GAP weather
- + Can a local, or someone familiar enough with the area please tell me what to expect along the GAP the first half of July.
Discussion started 06/10/2013 10:42 PM by Paul A - 7 replies (last reply by Paul A at 06/13/2013 03:48 PM)Paul A on 06/10/2013 10:42 PM
Can a local, or someone familiar enough with the area please tell me what to expect along the GAP the first half of July.
lenny on 06/11/2013 04:06 AM
Usually hard packed by July,flowers in bloom. Be prepared for bugs,and some humidity. Other wise a great time to ride the GAP. I have done 2 of my 3 rides in July. Oh yes, the rain storms can be fierce!
Anonymous on 06/11/2013 09:27 AM
Whatever bike you use, make sure you have fenders. The mud/dust will be greatly reduced on you and your bike if you have them. Enjoy.
Paul A on 06/11/2013 10:15 AM
Actually, I'll be hiking from Connellsville to Cumberland. Wondering what day time temperatures to expect so I can dress for it and night time temperatures so I know which sleeping bag to bring.
Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.
lenny on 06/12/2013 04:23 AM
I rode the path 3 times in early July 2010 the heat was stifling, 2011 was much more comfortable. But both years we encountered a major all day shower.Last year, well we should have stayed home, I think it was a tornado.
Anonymous on 06/13/2013 12:49 AM
Thanks Lenny
I guess I'll carry full rain gear to wear over my shorts and wicking tee shirt
lenny on 06/13/2013 04:11 AM
I have only donned rain gear one time on a ride. The reason I no longer do it is that I still gpt wet and it was uncomfortable. If it is that bad I seek shelter.
Paul A on 06/13/2013 03:48 PM
For me, while hiking, the idea is to stay warm, not dry. The spring I hiked the C+O it rained every day except one. I think it was 2011. But I was able to stay comfortable even though I was often soaked to the bone.
But enough of all this talk about rain :)
Lock #21 (Swain's Lock) in Potomac
- + The email above should read "there is NO water at swain's lock" not "there is now water at Swain's lock."
Discussion started 06/11/2013 08:43 PM by Mark Bottinick - 0 repliesMark Bottinick from Silver Spring on 06/11/2013 08:43 PM
The email above should read "there is NO water at swain's lock" not "there is now water at Swain's lock."
GAP & C&O Apps
- + Does anyone know the name(s) of the smart phone apps for the GAP and C&O trails???
Discussion started 05/16/2013 01:31 PM by Matt C - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 06/10/2013 12:27 PM)Matt C from Ambler, Pa. on 05/16/2013 01:31 PM
Does anyone know the name(s) of the smart phone apps for the GAP and C&O trails???
Naismith from Florida on 05/17/2013 08:08 PM
On the iPhone, I have the "GAP App" (free) and "C & O Companion" (modestly priced at $2.99). The EveryTrail App, which I had used in other places, also has free guides to the C & O. Haven't had a chance to use them yet:)
Anonymous on 06/10/2013 12:27 PM
Thank you for the app links
bike selection
- + I am going to ride from Cleveland to DC via the GAP and C&O. I have a vintage touring bike with 27 x 1 1/4" tires or a mountain bike that could be outfitted with racks. I would be tempted to take th...
Discussion started 06/06/2013 08:54 AM by amo - 3 replies (last reply by Mike at 06/10/2013 09:51 AM)amo from Cleveland on 06/06/2013 08:54 AM
I am going to ride from Cleveland to DC via the GAP and C&O. I have a vintage touring bike with 27 x 1 1/4" tires or a mountain bike that could be outfitted with racks. I would be tempted to take the touring bike as it is very comfortable and has both front and rear racks, plus fenders. I purchased butterfly handle bars and an stem extender for the mtb, however the rear rack would have to be put on with p-clamps and hence would be less stable. Thoughts?
lenny on 06/06/2013 08:24 PM
Go with the tour bike. How are you getting to PGH. from Cleveland?
amo from Cleveland on 06/09/2013 12:09 PM
I was planning on going down towards Akron then heading East passing through Columbiana.
Mike on 06/10/2013 09:51 AM
Personally, I'd go with a Mountain Bike. The C&O is not a rail trail per se. It is hard packed dirt with rock that has some sharp edges. Lots of tree roots also.
Either way, be sure to carry some spare inner tubes. Enjoy your trip!
Hotels in DC
- + What are some bike friendly hotels in the DC area?
Discussion started 06/07/2013 02:42 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous from stockton, ca on 06/07/2013 02:42 PM
What are some bike friendly hotels in the DC area?
Mileage Advice on the C&O
- + My husband and I will be riding from Pitts to DC in September. We are regular bikers in our 50's, laset year we rode 375 miles on the Camino de Santiago in Spain that included paved roads and dirt pa...
Discussion started 06/06/2013 02:40 PM by judy - 5 replies (last reply by JJB at 06/07/2013 04:56 AM)judy from Austin, TX on 06/06/2013 02:40 PM
My husband and I will be riding from Pitts to DC in September. We are regular bikers in our 50's, laset year we rode 375 miles on the Camino de Santiago in Spain that included paved roads and dirt path and lots of hills. Our bike trips are vacations, so we usually take a day off from riding every 4th day and allow plenty of time to cover the full distance. I've read many of the posts and would like to get some feedback on what you experts think are the toughest sections of the C&O so we can break up our mileage days appropriately. Thanks!
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 06/06/2013 03:47 PM
Hi Judy! No expert here but I am always willing to try to help folks out when I can. One question for you. Are you camping or staying at a B&B or hotel? How many miles do you think you will do in a day? I ask because there are some some towns that have more to do in them than others. Hancock vs. Paw Paw for example. This may influence your decision of where to stop and stay. (I hope that made sense...lol).
Anonymous on 06/06/2013 05:22 PM
We are trying to avoid camping. Thinking of averaging about 30 miles a day. We know we will have to do 45 miles from Cumberland to Little Orleans since no place to stay in Paw Paw. We have relatives in Cumberland so we will be staying over an extra day there for sure. And when we take other leisure days we will want them to be in places of interest and with a decent restaurant.
judy from austin, Tx on 06/06/2013 06:00 PM
I should correct that...really a decent place to sleep would be considerably more of a priority than restaurants. We're not food snob bikers. I guess I should clarify my question...if we were going to have a couple of higher mileage days, are there sections of the towpath that would be better (or worse) for high mileage?
lenny on 06/06/2013 08:22 PM
All 185 miles are hard to tell apart on the C&O, that is the condition and surface. I would try to get in touch with the proprietor of the Liberty Gas station in Paw Paw, she told me last fall her partner and her where opening a few rooms across the street.
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 06/07/2013 04:56 AM
I know we have had to literally hose off our bikes and ourselves at Hancock, Paw Paw and Cumberland. It seems like we always hit rain around the Hancock area. Rain equals mud and mud puddles and that will slow you down. One of our considerations for mileage was finding a B&B that had a washer & dryer. We do laundry every 3rd day.
Third Base Tavern in Williamsport
- + A must stop! Tell them you're a trail virgin and you get a shot of "Rocket Fuel" and a chance to sign your name on the ceiling. Be poetic and wax eloquent. Enjoy!
Discussion started 06/06/2013 07:29 PM by Jack - 0 repliesJack from Milwaukee on 06/06/2013 07:29 PM
A must stop! Tell them you're a trail virgin and you get a shot of "Rocket Fuel" and a chance to sign your name on the ceiling. Be poetic and wax eloquent. Enjoy!
Byers Market in Williamsport
- + This place is CLOSED! It is now a consignment store.
Discussion started 06/06/2013 07:22 PM by Swagman - 0 repliesSwagman from LaGrange, GA on 06/06/2013 07:22 PM
This place is CLOSED! It is now a consignment store.
The Town's Inn in Harpers Ferry
- + Very quaint and charming place, however, I am sorry to report it has a bed bug infestation as of spring 2012. Best seek lodging else ware.
Discussion started 01/11/2013 10:52 AM by Swagman - 2 replies (last reply by Roy at 06/05/2013 03:11 PM)Swagman from LaGrange, GA on 01/11/2013 10:52 AM
Very quaint and charming place, however, I am sorry to report it has a bed bug infestation as of spring 2012. Best seek lodging else ware.
karen cooper from cotati ca on 06/05/2013 11:16 AM
oh crap, I just made a reservation here...she has remodeled the Heritage House so I hope the new beds are free of bugs....ughhh, can you actually see the bugs?
how did you deal with this?
i wonder if I need to cancel, we are not going there until Sept and I had a lengthy chat with the owner who seems very nice and accomadating
Roy from Middletown, OH on 06/05/2013 03:11 PM
Stayed at the Tea Horse Hostel in Harper's Ferry June 2012...was a hostel after all but very friendly, talkative group night I stayed. Beds clean w/mattresses covered in plastic, very friendly owner.
biking vs hiking
- + We are thinking about an endurance hike and the C%O Trail. Many of the comments discuss biking. Has anyone hiked the trail? If so, what can you share about it? Thanks.
Discussion started 12/30/2012 03:57 AM by Teri - 5 replies (last reply by Paul A at 06/05/2013 01:10 AM)Teri from Chico, CA on 12/30/2012 03:57 AM
We are thinking about an endurance hike and the C%O Trail. Many of the comments discuss biking. Has anyone hiked the trail? If so, what can you share about it? Thanks.
John on 01/09/2013 03:47 PM
The C&O Canal is 184.5 miles long. Fortunately it's all flat. If you can hike 20 miles a day it will take you a little over 9 days. For your personal safety and peace and quiet don't camp near major road crossings or just outside a town. Best of luck to you! :)
Stillriding from Pittsburgh, PA. on 01/09/2013 09:43 PM
Hi John, in your commented you mentioned about personal safety on camping near major roads and towns on the C&O. I am going to be camping on the hiker biker campsites when I go early this year. Do you know of any problems that have occurred at any of the sites? Because I will be going by myself, just want a heads up. Thanks.
Paul A on 01/16/2013 11:38 PM
I thru hiked the C+O from DC to Cumberland in the spring of '11. I camped along the trail every night except 1 with no problems. BRING EARPLUGS, I wish I had as there is a lot of train noise during the nights. Resupply along the way was easy and water was available at the hiker/biker campsites once they put the handles on the water pumps the beginning of April. I was out for a relaxing hike and stopped to read every sign along the way and went into most of the towns that are along the trail. If you need a place to stay in Cumberland go to the bicycle shop right by the trail and ask about a B+B run by trail angle Mary.
Anonymous on 04/04/2013 05:24 PM
hiking on flat suface! why dont you try the appalachian trail over 2000 ml. of real hiking.look it up, and good luck
Paul A on 06/05/2013 01:10 AM
"hiking on flat suface! why dont you try the appalachian trail over 2000 ml. of real hiking"
I've been hiking the AT in sections. Made it just into Maine last year. Hiking the C+O trail is a whole different experience but pleasurable just the same.
C&) Trip
- + What's a realist distance to ride per day when planning on doing say the GAP trail?
Discussion started 05/29/2013 08:35 AM by Tim Manwaring - 6 replies (last reply by lenny at 06/04/2013 08:34 PM)Tim Manwaring from Richmond,Va. on 05/29/2013 08:35 AM
What's a realist distance to ride per day when planning on doing say the GAP trail?
Anonymous on 05/29/2013 09:41 AM
Tim, thats a tough one.It depends a bit on your fitness level and age. I rode with people doing 35 miles a day and another doing 100. At nearly 60 and a fully loaded bike, I found 50 or so just about right. It gave me time to get woke up, eat breakfast, break camp, take a few breaks throuhout the day and have plenty of time to finish the day without being overly tired. good luck.
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 05/29/2013 05:23 PM
We have done this as our vacation. In other words we were in no hurry. We do our rides in July with loaded bikes. We take lots of breaks for sight-seeing, taking pictures and water breaks. We often strike up conversations with other cyclists. We shoot for about 40 miles a day but this is based on B&Bs. We have done as little as 28 miles and as many as 62 miles a day. As I said we are on vacation so we are not up super early and we stop around 5:00PM. This gives us time to clean up and get something to eat. You will be able to cover more distance in a given amount of time on the GAP than you can on the C&O.
lenny on 05/30/2013 04:14 AM
I like to do the entire trail Pgh. to DC in 5 days. As you can see I do Over 60 miles/day. About 6 hrs. saddle time/day. I stay in hotels so there is no camp set up, or clean up. Other wise it is a non supported ride.
DSD on 06/04/2013 02:27 PM
Lenny,Your hotels pet friendly on your 5 day rides? If not, do you know any along the way?
Naismith from Florida on 06/04/2013 07:20 PM
The Red Roof Inn in Williamsport loos pet friendly (no extra charge) but the route to the hotel might not be pet friendly if you companion is running along.
lenny on 06/04/2013 08:34 PM
Do not take pets, to much stress for both rider and driver.
- + Rode a few miles on the North Bend Trail today.I Don't recommend it if you have to go more than a few miles to get to it. How about your thoughts JJB? Don't you live nearby?
Discussion started 06/02/2013 07:38 PM by lenny - 1 reply (last reply by JJB at 06/03/2013 05:30 PM)lenny on 06/02/2013 07:38 PM
Rode a few miles on the North Bend Trail today.I Don't recommend it if you have to go more than a few miles to get to it. How about your thoughts JJB? Don't you live nearby?
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 06/03/2013 05:30 PM
Yep, I have to agree with you Lenny, it is not the best trail out there. We have gone to North Bend State Park two or three times and hove rode in both directions from the park. We have not been there for four or five years. My biggest complaint is the condition the trail surface is in. When we rode it, it was torn up from horses. Made it almost unbearable to ride on. If memory serves there wasn't a lot of great scenery. I think the tunnels were neat to ride through. I have heard that the East end of the trail, Wolf Summit, may be a little shady, but I have not been there myself.
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C&O Bicycle Shop Going Strong
- + Glad that this place did not go up in smoke with the store across the street went up in flames last winter. Stop in, say hello and buy something!
Discussion started 05/30/2013 12:31 PM by Jack - 0 repliesJack from Milwaukee, WI on 05/30/2013 12:31 PM
Glad that this place did not go up in smoke with the store across the street went up in flames last winter. Stop in, say hello and buy something!
Kerrigans Corner Deli IS STILL CLOSED!
- + Store still closed as of May 2013. Needs to be removed from site. Place is a mess, no hope!
Discussion started 05/30/2013 12:28 PM by Jack - 0 repliesJack from Milwaukee, WI on 05/30/2013 12:28 PM
Store still closed as of May 2013. Needs to be removed from site. Place is a mess, no hope!
Myersdale Hostel
- + Hey all,
For those of you hoping to stay at the Myersdale Hostel i just called and it is closed for renovations. i was given an alternate number for a place to stay. hang tight i will sahre det...
Discussion started 05/30/2013 11:42 AM by Matt - 0 repliesMatt from Altoona on 05/30/2013 11:42 AM
Hey all,
For those of you hoping to stay at the Myersdale Hostel i just called and it is closed for renovations. i was given an alternate number for a place to stay. hang tight i will sahre details as I get them. matt
tires for C & O
- + Hey there, I completed the GAP last year and rode a 26 in "city slick" tire with no knobbies. I am planning on a 3 day GAP & C/O ride in mid June. Any suggestions on a trail tire for the C/O portion? ...
Discussion started 05/24/2013 01:05 PM by Matt - 4 replies (last reply by Matt at 05/30/2013 10:57 AM)Matt from Altoona pa on 05/24/2013 01:05 PM
Hey there, I completed the GAP last year and rode a 26 in "city slick" tire with no knobbies. I am planning on a 3 day GAP & C/O ride in mid June. Any suggestions on a trail tire for the C/O portion? i will have very little weight and no trailer this time...
Hondo from Wva on 05/28/2013 07:26 AM
If your tires are still in good shape you could just put tire liners in the ones you have.Thats what I use.When those tires wear out you can then put the same liners in your next set.
Matt from Altoona Pa on 05/28/2013 11:40 AM
from a traction standpoint, "slicks" are ok?
Matt
Hondo from Wva on 05/28/2013 12:24 PM
Honestly I think you will be better off to use a different tire with tread.The liners will help prevent a puncture but if the Towpath is wet you might slip and slide a bit with slicks.
Matt from Altoona on 05/30/2013 10:57 AM
thanks
School House Kitchen
- + Nice simple little restaurant near Marker 161 on the Towpath which is Old Town.If heading towards DC just turn left on the pavement at the lockhouse then a right.Its the old school.You cant miss it. G...
Discussion started 05/28/2013 07:44 AM by Hondo - 0 repliesHondo from Wva on 05/28/2013 07:44 AM
Nice simple little restaurant near Marker 161 on the Towpath which is Old Town.If heading towards DC just turn left on the pavement at the lockhouse then a right.Its the old school.You cant miss it. Good food.Friendly.