyeah the OTET is a great trail, as is Erie Canal from Buffalo to Albany. I've got a 5 day OTET itinerary I'm happy to share, as well as any advice!
Oh awesome! Yeah I'll definitely take you up on that. Advice from someone who's ridden it is always welcome. If you're on Instagram, my info is listed in my channel. Otherwise you could email me at bikingbeyondboundaries@gmail.com
@@BikingBeyondBoundaries sent
Awesome. I'll check it out. Much appreciated!
I love the Allegheny Trail! The views are amazing and the tunnels are pretty cool.
I love it too. The views are amazing. My only complaint is how bumpy it is from all the tree roots. I'd almost rather it be crushed limestone than asphalt. Still an amazing trail.
I would never attempt a ride like that this time of year, so more power to you. But you definitely gave me some ideas for my future riding. It was great to discover your channel as well.
Thank you! The cold doesn't usually bother me much but this trip it really wore on me. Glad you enjoyed it!
Weather turned against you and begs the question, how much winter clothing to bring ?. This time of year in this location, any hint of rain I would have never started, so power to you.
Yeah its always a tough call. In the summer, rain doesn't bother me at all. Once these temps got lower it was brutal. I'm glad I at least tried that last day, but I really wish the weather hadn't fought me like it did.
I live in Erie, PA and go to Franklin to ride the trails several times each summer. It was great to see places I am familiar with including the brewery you ate at. I was really pulling for you to make it. The weather was very poor that last day. Great video.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. That brewery had such good food. I'd totally eat there again.
Thanks for the video. You did great, managing the first day with the wind & hills wasn't nothing. I think most of us would have called it on day three. Thanks again, really enjoyed the scenery (I'm from Nevada) and your commentary. Ride on!
Glad you enjoyed the video! I was a bit down on myself calling it that day but I know I made the right choice. Ride on as well!
I know some of those roads and you did well. At 77 I now ride pedal assist e bikes(no pedal, no go) and it makes the hills manageable.
My father in law swears by his pedal assist bike. He loves it. In my opinion, whatever gets you outside and in nature is what you should ride.
Great video Mark. Even though the leaves have fallen and the last day was miserable, it still made me home sick for western PA. The changes in weather there and the hills are harsh and calling it quits was probably a good idea. I really wish that Erie to PGH trail would be completed in my lifetime but I don’t see it happening. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yeah the hills are just ridiculous at times. Though I'm sure they're nothing compared to our West. I doubt they'll finish the trail connections anytime soon unfortunately. Still a great ride that I wanna try again sometime
Great video! For your first trip I think you did great! I've still only done day rides on local trails. I was looking at gear for rainy days and am probably buying some shoe covers, especially now that it's getting cold out. Looking forward to the next video!
Thanks! It was a challenging trip, but I'm really looking forward to the next one. I definitely need some better gear for rainy days, as what I brought with me didn't cut it. Glad you enjoyed the video!
Great video! Thank you for sharing your route and your journey. Not a fail at all, IMHO.
Thank you! Makes me happy knowing others are enjoying watching my experiences. This ride was a blast.
I'm glad I saw your video. I live in Erie, PA and never heard of the Clear lake Trail. First ride next Spring.
It's a fun route, I hope you enjoy it!
Good effort and well done, enjoyed the watch 👍
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it
No worries you did the best you could.
Glad you made the call to stop the ride and that you had the good support from your wife. No need to be a hero and get hurt. I'm a fellow big man so appreciate your journey. Keep up the good work and the adventures. If you are ever down close to Baltimore I'd like to ride with you.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video. Oh cool, I'm always on the lookout for new rides. Are there any cool routes down your way?
Hey, it's Joe great video, looks like you've made a nemesis out of this trip, one you will have to return and overcome it another day, and that will be RE- MARK- ABLE. (and I don't have a day job quit) Told you I'd subscribe on next video, so here I am. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to riding with you some (warmer) day. 😁
Definitely a nemesis trip now! Can't wait to go back and finish it. This time of year in PA the weather is just bleh. I'm always up for riding with people so let me know!
I'm only ten minutes in but.........brutal!!!! I'm loving this video though.
Hahaha. It was brutal but I had so much fun. I'm glad you're enjoying it so far!
Good job on all your accomplishment this trip. Well done. Thx for videoing and sharing. I'd remove Failed from your title...you did not fail. Every ride is a finish.
I appreciate that, I think I was a bit hard on myself. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
In 2007, on day 28 of a 32-day transcontinental tour from Oregon to New Jersey, my route took me from Meadville, PA to Randolph, NY. I pedaled up PA state route 77 from Meadville to Corry, and I vividly recall the brutality of those quarter-mile and half-mile rollercoaster hills. It was 83 miles of hurt that day, despite the fact that I was in great shape. I grew up just outside of Philadelphia and have ridden all over Pennsylvania. I've pedaled across the U.S. on four different occasions. I can tell you that Pennsylvania is the toughest state I've ever ridden border to border, and I've ridden most of the rest. At any rate, keep pedaling, Brother. Get back out there on the road as soon as you can. You have my respect.
Wow, that's amazing that you've ridden across the country that many times. I'd love to do that, as well as the GDMBR someday. I agree Pennsylvania can be brutal. All around my house (I live just outside of Pittsburgh) its at least 100ft of elevation per mile, and it's what I've kinda just gotten used to at this point. Thank you for all the encouraging words! Much respect to you as well.
I really enjoyed your video. I have ridden the trail from Oil City to Schenley several times. I heard the part you rode the first day was a real bear so I have never tried it. You will like the Sligo trail to the Red Bank trail and then to the Armstrong trail. It's all slightly down hill. The Armstrong trail to Kittanning then Ford city and finally to Schenley is alot like the Allegheny trail from Oil city to Emelenton.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I can't wait to go back and finish those last few trails. I was so bummed about the rain but it just made it unbearable once I was soaked through everything.
As a hunter and cyclist, my two least favorite things are wet and cold.
Separate them and it’s barely tolerable but after a while I’d be over it too. You did a great job pushing as far as you could but as others have said hypothermia isn’t worth the gamble.
But looks like you had gorgeous scenery and good friendship on the ride.
100% agree. The combination of the rain and cold is what really did me in. It was just too much. I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Hopefully my next adventure is a bit better weather.
Husband and I rode Oil city trail in October 2024 and we froze! We were not prepared for such cold temperatures. It is beautiful in the fall.
The cold is no joke! My trip was November 8th and it was around 35-40 degrees when I set out. I agree, I think these trails are the best looking late fall.
Hey all, the deteriorated bridge at Spartansburg is being repaired this spring. Happy trails!
Oh wow that's awesome! It's totally terrifying in it's current state
Ran across this and thought, what the heck it might be interesting, and glad I watched! Two takeaways for me: first, I have a major crush on Denise now❤❤❤. Second, I just retired and have been adrift wondering what to do in this phase of life and your mini-tour has inspired me to ponder how I could try something similar. I ride road, gravel, and recently bought a used mtb to give that a try. Never even thought about touring but I will now. To close, the geeky bicycle tech side of me has to suggest you look to moving to a double or triple crankset for these kinds of rides. It looked like you were in the small cog a lot and you were spinning some high RPMs. Having a greater range of gear ratios would allow you to vary your cadence throughout the day and that will would keep your legs fresher. OK, no more ramblings, thanks for the video man!
So awesome to inspire others! That makes me so happy to hear other people want to get out and explore like this. Seeing others do rides like this is what inspired me, so it's nice to pay it forward. You should definitely plan a trip and give it a go, I'm sure you won't regret it.
I actually have a very wide range in my drivetrain. It's a SRAM AXS EAGLE 1x setup. I prefer 1x over 2x personally. It's a 40T in the front with 11-50T in the rear. Pretty massive range. As for cadence, I average around 77rpm over a long ride. My sweet spot is around 80rpm, and I can do that all day long. I've found cadence seems to be a preference thing, some people prefer low and others prefer high.
Ride on man!
WOW what an ride. I’ve bailed out on ride as well but didn’t feel at all bad about it. I recommend you shouldn’t either. You will live to ride again. Biking the hills in that area has got to be very difficult.
Thank you! It was super fun even though it was hard. My buddy wants to ride it with me next spring so I may end up doing it all over again.
In cycling the journey and sites and towns are the destination. That’s what you look for and you found it. So you never failed. You succeeded the moment you started pedalling. The location for the end of your journey is just the point you finish.
You are right! I was a little down on myself when I had to cut the trip short, but I'm glad I was able to experience the journey.
Failure is what I did once. I packed the bike in the car to go to a place for a day ride. I left my front thru axle bolt in the garage. And only found out when I got there. Had coffee. Sulked. Went home.
Oh geez. I'm sorry that happened. I'd be so mad at myself for that one. Ugh. I generally do a bike check before I leave the house just to make sure I've got everything. I'm a bit of a worry wart though.
Carry a good paper map of the area and your route, just in case. WRONG TURN. Excellent low budget horror movie about a family of mutant killers in the woods. The studio did well financially with the first one so I think they made 5 or 6 sequels 😃 Keep cycling.
Yes! I have a soft spot for good horror movies. The ones from the 90s and early 2000s are some of my favorites. A paper map is a great idea. I should have probably also downloaded some of the maps with Google maps. Didn't think of that unfortunately.
Nice video dude, tons of great greats around PA, and you can always ditch them and just ride the roads if ya run into of trails!
I have content as well, the Pine Creek & GAP in PA are both pretty awesome options
Thats true! I actually really enjoy road riding, just wish I was a little faster on the hills sometimes. I'm sure that will come with my weight loss journey. I'll check out your channel!
@ dude, elevation gain with loaded bikes is freaking rough, you let me know if that gets any easier lol
Awesome video! I live near Oil Creek state part, been on those trails many times. I hear they are going to replace the bridge in Petroleum Center in 2027 :(.
Ah, I don't know how to feel about that, as I thought it was a really cool part of the ride was coming across that bridge. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Well done storytelling!
This is an excellent example of why smartphone apps that are best "fit for purpose" for the type of bike travel intended are recommended. As you noted, in areas without mobile phone service, it is also necessary to make sure that all of the relevant map areas of the route are downloaded for offline use.
Some comments on the upcoming visit to the Rock Hill, SC, area: SC will eventually have decent bike trails; for now, there are only scattered local community trails. Interesting to note that while this area is considered to be "flat" that some of the noted trails on apps like Trail-Link have a net elevation gain of +6,000/-6,000 ft for a 50 mile loop, good ebike territory.
The Palmetto Trail and its non-road portions are still a work in progress. The sections noted on the usual bike forums and sites contain off-road single-track sections most likely more appropriate for 2.25-inch or wider tires. The Upstate portion, with its clay soils, can be messy during a wet period. The lower state coastal portion is feasible, but it is most likely best done on a fat bike and camping gear suitable for a swamp.
I noticed your bicycle has "gravel bike" features, and you might want to check out some of the race routes used by the South East Gravel group:
southeastgravel.com
Keep the videos coming, and happy trails!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video! I agree. I had a full route planned out for this, and then when I hit that detour it was all out the window. So, I wasn't completely lost per say, but I didn't really know where I was or what roads I was going to end up on. And my bike computer GPS was a little slow to update when it came to an uncharted turn.
Hmm. I'll have to be picky on my SC trip from what you're saying. I ride 42's on my checkpoint right now. That clay doesn't sound like fun if its dreary. I guess I'll have to start planning now. Haha.
I'll definitely check out that site! Thank you for your insights! Happy riding!
Well done! Don't feel badly for self preservation.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
It's only a failure if you didn't at least try (unless there was a good reason).
I'm really enjoying your content....love the honesty and transparency. I do like that you're following what I think of as the Duzer genre. Love how it flows. Mat Ryder has done the same (and I think its brilliant. 😊).
Your videos are really fun to watch and I really appreciate them.
BTW....regarding that apple....for me they are kind of like power pills....I eat one before almost every ride...they're pretty amazing.
Geez....sorry...one more comment. Hats off to your wife for following along, helping with navigation and being there for you. Super cool.
Thx Mark!!!
Wow! Thank you so much for the kind words. I really appreciate it and am glad you like the style of the video. Mat is definitely a big inspiration for me. I love his content.
I'm totally bringing apples on every ride now. Haha. My wife was a godsend for this ride. I used garmins live track function and she was following me on her computer while she worked, texting me when I got off route and helping me when my GPS rerouted me, at least when I managed to get cell service...lol
Somebody from oil City calls you a lunatic, that's the pot calling the kettle black. Lovely little town downstream of the refinery. I think I would have laughed in his face.
Haha I just kinda shrugged and continued on my way. In his defense it was pretty cold out lol
Well I've been to oil City many times and nobody smiles there I'll tell you that much. I noticed you were pretty much the only one on the trail that time of year. You did very well. There's nothing worse than a cold rain. Even snow is easier to ride in. It's that transition temperature that's the worst. Well done. That's a long day. Good food!
@stephenmorton8017 thank you! I'm glad I got through it and will definitely be shopping for some better rain gear going forward.
FYI, that hill between Westfield and Mayville is on the St. Lawrence continental divide.
Ah so that's why it was such a big climb. Good to know. Thank you! Admittedly, I didn't do a ton of research before this trip.
Really enjoyed your video -- I've been on the Allegheny trail a few times, and not sure if you considered it, but there is an "unimproved" portion that you can take between Emlenton and Foxburg (it look like you hopped out on the road for that part)? This unimproved portion was a little muddy when I did it in August 2023, but definitely rideable with fatter tires -- probably anything 42 above or maybe even 38 mm.
I looked at that on the maps, but after some research found that where it ends in foxburg, it goes through private property. I didn't want to risk it when I did the ride. Honestly, the road between wasn't bad at all. Just some mild rolling hills.
Your comment, "mister cow" LOL
I think being solo almost all of your adventure might have made it harder than it needed to be. I’ve done 180 miles in 15 hours with cold, dark, misty weather & 7000 feet of elevation to overcome, and other similar rides.
But in every case - I was with a group. Having friends nearby, sharing the suffering makes a difference IMHO. But props to you for having the stones to take on the challenge. 🙂👍
That's true, though I rarely have people to ride with. I also feel like I slow others down, especially on climbs. I'll say the solo rides don't really bother me but I do love the company when I have someone to ride with.
180 miles in 15 hours sounds rough. I've still yet to do my first century. It was one of my goals for this year but I've sort of run out of good weather at this point of the year. Maybe next year!
You definitely needed some castelli shoe covers or the like
I've got some on order now. Massive mistake on my part for this trip.
You need to change the title of your video. You did not fail. I say well done. Get it next time.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I guess I feel like I failed completing the route, but overall, I consider the ride a success because of how fun it was. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
Awesome video! I also have a Trek Checkpoint SL5 (gen 2). Really like your wheels! What wheel build do you have? Thanks
Nice! My bike is the driftless checkpoint. I love it. The wheels I upgraded to are the Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37V. They're awesome. Glad you enjoyed the video!
45-55 degrees. Perfect hypothermia weather.
Haha. I can usually handle those temps fairly well but the rain made it unbearable
Well done. You did what you were able to do and knew that the trail would be there next year. I pushed the bike up hills on day 3 of my “Erie to Pittsburgh” ride in 2023 (ruclips.net/video/E4DTnUfaulI/видео.html). I enjoyed seeing the same sights I rode past during that ride. Titusville, Corry, and the same gazebo/picnic shelter along the north branch trail in Spartanburg. Annndddd, just off the north branch trail is where I stealth camped on night 2 of my through-ride. Hope you get to ride it again. If you do, continue on to the GAP/C&O - such a great route as well. Cheers!
Oh cool I'll check out your ride for sure! We actually did Pittsburgh to DC back in May of this year, but I unfortunately didn't record much of it. I put together a little one minute short on my channel from the ride if you wanna check it out!
Next attempt...June, July, August!
Oof...August would be so hot and muggy...but definitely next spring. My buddy actually wants to do this ride with me next year so maybe that'll be another video.
You remember 'Blue Highways, well, on bikes, its tertiary roads OR STAY HOME!!
Good saying for sure. I felt pretty safe on all the roads from this trip, though there were definitely better routes in could have taken.
What type of bike and tires do you ride
I have a Trek checkpoint driftless that I've upgraded the drivetrain on to a SRAM AXS Eagle. Right now I'm riding Pathfinder pro tires in size 42s
I live in SC. Let me know what trail you are thinking and maybe I can comment on it. There are not many in SC.
I think the one I was looking at was called the Palmetto trail? Not sure. Also may just look at putting together a long road ride loop. I'll be staying in Fort Mill SC in December.
Well i thought you would have started in Erie Pa...fall in pa sucks...
I looked at doing that, but the official route starts there and just runs along lake Erie to where I started for like 15 miles. I decided to cut those miles out due to time constraints.
Yeah..this time of year wasn't great for weather unfortunately. Glad you enjoyed the video!
Could we get a bike review video?
I've never done a review before but I've thought about doing one to show all the upgrades. I'll try to get one in the works. Thank you for the suggestion!
no problem Mark, thank you for the videos keep them coming!
I wonder why you did this bike journey in October. So uncomfortable in every way. Ride on bro
Haha agreed. I'm usually alright in the cold, as a big guy I heat up pretty fast. The rain though...I was not prepared for how cold that would be. I've done other rides where they were calling for rain and have had it completely miss me. I guess I was hoping for that on this ride, but unfortunately that didn't happen. Live and learn!