FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 13, 2017
Media Advisory for:
June 18-23, 2017
CONTACT:
Patricia Brooks, Patricia@matchmapmedia.com, 202.351.1757
Nearly 200 Riders Join Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Sojourn, Exploring Legendary Great Allegheny Passage and Montour Trail
Journalists are invited to travel along the path or tour highlights of the trip
WASHINGTON—From June 18-23, participants of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s 2017 Sojourn will set off on a six-day world-class biking adventure along the legendary Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) and the Montour Trail in Pennsylvania.
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s Sojourn Series is designed to celebrate open trails and draw attention to gaps in would-be trail systems that, if completed, could result in economic, health, social and environmental benefits for their local regions. Now in its 16th year, RTC’s Sojourn Series has helped influence the creation and growth of multiple regional trail systems, while bringing direct economic impacts to the regions it visits. The 2014 ride, which brought riders from the Panhandle Trail in West Virginia, to the Montour Trail and then the GAP, contributed more than $211,000 to the region.
Journalists are invited to join sojourners along the journey. Visit RTC’s website to view the complete 2017 Sojourn itinerary.
Specific video and photo opportunities include:
- Sunday, June 18—7:45 a.m.
Riders depart by bus from Robert Morris University Island Sports Center on Neville Island in Pittsburgh. The ride officially begins on the GAP, near the Mason-Dixon Line in Deal, Pennsylvania. - Sunday, June 18—Afternoon
Community welcomes riders arriving at Paul Fuller Playground in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, after an approximate 8-mile ride. - Monday, June 19—Afternoon
Town criers and volunteers welcome riders arriving at Confluence Outflow Campground in Confluence, Pennsylvania, after a 31-mile ride. - Wednesday, June 21—Afternoon
West Newton Lions Club hosts riders arriving at the Lions Club campground in West Newton, Pennsylvania, after the longest ride day of 50-plus miles.
Media interested in attending the tour or meeting the Sojourn along the route can contact patricia@matchmapmedia.com.
The 2017 Pennsylvania Sojourn is sponsored by Fuji Bikes and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. The tour is guided by Wilderness Voyageurs, an outfitter based in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization with more than 160,000 members and supporters, is the nation's largest trails organization dedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
