CONNOQUENESSING — Gavin Mulkern of Connoquenessing is getting ready to ride bikes with his grandfather.

This isn't just a pedaling around the block, however.

Mulkern, 14, and Bob Mulkern, 78, of Shaler Township are riding their bikes together from Washington D.C. to Pittsburgh, a 335-mile tour comprising 500 bicyclists.

The ride is the sixth annual Greenway Sojourn and takes place June 23-30.

"Gavin and I went on a sojourn ride two years ago, from Erie to Franklin," Mr. Mulkern said. "That one was a little over 100 miles.

"Once you go on a ride like that, you get on a list. That's how we found out about this one."

The Greenway Sojourn takes place on the longest multi-purpose trail in the country. After 20 years of trail building, the Great Allegheny Passage in southwestern Pennsylvania and western Maryland is now connected to the C&O Canal Towpath in the Chesapeake & Ohio National Historic Park.

Bicyclists will bring their bikes to Station Square in Pittsburgh. Parking will be provided for the riders' cars there as the bicycles and riders will be transported to Washington D.C. via truck and shuttle bus.

The ride goes for 45 miles each day with breaks taken at designated camping areas. Baggage will be transported on trucks from one stop to the next.

"All we take with us on the bikes are drinking water and a snack or two," Bob Mulkern said. "You provide your own tent and camping equipment for the truck."

The riders will have 22 meals prepared for them during the week-long journey.

The ride will continue as scheduled, rain or shine. It will only be delayed by lightning. Ambulances and medical personnel will be available for riders who need them.

"I'm doing this for the fun of it," Gavin said. "I know we're gonna make it."

While Gavin has been preparing for the sojourn by riding his bike after school every day, his grandfather has been biking three days a week, for 90 minutes to two hours at a time.

"I haven't pushed it," Mulkern said. "I'll ride maybe 35 miles during that time frame. I like to go at a steady pace, probably a bit slower than most riders.

"Gavin will want to go a little faster than me, I'm sure," he added, laughing.

He may want to, but he won't.

"I'll stay with him the whole time," Gavin said. "I think it's pretty amazing that he's even doing this. Most people his age just sit home and watch soap operas on TV. He's always been pretty active."

Mulkern began bicycling when he was around 45 years old. He has four children and they found a bike on a neighborhood scrap pile.

They fixed the bike up and presented it to their father.

"They didn't think I was getting enough exercise," Mulkern said. "Once I got on the bike, I realized they were right. Now I really enjoy it."

Mulhern is a member of the Western Pennsylvania Wheelmen bicycling club and has done a few long rides with that organization.

He's never done a ride approaching 335 miles, however.

"I'm really looking forward to this," he said. "Because I don't live up here near my grandson, he and I don't get to do much riding together.

"Meals will be provided for us. There will be nightly entertainment provided at various stops. It's going to be a fun experience."

While the sojourn is not a race, some riders will pedal on ahead of others and travel at a brisk pace.

The Mulkern duo will not be among them.

"I'll just be happy to get there," Bob Mulkern said, smiling.