GAP/C&O Ride
- + A friend and I are planning a GAP/C&O ride for June 20th, expecting to finish on the 25th. As we are both novices, we would appreciate any advice or insights anyone has for us. Also, if anyone near ...
Discussion started 05/16/2013 01:03 PM by Matt - 2 replies (last reply by lenny at 05/19/2013 05:21 AM)Matt from Ambler, Pa. on 05/16/2013 01:03 PM
A friend and I are planning a GAP/C&O ride for June 20th, expecting to finish on the 25th. As we are both novices, we would appreciate any advice or insights anyone has for us. Also, if anyone near Philadelphia is interested in sharing the rental car expense to Pittsburgh, let me know...
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 05/18/2013 08:18 PM
Matt, I would be happy to try to answer any questions you may have but you left your original post / question pretty wide open. Too much info. to try to pass on in a reply. Make sure to read through all of the posts on this site. There is a lot of good info on here.
lenny on 05/19/2013 05:21 AM
JBB is right, specific ?? are easy. But it looks like six days are a good time frame for novices, and June is still relatively cool.
May Trail Conditions
- + I'm contemplating a spur of the moment trip to ride the C&O round trip starting in Cumberland. Two concerns--does rain soften the trail to the extent that you can't make a full day (60 or so miles) on...
Discussion started 05/09/2013 05:05 PM by Greg - 4 replies (last reply by RICH PINKER at 05/16/2013 06:30 AM)Greg from Round Lake Park, IL on 05/09/2013 05:05 PM
I'm contemplating a spur of the moment trip to ride the C&O round trip starting in Cumberland. Two concerns--does rain soften the trail to the extent that you can't make a full day (60 or so miles) on a loaded bike? Or is it firm enough that you just have mud splattering, rather than sinking? Second, I read somewhere that there is a rockslide near Paw Paw that requires either hiking overland, or a detour by paved road. Is that still the case, and is it feasible for an old guy to lug a fully loaded bike up and over the path? Thanks for any info...I'm thinking of doing this early next week.....
lenny on 05/10/2013 04:12 AM
The trail is open. As for rain, the puddles are huge and you and your equipment will be a mess. I have done this a couple of times and always got my mileage in.
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 05/10/2013 07:59 PM
My wife and I, not being in the best shape of our lives....lol, did a 62 mile day on a day that it stormed in the morning. We did it but it was a little tough. I had to stop and clean our cassettes several times, they were so caked with mud. The mud really slowed us down. Paw Paw is open. You can find info. in posts below this one. Also look on C&O Canal Trust, (Google it). Good luck on your ride!
Hondo on 05/10/2013 08:35 PM
Greg, if you are concerned about trail condition and are starting in Cumberland, why not do the GAP instead which has a smoother trail that drains water much better. Just a thought.
RICH PINKER from SALISBURY MD on 05/16/2013 06:30 AM
I RODE THE C&O AFTER A HEAVY RAIN STORM THE TRAIL DOES GET SOFT BUT MANAGEABLE WITH FULL LOADED BIKE.AVERAGED 60 MILES A DAY.TOOK A LITTLE LONGER BUT DID IT AT AGE 60.
Cicadas!
- + Planning our annual C&O and GAP trail trip this year for the first week of June. We're wondering what kind of effect the cicada invasion is going to have on trails and campsites. Anyone have any insig...
Discussion started 05/11/2013 09:11 PM by FinnExene - 2 replies (last reply by Jim at 05/13/2013 01:44 PM)FinnExene from Washington DC on 05/11/2013 09:11 PM
Planning our annual C&O and GAP trail trip this year for the first week of June. We're wondering what kind of effect the cicada invasion is going to have on trails and campsites. Anyone have any insight or experience to share??
Roy from Middletown, OH on 05/12/2013 10:33 AM
The little critters are LOUD during the day but quiet down after dark. Ride with your mouth closed?!
Jim on 05/13/2013 01:44 PM
The cicada is harmless, just noisy, however I'd rather hear them than Rap music :)
Overnight parking Seneca Maryland
- + Does anybody know of safe overnight parking relatively adjacent to the trail in Seneca Maryland? I can't remember what Seneca looks like from when I last biked through. I'm planning to drive there, pa...
Discussion started 05/13/2013 04:52 AM by chris markley - 0 replieschris markley from harrisburg, pa on 05/13/2013 04:52 AM
Does anybody know of safe overnight parking relatively adjacent to the trail in Seneca Maryland? I can't remember what Seneca looks like from when I last biked through. I'm planning to drive there, park there, bike into Georgetown for Memorial Day weekend, then bike back to my car.
Amtrak
- + I was under the opinion that it is possible to take the train w/bike from DC to McKeesport to start riding the GAP & C&O trails back to DC?
Discussion started 05/12/2013 05:59 PM by MSK - 3 replies (last reply by lenny at 05/13/2013 04:29 AM)MSK from Apex, NC on 05/12/2013 05:59 PM
I was under the opinion that it is possible to take the train w/bike from DC to McKeesport to start riding the GAP & C&O trails back to DC?
lenny on 05/12/2013 07:41 PM
Not quite. You have to ride the train all the way to Pittsburgh.
Msk from Apex NC on 05/12/2013 08:37 PM
So then how does one get to the trail head, and which trailhead?
lenny on 05/13/2013 04:29 AM
The station is about six blocks from Point State Park, on Liberty or Penn Ave. Start by Googgling the locations and ceck out the GAP sight. I also have posted on this sight many times the directions, just look back through the posts.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
Amtrak
https://bikecando.com/talk.aspx?tid=449&tonly=1
Meyersdale
- + We just opened an eatery only a few steps from the train in downtown Meyersdale. We offer healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner options. We are currently open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. As the summ...
Discussion started 05/12/2013 09:04 PM by Debbie Adams Yocca - 1 reply (last reply by lenny at 05/13/2013 04:24 AM)Debbie Adams Yocca from Meyersdale on 05/12/2013 09:04 PM
We just opened an eatery only a few steps from the train in downtown Meyersdale. We offer healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner options. We are currently open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. As the summer warms, we will be opening during the week and will even have some overnight rooms. I don't know how to officially be added to this list, but we are here and ready to serve the people!
lenny on 05/13/2013 04:24 AM
Ray, the Webmaster of this sight will be sure to help you. He does a great job with this sight.
C&O Trailheads near Georgetown
- + Are there any trailhead parking areas on the C&O in the first 8 miles of the trail coming out of Georgetown. We'd like to stay out of town, then drive to a trail head and commute into D.C. to bicycle...
Discussion started 05/08/2013 08:44 AM by mqharris - 1 reply (last reply by lenny at 05/08/2013 07:03 PM)mqharris from Cincinnati on 05/08/2013 08:44 AM
Are there any trailhead parking areas on the C&O in the first 8 miles of the trail coming out of Georgetown. We'd like to stay out of town, then drive to a trail head and commute into D.C. to bicycle tour the town.
lenny on 05/08/2013 07:03 PM
Check towns and services on this sight. Bathesda has parking and is 10 miles out.
Shipping bikes home from D.C.
- + I plan on doing a through ride from Pitt to D.C. later this month. Trying to work out the logistics of getting back to Pittsburgh. I think the best solution for me it so ship my bike home from D.C. a...
Discussion started 05/06/2013 11:37 AM by mqharris - 4 replies (last reply by mqharris at 05/08/2013 08:22 AM)mqharris from Cincinnati on 05/06/2013 11:37 AM
I plan on doing a through ride from Pitt to D.C. later this month. Trying to work out the logistics of getting back to Pittsburgh. I think the best solution for me it so ship my bike home from D.C. and take the train back to Pittsburgh. Does anyone know of a shop in D.C. that can take care of boxing and shipping my bike?
Roy from Middletown, Ohio on 05/06/2013 04:33 PM
I tried shipping from DC to home in Ohio last year. The bill was going to be $200. I drove back to DC from Connellsville instead. Do it over & I'd ship to Pittsburgh on Amtrak, they allow boxed bikes to Pitt.
mqharris from Cincinnati on 05/07/2013 11:50 AM
Dealing with a boxed bike in Pittsburg at 1:00 in the morning doesn't sound appealing and I'd still have to get the bike and myself to Homestead. I spoke with someone at City Bikes (2501 Champlain St in D.C.) and they said that they can box up my bike for $50 and then loan me a dolly to transport it to a FedEx store a few hundred feet away. The cost of shipping from DC to Cincinnati is about $100.
Bob Palonder from Perryopolis ,Pa. on 05/08/2013 04:37 AM
Why not just get a one way car rental?
mqharris from Cincinnati on 05/08/2013 08:22 AM
That's an option, but it expensive renting one way and I'd be stuck at 1:00 in the morning with a rental car and have to spend the night, thus the added expense of a hotel room. I thinking shipping it back will work fine.
Type of bike
- + I have a very sturdy road bike. Is the trail crushed enough to support my bike or should I rent a hybrid?
Discussion started 04/09/2013 06:52 PM by Ed - 6 replies (last reply by chris markley at 05/07/2013 07:54 PM)Ed from Greenville, sc on 04/09/2013 06:52 PM
I have a very sturdy road bike. Is the trail crushed enough to support my bike or should I rent a hybrid?
lenny on 04/10/2013 04:18 AM
Which trail? Certainly not the C&O.its to unpredictable. The GAP would be OK if it has been dry, and will stay dry.
Anonymous on 04/10/2013 04:41 AM
Just this past Monday 4/7/13 My husband and I started in Cumberland and did 40 miles on trail, half Gap and half C&O. He had a Diamondback Menona 2010 with front suspension and 700c x 35 tires. I had a Novara Randonee with 700c x 32 tires. He was completely comfortable on either trail. I had a sore butt from my new saddle, but other than that both bikes worked exceptionally well on both surfaces. Wider tires with a little tred on the edges, that is wider than road tires, are suggested though for the C&O since the surface is rougher.
Jim on 04/10/2013 02:38 PM
The C&O Canal Trail is not your typical Rail-Trail. It is hard packed dirt and rough stone with tree roots and mud mixed in at times. Hybrid Tires would work, Mountain Bike Tires would be better. Be sure to pack some spare inner tubes. Lots of opportunities for punctures. Enjoy your ride.
lenny on 04/11/2013 04:20 AM
Hybrid tires work great, I have never used a tire bigger than a 35. The advantage is it is an easier tire to peddle and faster with less drag. I have had a few flats, but only the tube never a tire failure. And most of the tube failures were thorns.
Jim on 04/15/2013 09:11 AM
There are lots of sharp rocks as well, which can lead to punctures. The wise man carries spare inner tubes.
chris markley from harrisburg, pa on 05/07/2013 07:54 PM
I rode solo Pittsburgh to Georgetown last October on a traditional steel-frame touring bike (circa 1976), with 700c x 32mm in front and 700c x 35 in back. Back tire was a Schwalbe Marathon Plus -- tough tire. GAP was great. C&O was rougher going. With leaves down, I had to be very careful about bouncing off of tree roots hidden by the leaves. I wouldn't do it with anything smaller than 32mm, and most road bikes these days won't fit even a 32. See what you can fit in your frame. But if clearance is really tight in back and you bust a spoke, the out-of-true wheel will lock up against the chainstays. So either bring spare spokes and a mini cassette remover, or a kevlar spare spoke, or go with thinner tires that give you safe clearance. It's all dependent on what you are comfortable with in your riding style. I've heard some people have done it with 25mm road tires.
Photography
- + Hi all,
I'm in West Newton, PA, sitting and looking out of the rail car on the GAP. Lots of local riders out for their recreational rides are rolling by. I've been talking with locals all day...<...
Discussion started 05/04/2013 04:38 PM by Betsy - 1 reply (last reply by JJB at 05/06/2013 08:59 PM)Betsy on 05/04/2013 04:38 PM
Hi all,
I'm in West Newton, PA, sitting and looking out of the rail car on the GAP. Lots of local riders out for their recreational rides are rolling by. I've been talking with locals all day...
What I'm interested in now is what C&O and GAP through-trekkers are thinking. If you could have a photo of yourself riding your bike, where on the GAP would you like it to be? Or, if at a standstill, what pose would you like for a photo?
I'm thinking that a portrait taken during the Ride of Your Life could make a tremendous souvenir.
Your thoughts, please!
Betsy
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 05/06/2013 08:59 PM
Hi Betsy. I just looked at your site. I think it is a neat idea. My wife and I do just about everything together and we usually try to get pics. We have them from skydiving, zip-lining, and rafting. Actually the rafting pics were at Ohiopyle on the Yough. We did not know about it but I think they had a sign somewhere on the river(?) It is something we would get. Good luck with it.
Buying Postcards--recommendations?
- + I have grandchildren who love getting paper mail. I am hoping to send a postcard every day of our trip from Brunswick to Pittsburgh. I am sure that I will be able to find postcards in the touristy p...
Discussion started 05/05/2013 09:02 PM by Naismith - 1 reply (last reply by JJB at 05/06/2013 08:45 PM)Naismith from Florida on 05/05/2013 09:02 PM
I have grandchildren who love getting paper mail. I am hoping to send a postcard every day of our trip from Brunswick to Pittsburgh. I am sure that I will be able to find postcards in the touristy places or park bookstores at Harpers Ferry, Cumberland, etc. But what about Hancock, Meyersdale? Any suggestions?
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 05/06/2013 08:45 PM
Although I have never looked for post cards, I am fairly certain that you can get postcards in the train depot at the trail head in Meyersdale. They have a small gift shop & museum in it. You should check their hours of operation. Best bet at Hancock is the new C&O Park visitors center. It is right on the trail. We have bought several books there. Hope this helps.
Advertising?
- + Betsy, I don't think this sight is the appropriate place to announce your business, unless of course I'm wrong and your going to take my picture for free.
Discussion started 05/05/2013 08:19 PM by lenny - 2 replies (last reply by lenny at 05/06/2013 08:11 PM)lenny on 05/05/2013 08:19 PM
Betsy, I don't think this sight is the appropriate place to announce your business, unless of course I'm wrong and your going to take my picture for free.
Betsy on 05/06/2013 07:05 AM
Lenny,
I noticed that my business is not listed in the section on trail amenities on this site. I decided to announce it so that people know that it is available to them. I'm sorry if I offended you or any other forum user.
I will be happy to take your picture for free!
lenny on 05/06/2013 08:11 PM
Bets, I suggest you ask ray the webmaster of this sight, how you can get on the lists. No hard feelings, just asking. Good luck with your venture.
Parking at Pumphouse
- + I'm planning a GAP/C&O trip for June 2013 riding from D.C. to Pittsburgh and have read that many people have left a car for six days or more in Homestead, specifically at the Pumphouse. I'm wondering ...
Discussion started 03/08/2013 11:51 PM by Mike - 8 replies (last reply by mqharris at 05/06/2013 11:34 AM)Mike from Denver on 03/08/2013 11:51 PM
I'm planning a GAP/C&O trip for June 2013 riding from D.C. to Pittsburgh and have read that many people have left a car for six days or more in Homestead, specifically at the Pumphouse. I'm wondering if I need to contact anyone in that area, is there designated parking, or do you just park anywhere and assume no one will bother your car?
BTW: I'm traveling solo and arranged a one way car rental from Wilkinsburg, It's about five miles from Hometsead, to D.C. for $130 for a Nissan Versa from Enterprise Car Rental. I had planned to take Amtrak. My bike would have had to have been boxed, The fee is $10/$15 for the box plus a $5 handling fee. Amtrak wouldn't allow me to bring along my BOB trailer so I didn't book with them. I also looked into charter busses, but they don't transport bikes.
lenny on 03/09/2013 05:37 AM
As I have said in previous posts, I would b parking in the public lots near the major businesses. Simply because of all of the traffic, lights and activity. the pumphouse is remote and off the road, has a gravel lot and there are weekend markets there.
Mike from Denver on 03/09/2013 03:28 PM
Thanks Lenny. I'm not familiar at all with the area. When you write to park near the businesses are you referring to those at The Waterfront? If so, do you contact businesses ahead of time for approval, or do I just show up, find a spot, and park?
lenny on 03/10/2013 04:09 AM
Yes. The lots are vast and I doubt the businesses would notice another car
Doris from Elizabeth on 03/10/2013 06:24 PM
The closest business is a Lowes. There is also giant eagle, target and dicks nearby.
Mike from Denver on 03/11/2013 08:08 PM
Perfect. Thanks the information Lenny and Doris. I appreciate it.
Anonymous on 04/07/2013 08:19 PM
To the person renting a car in wilkensburg there is an enterprise in homestead not far off trail
Betsy on 05/04/2013 04:58 PM
I agree with the parking answers.
Enjoy your through-trek! If you'd enjoy having a fun, fast-moving photo session on the trail, contact Trail Photography Unlimited in the rail car in West Newton, PA. 20-30 minutes won't slow your trip down, and the trail photo experience will be unforgettable. Select photos & purchase from your personal online gallery after your ride!
www.trailphotos.biz
mqharris from Cincinnati on 05/06/2013 11:34 AM
I contacted the people at the pump house. They ask the you donate money or become a member for $25 in order to park in their parking lot. I've looked at aerial and there are acres of open parking lots at this location.
- + I'd like to make forum users aware of a new business in West Newton, PA on the Great Allegheny Passage. Trail Photography Unlimited is a photography business specializing in through-trekkers on the G...
Discussion started 05/04/2013 05:03 PM by Betsy - 1 reply (last reply by Betsy at 05/04/2013 05:05 PM)Betsy on 05/04/2013 05:03 PM
I'd like to make forum users aware of a new business in West Newton, PA on the Great Allegheny Passage. Trail Photography Unlimited is a photography business specializing in through-trekkers on the GAP. Take time out from your ride for a fun, fast-moving, 20-30 minute photo session with your bike and your friends.
Continue your ride, and at your convenience select, crop, and purchase prints, merchandise, and digital downloads from your personal online gallery at www.trailphotos.biz.
Sound interesting to you?
Contact me at 724.263.4114 when you're in the WN area.
Betsy
Betsy on 05/04/2013 05:05 PM
Or contact me while you're planning for your trip! I'm in the rail car next to West Newton Station, but can meet you where you'd like.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
https://bikecando.com/talk.aspx?tid=441&tonly=1
DelFest - Cumberland, MD
- + Just wanted to give everyone a heads up that the Delfest (Bluegrass Festival) is scheduled for the Memorial Day Weekend (5/23 thru 5/26) at Cumberland, Maryland. This is a huge Bluegrass Festival. T...
Discussion started 05/03/2013 09:29 AM by Randy - 0 repliesRandy on 05/03/2013 09:29 AM
Just wanted to give everyone a heads up that the Delfest (Bluegrass Festival) is scheduled for the Memorial Day Weekend (5/23 thru 5/26) at Cumberland, Maryland. This is a huge Bluegrass Festival. This year will feature the Old Crowe Medicine Show and Yonder Mountain who have a huge following.
Expect very large crowds. All Advance Tickets are sold out. Camping and Accomodations in the Cumberland, MD area may be hard to find during this time.
C & O Canal bike path
- + My daughter and I will be in Washington, D.C. in early June and expect to have several days free during which we would like to ride the C & O Canal bike trail. Please let me know whether there is any...
Discussion started 05/02/2013 08:46 PM by Ryan - 0 repliesRyan from Los Angeles on 05/02/2013 08:46 PM
My daughter and I will be in Washington, D.C. in early June and expect to have several days free during which we would like to ride the C & O Canal bike trail. Please let me know whether there is any service that is available to rent us bikes and then take us to, say Harpers Ferry, so we can ride back to D.C.
Thanks.
PAW PAW Tunnel Path - Open!
- + Great news - The Paw Paw Tunnel Path is open!
The C&O Canal Trust secured a $5,000 donation from the Allegheny Trail Alliance (ATA) through Linda McKenna Boxx, president of ATA and an Trust Adv...
Discussion started 04/17/2013 07:57 PM by Randy - 3 replies (last reply by Bob at 05/01/2013 03:13 PM)Randy on 04/17/2013 07:57 PM
Great news - The Paw Paw Tunnel Path is open!
The C&O Canal Trust secured a $5,000 donation from the Allegheny Trail Alliance (ATA) through Linda McKenna Boxx, president of ATA and an Trust Advisory Board member. The donation allowed the Park’s staff to perform geotechnical assessments, clear the towpath, stabilize the remaining rock, and install a rockfall protection fence for the safety of visitors.
lenny on 04/17/2013 08:04 PM
Good ol' Linda. She does most of the heavy lifting for the GAP. We are lucky to have her!
Bill P from Ottawa, KS on 04/21/2013 07:01 AM
Fantastic news, thanks for the update guys. A friend & I are planning on riding the full GAP/CO in early September and had been fearing based on earlier news that this tunnel might remain closed all year.
Bob on 05/01/2013 03:13 PM
Yes, The TRAIL IS OPEN!