An inaugural bicycle ride linking Washington, D.C., and Downtown will end with -- what else -- fireworks on Oct. 4.

The Zambelli fireworks show will mark the launch of the city's two-month 250th anniversary party.

Details of commemorative programming will be unveiled at a news conference today on the Gateway Clipper Fleet's "Majestic" river boat.

Scheduled speakers include Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and James Rohr, chairman of Pittsburgh 250, the umbrella organization for the regional celebration.

Completion this fall of the Pittsburgh-McKeesport portion of the Great Allegheny Passage, the 132-mile-long biking and hiking trail linking the city and Cumberland, Md., is one of the signature projects of Pittsburgh 250. The Great Allegheny Passage connects to the C&O Canal Trail, which runs from Cumberland to Washington.

Cyclists who will leave Washington on Sept. 27 are scheduled to arrive at McKeesport on Oct. 4 and travel on to Pittsburgh for the grand reopening of Point State Park.