While I bike year round, I realize that’s not considered “fun” by everyone and biking through a snow-covered GAP in the dead of winter is a bit trying, even for me. And, of course, the are closed during the winter making a complete ride impossible. So taking away winter, what is good and bad about biking the GAP in spring, summer, and fall; is there a “best time of year” to bike the GAP?

SPRING

After three or four months of grey and cold the spring is a release back outside. Biking on the GAP in the spring is exhilarating: breathing the fresh air, watching the brilliantly green leaves emerge from the trees, hearing the bird calls. This is a fantastic time to ride the GAP, plus, you can be through before the crowds and get your best choice of lodgings, restaurants, etc.

Keep in mind, however, that spring can also be very wet. Rain and a crushed gravel trail don’t always mix well and you can end up with an oozy mess. Your best bet for planning a trip in the spring is to watch weather, try to pick a few days that come after a dry period, and maybe plan for a wider tire.

Also keep in mind that some local businesses along the GAP close seasonally and may not reopen until May 1 or later.

After all winter cooped up inside, spring is a great time to bike.

SUMMER

Summer means time off work, plans with friends and family, and long sunny days on the trail. By this time the trail is, hopefully, pretty dried out. Businesses are open and ready to welcome you. You can avoid the crowded trails around Pittsburgh and Ohiopyle by planning your trip midweek. Even weekend riders, however, will have more than enough time and space to enjoy the trail.

For summer bikers, it is important to keep in mind that you can spend several days cycling through 90 degree heat. Take advantage of the long days here and spend some extra time resting off the bike at midday. Cool down, take a hike, and just relax. You’ll get to where you’re going and still have plenty of evening to spare. Of course, you should always make sure you have plenty of water and fruit to resupply your body.

For me, summer is an almost perfect time for biking on the GAP.

FALL

And then comes autumn, when we enjoy the fading temperatures and the changing colors of Western Pennsylvania. Many towns along the GAP hold fall festivals on the weekends in late September/early October; this can be a fun added activity to your bike trip.

If you do plan to spend time on the GAP around the fall holidays (Labor Day, Columbus Day), make sure to reserve your lodgings early. This is the one time of year that really fills up. Midweek rides are a great way to avoid getting shut out of your favorite B&B.

Cooler temperatures mean nice loose clothes for riding, but bring a jacket for the evening and the occasional cool fall day. Rain can become a factor later in the fall, usually after the main season is done however.

Fall means shorter days so be prepared to make sure you can reach your destination each day during daylight; otherwise, be sure to have sufficient lights with you for a late evening arrival.

The great thing about fall bike trips is the chance to grab a little more summer vacation time but also cozy up and prepare for the winter.

So there you have it, my breakdown on the pros and cons about riding the Great Allegheny Passage all year long.

Going into a bike shop you have a lot of choices today. Do you want a road bike? A mountain bike? A comfort bike? What’s the difference between a comfort bike and a hybrid bike? What about a tandem or even a recumbent bike?

The first question should be, “where do you intend to ride and for what purpose?” You might want to ride roads, trails, or singletrack. Maybe you like to race or just ride every so often for fun.

Answering this question puts you on the right track for discovering the kind of bike you want to buy.

I want to ride the trails.

If you are looking for a trail bike, then you want a hybrid or comfort bike. These bike frames have the most upright riding position and tires that can handle some variety of surfaces while still allowing for minimal friction (or slowing).

This type of bike often includes a front basket or rear rack for hauling luggage (or both). Fenders over both wheels help to protect from puddles on the trail. And lights, reflectors, and a bell are often included, as is a kick-stand.

You may also want to try out a “step-through” bike, where the top tube is curved down to allow you to simple step through the frame to be seated. This style is great for trail riders that feel uncomfortable on standard frames and riders that have difficulty raising their leg over the frame. The “step through” style is not recommended for mountain bike trail or fast road rides.

I want to tour.

Some riders like to ride long distances for many days in a row.

Touring bikes offer a more comfortable, wider tire and upright riding position, similar to a trail or hybrid bike. On-road touring bikes have low gears and sturdy frame construction to carry gear. They will be somewhat more aerodynamic than a traditional hybrid bike and you’ll often see a different style of handlebar. Ultimately, any bike can be used for touring with the addition of an easy-to-attach trailer.

I want to ride on roads.

Road bikes tend to have a lower riding position for aerodynamics. They will have “drop bars” or handlebars that drop for a lower body position. Skinny, high-pressure road tires are good for long distance riding, but bad for trails. The more weight you add to skinny tires, the more they will sink into the crushed gravel or muddy surface of trails.

I want to ride on singletrack/mountain bike trails.

Mountain bike frames will be more upright than road frames. Wider mountain and hybrid tires provide a smoother ride than skinny tires, especially on variable ground surfaces. Road style mountain bike tires are more comfortable but might slow you down.

I want to try something a little different.
If you’re in the mood to try something a little less common, consider a tandem or a recumbent bike. A tandem bike allows two (or more) riders to bike on one frame, and this means more power and more distance for (sometimes) less work. Tandems can be configured for road or trail riding, but they’re probably not a great idea for singletrack:)

A recumbent bike is configured to have the rider sit lower to the ground and push the pedals out rather than down. This style of bike is a great alternative for bikers with bad knees or legs, who cannot sit in a traditional biking position. They’re also great for anyone that just want’s to try something unique!