Tag Archives: Cyclo X

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Cyclo X 2025

Team Debo plans a great ride.

Every year- Aaron Shafer – seen above at right- plans a great ride to and through each of the Pittsburgh City Parks. People ride it with different types of bicycles. I always say it is a mountain bike ride and although there are lots of road miles, when you get to the parks- we ride the single track and double track. In my mind, you need a mountain bike but there are some who ride it with narrower knobby tires and some with cross bikes. But whatever you choose, the ride takes you through some interesting places.

It all starts and ends at the Grist House in Millvale.

Starting at 8 AM- it was a spirited start with the A and B group riding out together. The pace was quick as people were anxious to get started and I admired the people who were on cross bikes or narrower tire bikes as we rode the rocky sides of railroad tracks for several miles.

Greg and Shannon Nass- rode narrower tires and handled the terrain like pros.

Typically the A group are the younger riders and very skilled. They ride close to 80 miles and almost 8 thousand vertical feet of climbing. The B group rides between 40 – 50 depending on the mood, and usually around 4 thousand vertical feet. People don’t realize how hilly Pittsburgh is, but for the A and B group- climbing Mt Washington is no joke. Whether you take the tight switchback trails to the top or ride one of the steep roads to the top, you are happy when you get to lunch at the new Shiloh Plate and Pour.

Everybody is happy with some lunch up at the Shiloh Plate and Pour.

After pounding the gravel besides the railroad tracks, riding some very nasty off camber single track in Highland Park, and riding in Frick Park with its technical trails, the climb up Mt Washington is a real test.

Shark- Coach Lou and yours truly taking a breather before the big climb to lunch

We had some carnage this year with the Shark- seen above on the left- getting rear ended by a car, bending his rim and getting his share of road rash. But, in typical mountain bike fashion, he toughed it out and rode back to the Grist House to await the group later in the day.

The Dirt Church banner was flying at the event
The usual cast of characters show up.

After lunch, Aaron and the tough guys took off and we didn’t see them the rest of the day. We were just interested in getting down off the Mount, getting through town, over to the Point, and back on to the Northshore Trail. We checked off Highland Park, Frick Park, Point State Park, Shenley Park, and decided to avoid the Evergreen Trails on Mt. Washington and Riverview. The interesting thing about city park trails is depending on what park you ride, the conditions of the trails vary. From tight singletrack, not well maintained with glass and debris, to the more conditioned Frick Park trails. The tight , off camber trail through Highland Park also took down another rider- me!! I overshot a left hand turn on some slimy rocks and careened to my left into a ravine and had to be helped up by Fred Fisher and Tom Tiernan. I was still clipped in and sat there for a little bit but all was well- save for some stoved fingers. The city park trails are no joke either and I am always glad I have my mountain bike.

The B group at Carnegie Mellon University on the way to Schenley Park.

After a group refresh at the Grist House, we packed it up and headed home. Another Cyclo X in the books but the A group was still out there. How they ride that many miles and vertical on mountain and cross bikes just proves one thing- youth is wasted on the young. I was also proud to think that I was again the oldest rider of the day, and with 71 staring me in the face in November, I wonder how many more grueling climbs up Mt. Washington are left in this body. But then again, like I always say- keep going. Keep riding and keep the fun times alive. Heck- my Garmin says I am 58 so I will go with that. LOL!! But it is good to test yourself, no matter how old, and the stress of a good mountain bike ride is not only good for the body, but good for the soul as well. It keeps me connected and with continued blessings, I can participate in Cyclo X 2026. Thanks Aaron, thanks to all the A riders who inspire, and thanks to our B group who brought our B game to an A ride. Good on ya. Thanks for reading.

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” I can do all this through him who gives me strength” Romans- 4:13

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Cyclo X 2024

Aaron Shafer- Founder of Cyclo X

Well, it was another hot and steamy day last Sunday for the annual ride to and through the City of Pittsburgh’s City Parks. A good turnout as usual even though it was the same day as Peddle Pittsburgh. I tell people all the time that Cyclo X is really a mountain bike ride because even though there is a lot of road riding in between parks, the trails in the parks themselves usually demand a mountain bike for most people. Mere mortals like me. I need the knobby tires as much as possible. The “A” group had people on mountain bikes but a lot of guys on gravel or cross bikes. Their skill is amazing. I ride with the “B ” group because I am a little “long in the tooth” for the “A ” group anymore. Despite the trite saying,………. age and treachery will NOT beat youth and skill. Hat’s off to Aaron for putting together great routes this year for both groups.

The “B” Group.

Just to give you some perspective, Aaron and 7 of his “A” group guys rode 80+ miles with some amazing vertical feet. Strava had it at 11,000 ft. Everything in Pittsburgh is up from the rivers and no matter where you go, there is a steep punchy climb. A real mix of trails, gravel and roads. Our group called it a day after 43 miles and close to 4,000 vertical feet and made our way back to the Grist House for some of their cold, delicious, craft beers. The Hazedelic IPA tasted pretty good in the 90 degree temperatures. But the routes are interesting and vary from year to year. Aaron even put some killer climbs in for the “B” group this year which left me kind of strained as we made our way up Mt. Washington on Sycamore Street. Hard to believe that the Thrift Drug Classic road race climbed this 8 times during the course of the race. Even then, a lot of pro riders dropped out after too many runs at that steep climb. But the lunch at Redbeard’s was a welcome rest. They are always so accommodating to our hot and sweaty group.

Shark and Sean Brady at Redbeard’s

The scenery was terrific as the bright and sunny day showcased all the city parks. It was kind of cool to see all the folks from Peddle Pittsburgh out and about too. It just shows that Pittsburgh has a lot of active folks with many outdoor opportunities. Road cyclists, mountain bikers, gravel riders, all enjoying what the city has to offer.

The send- off from the Grist House
The view from the Emerald Trails on Mt. Washington.

As much as the beautiful day showcased the city and it’s beautiful parks, there were some sights from the seat of a bicycle that made you ponder. Lots of homeless tents on the North Shore bicycle trail and also on the Southside. This is a problem and not really sure how to handle it but hoping that someone smarter than me can help these people out. My friend Pete Hilton, who was on the ride, is on the board of Light of Light Missions that does a great job trying to rehabilitate these folks who often have mental and drug related challenges. If Pittsburgh wants to showcase itself, they need to align as much as they can with organizations like Light of Life and help people in need. People in Pittsburgh are very friendly and helpful. They are the fabric that can solve this problem as well as showcase our city to the world as a caring community and an active outdoor community as well.

Pete Hilton and the Shark

I drove home that day thinking about how many more of the Cyclo X rides I can do. I realize that I am not 30 anymore and my riding strength is relative. But I believe in the importance of staying in shape, riding my bike, and keeping that positive attitude as long as I can. It is events like Cyclo X that keep me in the game. Thanks to Aaron and his hard work organizing this event and thanks to all the riders who came out. Try it next year- you will not be disappointed. Thanks for reading.