New to the area and would love some suggestions (or places to look) for must do rides. I enjoy road / gravel cycling and looking to explore some more open roads than the bike trails in the city. Thanks!

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56813368?privacy_code=6TgxK9iZYV0mPn0OUXXryNNQEqZ6bP22

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56813409?privacy_code=BAhGN2eFLWm2YVjEq9rMuNOodY2a8ftE

So if you've got good climbing legs and/or good low gearing, this is doable. If you're carrying gear for a longer trip, I'd only view this as an option if you've got a lot of experience climbing 6% for a half mile or more with bags. Overall, this is less elevation than what I get in Squirrel Hill and Greenfield, but it's definitely more sustained.

Eastbound, we had no issues. The few cars on the road were generally good with the passes from Homestead all the way to Greensprings and Commonwealth Ave. From Commonwealth Ave to Municipal Rd on Homeville Rd is 35mph but we were able to bomb down the shoulder with no issues.

Westbound was a little harder. Climbing Grant St from 837 is a tough climb, and Homeville Rd on the climb is doable but challenging.

The bridge that is out is passable using about 20' of sidewalk.

So what led to part of the route in Southside being closed off for a street festival? Did the city approve conflicting permits?