Everything You Need to Know about UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH 2022

*PedalPGH is back again, live and in-person, for the first time since 2019*

BikePGH’s annual fundraiser ride is the city’s biggest celebration of biking!

Let’s get you ready for the 29th Annual UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH on Sunday August 28th, 2022. We are so excited to host the largest charity bike ride in Pennsylvania once again, with nearly 3,000 participants expected. This year is especially exciting because we’re back, live and in-person, for the first time since 2019 (thanks, Covid). So now we really can’t wait. We’re here to help you prepare for the big event, just keep reading!

The What

PedalPGH welcomes cyclists of all ages and fitness levels to participate, and to make that possible we have FOUR different routes for riders to choose from on event day. Each route is a different length, and each one takes you through iconic Pittsburgh neighborhoods, parks, and bridges. Yes, there really is a ride for everyone!

10 Mile SouthSide Works Local Loop: A family-friendly ride – mostly flat, on trails and protected bike lanes
25 Mile City Tour: Good distance with some climbing to challenge the average rider
40 Mile Grand Tour: More challenging with around 2500 feet of climbing, an opportunity to see most sections of the city
62 Mile BikePGH 20th Anniversary Challenge: Metric century ride for experienced cyclists, with over 4000 feet of climbing!

When you register, you won’t need to choose your route immediately. This is fun, flexible, and zero pressure – simply decide what route you’re riding on event day and make sure to arrive for that route’s rolling start time! Start times are available below and more details will also be available in the online ride guide.

Pro-tip: Come pick up your ride packet in advance of the event date (details below) so you have your bib number in hand and are ready to roll out on event morning!

The Where and When

All PedalPGH routes begin and end at Southside Riverfront Park. From here, participants can choose to embark on any of our 4 routes. Routes will be marked with colorful way-finding signs to guide you around the city and free audio navigation is also available when using the RidewithGPS app.

Rolling start times:
62 Mile BikePGH 20th Anniversary Challenge: 7 AM – 7:45 AM
40 Mile Grand Tour: 8 AM – 8:45 AM
25 Mile City Tour: 9 AM – 9:45 AM
10 Mile SouthSide Works Local Loop: 10 AM – 10:45 AM

Sport your PedalPGH 2022 T-shirt or jersey as you complete your ride. Make sure to wear your bib number on Sunday – the rider bib contains a tear-off ticket to the lunch stop and for a free beer at the finish line festival, plus the Support and Gear Vehicle call number for use on event day. Rest stops will be located on every route except the 10-miler, and SAG vehicle support will be available along all routes. Then, at 12 pm the Finish Line Festival will kick off at Southside Riverfront Park!

The Why

As a fundraiser, UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH makes it possible for BikePGH to continue to transform our streets and communities into vibrant, healthy places by making them safe and accessible for everyone to bike and walk. We’re on pace for registrations to sell out quickly, so sign up today if you want to explore Pittsburgh by bike at the 29th Annual UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH!

The Next Steps

Look out for the UPMC Health Plan Pedal PGH 2022 Digital Ride Guide coming to your email inbox on AUGUST 22nd! Route maps, GPS downloads, final details, parking info and more are ONLY available in the ride guide and will not be circulated to the general public.
Get your bike ready! Do an ABC quick check! Find out how here!
If your bike needs a tune-up or general service, contact a local shop YESTERDAY!
Brush up on your riding skills with all our educational videos and blogs!
Download Ride With GPS onto your phone and/or bike computer and familiarize yourself with the route when it becomes available.

Pick up your packet from the BikePGH Office

All registered riders are encouraged to pick up their ride materials in advance at packet pickup. Packet pickup will be held the Thursday and Friday before the event at the BikePGH offices in Lawrenceville. Your packet will have everything you need to be ready to roll upon arrival at the start line.

Packet Pickup:

Thursday August 25 – 11 am – 7 pm
Friday August 26 – 11 am – 7pm

Location: BikePGH office – 188 43rd St #1, Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Packets are also available to pick up on event morning before your ride:
Sunday August 28 – 6:30 AM – 10 AM
Location: Southside Riverfront Park, Pittsburgh PA 15203

If you have any questions about packet pickup, please contact us at info@bikepgh.org
Make sure you have selected the correct t-shirt and/or jersey size on your registration. There will be no guarantee of size availability for exchanges or switching on-site.

What should I bring on event day?

Your rider bib number & safety pins (if you picked up your packet at packet pickup) – the bib contains a tear-off ticket to the lunch stop and your free beer at the finish line festival, plus the Support and Gear Vehicle call number for use on event day.
ID, credit/debit card and/or cash, and a PRT Connect Card just in case
A phone with your route downloaded on the free Ride with GPS app (or your GPS device of choice)
Your bike & a helmet
Two refillable water bottles (pro-tip: fill your bottle halfway and freeze it overnight, then top up in the morning for cold water that may actually stay cold!)
A multitool, mini-bike pump, plus tire levers, patch kit, and a tube for your tire size and valve type. There will be mechanic support at each rest stop along the route, but please note that our SAG drivers are not mechanics. If you call for a SAG vehicle pickup, they will take you to the nearest rest stop for support. Need to learn how to fix a flat tire? Watch our video!
High SPF Sunscreen (or apply beforehand)
Comfortable gear for riding! Watch the forecast and dress appropriately. Bring a windbreaker or rain shell if necessary- the ride is rain or shine!
A bike lock if you’re planning to leave your bike unattended for any time
Suggested: A face mask or gaiter for any crowded Rest Stops
Riding buddies! Every ride is better with friends, so get some to register if they haven’t already!