Pennsylvania Greenway Sojourn Draws Bicyclists From Across Nation, State—Secretary DiBerardinis Joins Riders and Dedicates 10 New Miles of Allegheny River Trail

Description:
More than 400 riders from 21 states participated in a 200-mile, round-trip bicycle journey July 24-30, 2004. The third annual Pennsylvania Greenway Sojourn, sponsored by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is a six-day, off-road bike tour of Pennsylvania’s scenic and historical regions. Bicyclists ranging in age from 4 to 84 traveled an average of 33 miles a day at a leisurely pace, mostly on rail-trails, to enjoy breathtaking scenery and entertainment.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Michael DiBerardinis joined the riders for 20 miles of the tour, stopping in the village of Saint George to participate in a ribbon cutting to officially dedicate 10 miles of new trail.

With the help of the Allegheny Valley Trails Association (AVTA), a local all-volunteer trail partnership, and funding from DCNR’s Community Conservation and Partnerships grant program, the Allegheny River Trail has grown to reach 25 miles beginning in Franklin and ending at Emlenton. The 10 miles of new trail, which will eventually be a part of a widespread trail system that extends from Erie to Pittsburgh , features two massive tunnels averaging 3,000 feet in length.

“We are excited because people from all walks of life are coming from across the nation to see our incredible network of greenways and trails,” said Tom Sexton RTC Pennsylvania field office director. “Their presence not only boosts the economy for these small cities but it also encourages the city residents to get out and enjoy the trails as well.”

This year’s tour through the Allegheny River Valley began and finished in Spartansburg Pa. Stops along the way include Titusville, Oil City, Franklin, and Foxburg. Riders enjoyed a variety of activities throughout PA Oil Heritage Region such as the Drake Well Museum and the Oil Heritage Festival.

Rails to Trails Conservancy Northeast Office at (717) 238-1717.

Web Site:
http://www.railtrails.org/field/pennsylvania/active_pages/sojourn/recap_04.asp