9th Annual Greenway Sojourn is this July!

Join us this July for the 9th Annual Greenway Sojourn, a five- or six-day heritage tour of Pennsylvania by rail-trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) has hosted the Greenway Sojourn since 2002. Almost 2,500 people, representing every state in the country, have participated in these memorable bicycle rides, experiencing the joys and benefits of rail-trails and the communities that support them.

The 2011 Sojourn will be no exception. This summer, for the first time, we will ride the trails of the northern Laurel Highlands—about 50 miles east of Pittsburgh. Some of these paths follow the route of Pennsylvania's historical Mainline Canal, which is being redeveloped as a trail. If you haven't already, you can register for free at TrailLink.com to check out maps and learn more about the trails we'll ride, including:

• Ghost Town Trail
• West Penn Trail
• Hoodlebug Trail
• Roaring Run Trail
• Westmoreland Heritage Trail

This year, we are offering two ride lengths, both of which start and end in Ebensburg, Pa.: a five-day, 200-mile route, and a six-day option that features an extra day of road and trail riding. Both ride options include an optional kayak/canoe trip. And if you choose the six-day route, you'll learn more about the Mainline Canal project and ride the Path of the Flood and Staple Bend Tunnel Trail, which features a spin through the first railroad tunnel in America!

Also, you'll find plenty to do if you come early or stick around after the Sojourn. Visit the Johnstown Area Heritage Association website for more info on the Johnstown Flood Museum, riding the Inclined Plane, Flight 93 Memorial, Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural masterpiece, Fallingwater, the Iron and Steel Gallery, the Quecreek Mine Rescue and much more.

Read more about the Sojourn, including a day-to-day ride schedule, how to prepare, pricing and registration. The Sojourn is limited to 300 riders this year, so act fast to reserve your spot!