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Sunday, August 04, 2002

By Larry Walsh

One size doesn't fit all. That's why the coordinators of That Dam Ride have added a third alternative to the fourth annual overnight ride to Confluence, a river town on the border of Somerset and Fayette counties.

"We wanted to offer something to those who didn't want to pedal all the way from Boston [68 miles] or Connellsville [29 miles]," said Mike Bilcsik, a community organizer for the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area.

So they added the Tour de Confluence, a leisurely trip through the aptly-named town where the Casselman River and Laurel Hill Creek flow into the Youghiogheny River.

The Tour de Confluence also will include two short sections of the Great Allegheny Passage. The first runs along the Casselman River between Confluence and Fort Hill. The second parallels the Youghiogheny River between the town and the Ramcat Trailhead, about 2 miles downstream of Confluence.

I accepted Bilcsik's invitation to lead the Tour de Confluence. My thanks to Linda Holliday, Bill Metzger and Irene Koontz for providing historical information about the town to share with Tour de Confluence participants. The cost of the ride is $29 and includes a T-shirt.

Bilcsik said now is the time for the riders from Boston or Connellsville to get ready for their respective trips.

"It's not really not that long a ride," Bilcsik said. "If recreational riders get out for one or two short 6-mile rides and one 20-mile ride each week, they'll be fine. That will start to build endurance. And drink a lot of water, much more than you think you'll need, especially in this hot and humid weather."

The Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area, which coordinates the ride and sponsors it in conjunction with the Mon Yough Trail Council, does everything for the riders but pedal.

They deliver overnight gear to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground at the base of the dam in Confluence or to a nearby bed and breakfast, guest house or private home.

If you need a tent for the campground, Boy Scout Troop 15 will supply one for a small donation. Call, 412-462-0269. For a list of B&Bs and guest houses call, 814-395-3259 or 814-395-3082.

"Camping is recommended because it is a great time to socialize," Bilcsik said.

Rest stops with water, energy drinks and snacks will be set up at Cedar Creek Park, Connellsville and Ohiopyle Saturday, and Connellsville and Cedar Creek Park Sunday.

The Trinity Lutheran Church once again will provide a spaghetti dinner Saturday evening, complete with salad, soft drinks and dessert.

The dinner, rest stop snacks and drinks and camping are included in the $49 per person cost if your check -- made out to That Dam Ride -- arrives by Aug. 8. Send your check to That Dam Ride, 100 Redoak Lane, Munhall, Pa., 15120. The cost increases to $59 per person from Aug. 9 to Aug. 23.

The Trinity Lutheran Church will offer a full, pay-your-own breakfast Sunday morning. Breakfast also will be available at Sisters' Cafe in Confluence.

The National Park Service will provide entertainment Saturday evening. There will be drawings for prizes and an event T-shirt. Bilcsik said massages will be provided for a small donation.

Proceeds from the ride will benefit the Mon-Yough Trail Council, Trips for Kids of Southwestern Pennsylvania and several non-profit organizations that provide volunteer support and services for the ride.

For more information call, 412-462-5328, or visit http://www.thatdamride.org or e-mail info@thatdamride.org.

Golden Triangle Bike Rentals will play host to the following Monday rides:

Tomorrow: 10 a.m. Ernst Trail, Meadville, 10 miles round trip; and Pymatuming Lake Trail, 6 miles round trip

Aug. 12: To be announced.

Aug. 19: 10 a.m., Three Rivers Heritage Trail -- Herrs Island -- 8 miles round trip.

Aug. 26: 10:30 a.m. Ghost Town Trail -- 32 miles round trip.

For more information call, 412-600-0675.

Twilight Trek

The annual Twilight Trek, an unusual 12-mile ride in and around Johnstown sponsored by Habitat for Humanity of Cambria County, will be held at 8 a.m. Aug. 24.

The route includes a trip on Johnstown's famous Inclined Plane and about 1 mile of rail-trail lit only by luminaria.

"It's such a fun trip to at night to whiz through red lights as volunteers block traffic for bicyclists," said Brad Clemenson, a longtime rail-trail advocate. He said the trek has become increasingly popular with out-of-town bicycle groups.

For more information call, 814-539-2884

Larry Walsh can be reached at 412-263-1488. His e-mail address is lwalsh@post-gazette.com.