There are a ton of great things to do this weekend. But I am most excited about watching the Tour of PA. The Tour of PA is like the Tour de France, a huge professional bike race across the state of PA, part of this is in celebration of Pittsburgh’s 250. There are going to be 3 great opportunities to watch the racers enter the finish line and there are a ton of events to go along with the race.

I am including the race specifics – where to watch the start and finish below. Here is the short version with other activities included. Also check out the Trib’s Spectator Guide -which has lots of helpful info like what each color jersey means (via BikePGH).

• Friday, June 27 – Bedford to Latrobe
  • While you are in Latrobe you might want to take a drive out to Ligonier – the library has an exhibit of Antique Bike Paraphernalia up until July 12, 2008.
• Saturday, June 28 – Ligonier to Pittsburgh
  • Noon – 6pm South Side Celebrates 250
    • Arts Festival, Sidewalk Sales and More
• Sunday, June 29 – Downtown Pittsburgh Criterium
  • Free Bike Valet – Bike PGH will safely watch your bikes while you watch the race.  Park at one of the trail lots and bike downtown for the finish.

Friday, June 27 – Bedford to Latrobe
Start: Bedford, Penn and South Juliana Street
Finish: Latrobe, Ligonier and Alexandria Street
Estimated Finish Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM Followed by Awards Ceremony

Highmark Healthy High Five Finish Line Festival: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Lot on Ligonier Street near Alexandria Street

Saturday, June 28 – Ligonier to Pittsburgh
Start: Ligonier, Market Street just off Route 30
Finish: Pittsburgh Southside, Sidney Street right before Hot Metal Street
Official Start Time: Noon Opening Ceremonies: 11:30 AM
Miles: 91 Kilometers: 146
Estimated Finish Time: 2:55 – 3:30 PM Followed by Awards Ceremony at American Eagle Outfitters HQ on Sidney Street right before Hot Metal Street

Highmark Healthy High Five Finish Line Festival: 2:00PM – 9:00PM
28th and Sidney Street in Pittsburgh Southside

Sunday, June 29 – Downtown Pittsburgh Criterium
Start/Finish Line: Blvd of the Allies and Stanwix Street
Official Start Time: 5 PM, Opening Ceremonies: 4:00 PM
Miles: 50 Kilometers: 80.5 (33 laps on a 1.5 mile/2.4km circuit)
Approximate Finish Time: 6:50 PM, Awards Ceremony to follow

Highmark Healthy High 5 Finish Line Festival: 2:00PM – 9:00PM
Blvd of the Allies and Stanwix Street

More Blog Coverage:

• Giro di Keir – this is the blog of one of the cyclists on Team Race Pro – he writes about arriving in Philly.
  
• Urban Velo