C&O / GAP Forum

OK folks, wanting to bring a little levity to the board for a couple days maybe..

Disclaimer: most riders will find hard luck stories while out on tour somewhat comical (depending on the circumstances of course), most of us have been there at some point..so suck it up and spill the awful details.

Please chime in with tours you've went on where Murphy's Law totally took over.

Did the weather go from bad to worse? Lightning, tornado or worse.

Did you lose you ID or wallet while riding, not to realize it until much later in the day another 60 miles down the road somewhere..

Did your bike give you huge headaches??

Did you lose your route map while in an unfamiliar area??

Did you get to a point where you just had to cut your losses, abandon ship and discontinue your tour??

OK speed I'll bite. My story isn't really that bad. I ride lot over 1,500/m a season. One of the rides is always a summer run Pgh. to DC. I am notorious for getting lots of flats. I run my tires up to the limit, and ride them hard .Needless to say my ride partners rag the daylights out of me about all the flats. I average one flat per day on The Ride. And 1 flat per week in season. Tires.com loves me.

My worst experience happened before my rear end ever even hit the saddle. I loaded my bike onto my car's rear-mount bike rack and headed off to the trail. When I reached the trail, I found a smoldering mass of melted rubber at the bottom of the rear wheel - the tire had been too close to the car exhaust and literally melted. Luckily there was an open bike shop where they chiseled the melted rubber off of the rim and set me up with a new tire. All was good after that!

Not bad so far..thanks guys.

Along the lines of Ray's post, has anyone used a rear mounted rack system on their car and had their bike fall off while in transit?? Did a strap snap or work its way loose? Did the whole rack collapse off the car? That would be pretty bad karma and possibly not something anyone would want to own up to, but who knows..

Also, in a similar vein, were you using a rear rack system for your bike and in transit to your trail ride got rear-ended and the bike or bikes mounted there were destroyed??

I don't really have any hard luck stories, I have been pretty lucky so far....

Did have one interesting incident at Ohiopyle a couple of years back. My kids and some friends went rafting down the Yough. My wife and I rode from Ohiopyle to Confluence and back. We decided to get a bite to eat at the Ohiopyle House Cafe, out on the deck. I had the bikes on the rack and had moved the van up near the visitors center, in the big gravel parking lot. There is only a half dozen cares or so as it was early evening and most people were gone. So we are eating when an old beat up car pulls into the parking lot with two 20 somethings. They get out and stand around their car and casually look at the cars in the lot. After a short time they get in their car and leave. 15 - 20 minutes later they pull back in right next to our van. They hop out of their car and go right for our bikes, a Gary Fisher and a Specialized. They were strapped in the rack and bungee corded together. They started to yank on the bikes when I jumped up and ran to the railing and yelled at them. This got their attention but really startled the other people eating. It took the other folks a second or two to realize what was going on. The two 20 somethings were trying to figure out where to voice was coming from. Right after I yelled at them, another,much larger gentleman got up, stood beside me and started yelling at them too. The boys finally figured out where the voices were coming from and stared at us for a moment or two and hopped back in their beater and tore out of there.

I really don't know what they were thinking. They couldn't have taken the bike(s) in their car. I guess they could have tried to ride it somewhere but they didn't look like they would have made it too far. Maybe it was just something to do. When we finished eating and went back to the van, you could see their handprints on the rims.

I was pretty upset at the time but just laugh know when I think o

Lost the last sentence. Should read -
I was pretty upset at the time but just laugh now when I think about the look on their faces when they realized there was a small crowd of diners watching them try to steal our bikes.

And it was cars, not cares, in the parking lot.

OK, mine happened this year. I started off in Boston Pa. on the GAP and was doing fine until Rockwood Pa.It started raining hard that night and ended up being 2 inches of rain. I was bragging how I had sprayed the tent with silicone so it shouldnt leak. Leaked awful! Tent was full of rain the next morning. I manged to get everything dried out but because of the weather being only 60 with rain all day in the forecast I stayed at camp in Rockwood. The next day I left with my destination being Cumberland. A mile into the ride I noticed my chain jumping a bit. I thought the derailer might need some adjustment so I guessed I could make it to Cumberland then get it tuned up there. Well, 5 miles into the ride the chain breaks. No extra chain,tools. nothing. So I push the bike back to Rockwood 5 miles. The funny part is I had told people along the trail that as long as I didnt break a spoke or chain I would be fine. Turns out I got it fixed quick at the bike shop along the trail and was back on the road the next day.Not fun when its actually happeninig but when its over it makes for a good story. I was lucky enough to film the whole thing, my expressions, ( I edited the cuss words) all of it. I did make it to Harpers Ferry and would do it all again tomorrow.

Doing a trainer next Sat. and Sun. Pitt. to Ohiopyle and back.76 miles each way. My wife is doing The Ride with me this year and wanted to see how 2 long days felt. She has already done 3 60+days in the past, but isn't real confident in her ability. She will be fine . I'll report.

It looks like you are going to have some great weather for your ride. Can I ask what speed will you average on your trip or how long do you think it will take you to do the 76 miles? Good luck to you and your wife!

just over 6 hrs. saddle time , but less going back to Pgh.

Thanks Lenny. Right around 12mph is what my wife and I average on our normal trail rides. A little faster on paved trails and a little slower on wet, unpaved trails. I think on the C&O we were around 8mph in some spots.

his site wouldnt connect for me the last couple days, but today it opened. My computer or the site???

I apologize, the database on the web server ran out of space. I cleaned it up a few hours ago, and all is back to normal now. Sorry about that. Thanks for coming back!

Happy trails!

I noticed that yesterday too.

Figured it was a 'site maintainence' thing..

Hoping to get a few people to chime in about saddle sore and nerve pain in the crotch area.

Anyone here dealing with this? Anyone found any resolution they wish to share?

I have been doing some icing recently and applying baby powder to keep the skin dry and reduce friction prior to heading out on the limited riding schedule I've opted to go with for now.

I will possibly be looking into a more comfort-oriented seat, although the one I have had been working fine for most of the 2 yrs I've been using it. Do seats lose cushioning ability with time and wear?? Anything anyone wants to add in is appreciated..

Seat. do wear out, but good ones last longer.High quality seats are longer live and more comfortable.What is you gender, seats and liner are gender specific. How about a chamious cream it helps.A nd the more you ride the more desensitized the area becomes.

I'm male and the seat is ergonomically designed for males. It has a cut-out/recess down the center where the major nerves run under the surface of the crotch area.

It seems possible the seat cushioning material has packed-down somewhat, over time and with usage, allowing for less of a cushioning effect and more likelihood of the cushioning material compressing enough to be as though you are sitting directly against the solid frame of the seat.

try readjusting your seat. make saure your back and sitting on the sit bones, it may help. I personally like Brooks Saddles.

Yes, I have adjusted the angle of the nose of the seat down slightly, to some small improvement.

I will see if I can find that seat maker you mentioned. Thanks.

check nashbar.com for Brooks Saddles

Yes seats will wear out over time, especially the all Gel seats. I have had a lot of success with Avenir's "Comfort Saddle" seat on my Mountain Bike. The Comfort Saddle has Springs as well as Gel. I can go 50 miles and don't have any issues at all. It is a very comfortable seat! Avenir did a great job with the overall design.

on my first long ride in a while I experienced numbness and the sensation of vibration for a few days after the ride. . however starting last year I've invested in better quality bike shorts and an anti-friction powder called "Anti Monkey Butt",,between that and a new seat I've felt pretty good on longer trips...

I guess we'll find out in August when I do 88 miles (my longest trip yet)...

Comfort seats tend to cause more pain on long bike trips so I would look at a more conventional touring saddle. The biggest thing is to spend the time adjusting the riding position to find your sweet spot. Even something like adjusting the seat a 1/2 inch forward or backward can make a big difference.

I highly recommend from "personal experience" Avenir's: "Passage Comfort Saddle". Approx. price: $28 to $30. I ride between 30 to 50 miles on my bike outings and have no issues. Great design.

How did the milage grid on this site get West Newton so out of place. Some, unfamiliar with the trail may get screwed up.

Lenny, thank you for pointing that out. Looks like a number was off when the mileage grid got calculated. I have fixed it.
Happy trails!

Hello. I'm trying to find low traffic cycling route between Morgantown, WV and Ohiopyle (or any other intersection with the GAP/C&O).

If no one else comments, I can check with a bike store in Morgantown, (Wamsley Cycles),and see if they have any suggestions. Where at in Morgantown would you like to start at?

Well, I'm a bit confused..

Your post title is Ohiopyle to Morgantown and the first respondent replied on the assumption you would be starting from Morgantown, I think..

Anyway, I'll reply as per the title of the topic and start in Ohiopyle. This is just from consulting google maps. You can use 381 south out of Ohiopyle. I believe this shouldn't be too heavily travelled a road to bike on, as this is a pretty rural area.

From there, a right onto US 40 (westbound). Not sure how traffic is or what type of shoulder area/bike lanes there are here..

Then you can turn left onto either Mountain Rd or Fairchance Rd and continue thru a couple junctions/turns along the way staying on a general Southwesterly track.

This takes you into Point Marion where you can pick up the Monongahela River Trail North, which takes you, minus any car traffic, the rest of the way to Morgantown.

Total trip time should be around about 5 hrs..

Consult further with google maps to determine your own actual route and street views see what these roads look like in photo and to determine your comfort with the shoulder space available on any of the above mentioned roads of travel.

You are right speedster. When I read "between Morgantown, WV and Ohiopyle" I assumed from Morgantown to Ohiopyle. If you are coming off the trail at Ohiopyle or Confluence, I believe it is a pretty good grade coming out of those.

Agreed. The grade on those roads coming south out of Ohiopyle is basically a series of hilly 'up-and-downs'. This route will not be any type of relatively smooth rail-trail type grades. More of an endurance-type trek.

On closer examination, I believe the quoted travel time to be optimistic at 5 hrs, due to all the climbing involved, where you'll be down to barely better than walking speeds on some of the hills.

Need information regarding biking from the airport to the GAP trail. Obvious solution from the map and articles I read is the airport connector trail to the Montour trail and taking the Montour to Clairton/Mckeesport. Is that the best option? Are there still gaps at the end of the montour trail?

Thats it . There are a lot of things the powers that be talk about and also act as if they have a complete trail,that is not the case. I have been riding this area for 5 years and every year its going to be completed.Good luck finding your way. I wish you a great ride.

Using airport connector to access the Montour trail and riding it to the Gap trail. Does Montour directly connect to Gap or is there a connecting route I should be aware of?

Google Great Allegheny Passage, click on maps. Then click on map segment 1. You will find that there is no direct connect near the city . I believe you may have to go out 20 or so miles .Goodluck

I realize that it is about 30 miles to the gap on the Montour trail. I have reviewed the map you mentioned and am concerned by the apparent nonexistence of the Montour trail as it approaches Clairton, Pa. Is it difficult to traverse get to Clairton and thereafter get to Mckeesport? How would you suggest I get to the Gap from the airport?

I think every body knows that I got that motel up & running. Before I took over the rooms were very dirty & I don't think they ever vacuum or shampoo the carpets. Four of the rooms were infested with bed bugs. I took care all the issues that were there before I started. I feel that I was a major asset to this motel. After I got this motel up to a 4.5 star Motel the owner Jt. Thakker showed up at the faculty @1:30am and told me to leave his property. I think think that this Motel was alot nicer after I took over but every one knows how it was before I became the manger. I miss all my regular guest that I became very close to. I think the owner made a huge mistake now it's back to the dump that it was before I started. It sad cause this Motel is in a great location for vacation for families.

Megan from England, did you do the ride in March? Tell us about it.

Arriving in Pitts. by train. What is the best way to get to the beginning of the GAP trail? Can I bike it or should I arrange some kind of shuttle?

You can ride from the station. go up Penn or Liberty Ave. towards town find the Boulevard of the Allies, head east to Grant St., Cross Grant and go down the side walk. You will come upon a small plaza, turn left. You are on the Great Allegheny Passage. How far are you going? Where are you from. How do you plan to get through Baldwin to Sandcastle. Read my entry from today.

Just wanted to ask folks on here what other trails you've travelled (besides C&O and GAP).

Any experiences good and bad about trails you've trekked, either in part or in full. How was the weather, was the trail surface an impediment, was it more of an urban or rural trail, was there scenic photo opportunites, any interesting side-trips in the vicinity of its location that are worth seeing, etc.

Hoping to get a few suggestions of other trails worth doing. Primarily focused on ones in the Northeast.

West Penn Trail Westmoreland-Indiana Pa. 16 miles very challenging buty extremly scenic. Ghost Town Trail Indiana-Cambria Pa. 60+miles. Hoddlebug Trail Indiana Pa. 12miles.Pine Creek Gorge 60+miles Jersy Shore to Wellsboro, Pa. These trails are all beautiful but unique in there own right. google tyhem they are on the net.

OK, thanks Lenny.

I did the Pine Creek Trail last year and enjoyed it, except for the rain I encountered that day. Started up at the Wellsboro end and made it all the way down to Jersey Shore. Will be looking into the other suggestions.

Anyone else have anything not already mentioned?

Here are some of my favorites-

The Katy- Across the state of MO. Over 200 miles long.

The Creeper- Only 60 miles long in southwest VA. Beutitful !

New River- Another VA trail, 75ish miles with little traffic.

The Comet/Cheif Ladiga- Atlanta GA to Aniston AL. 100 miles paved.

A few more I've never done but maybe someday-The Cowboy in Nebraska, the Greenbriar in WVA,and the Little Miami in OH.

Good Luck Paulie

Western Maryland Rail Trail
It actually parallels the C&O Canal for much of the way. 23 Miles Long starting at Big Pool, MD to Pierre. The trail is completely paved. My favorite section is after Hancock, MD where it gets more mountainous.
Pine Creek Gorge in Wellsboro, PA is great
Lehigh Gorge Trail in Jim Thorpe, PA is awesome

If you're looking for the ultimate hiking experience check out Rickett's Glen, PA. The waterfalls trail is incredible.
Always take your camera!

Randy, good call on the Western Md.I missed that one. Also there is talk of extending the WMT to Cumberland.

Yes, forgot to mention that I covered half of the WMRT on my tour of the C&O.

It was a nice change of pace going from the loose gravel of the C&O onto the paved surface of the WMRT. Almost felt like the bike drove itself, the level of resistance was such a contrast.

I almost missed the crossover point at Pearre to get to the WMRT though, signage was either non-existent or I must have missed it.

I would welcome an extension of the WMRT to Cumberland. Seems like a no-brainer, though I imagine it would take a few yrs to bring things to fruition.

I think I use Lock 56 or 57 as my jumping off point from the C7O to WMRT. I think they were surveying last July when I went through.

Here's a question..

Has anyone done the Decker's Creek and/or Mon (Monongahela)River Trail in WV?? It's located in/around the Morgantown area. Would like to hear from anybody that's trekked thru there with any thoughts/opinions about the basic aspects of the trail like scenery, trail surface, etc.

I've done short day trip on several trail... I've been lucky that all of them have been good rides...

Pine Creek Gorge Trail (Wellsboro, PA) ... did 40 miles in 2010 (my first long trip in nearly 15 years) this is a great trail and very scenic...

York County Heritage/Northern Central Railroad (York, PA to Monkton, MD) trails are good as well... I did the NCR when I was younger and recently started riding sections of the YCH ... some nice business have sprouted up along the trail

Lehigh Vally Gorge (Jim Thorpe)... this is my current favorite trail... I usually take the shuttle and ride down to Jim Thorpe... it's got some sandy areas which can be challenging but the ride is nice and relaxed...

Perkiomen Trail ... I just rode this for the first time this week .. I only rode the southern half and back .. it's in good shape and well maintained .. I started at the halfway point because there is a serious 12% grade section just about 5 miles in on the Northern half...

This is for Speedster regarding Decker's Creek. I have rode that trail a number of times. It is a good climb for a trail. Reminds me of the trail at Cumberland towards Big Savage. Go to Montrails.org for good info. You come out of Morgantown and follow the creek for a ways. Overall, in my opinion, it is not the most scenic trail you'll ever be on. There is a good stretch that has a nice hard running water, big rocks thing going on. Not really rapids or waterfalls but cool none the less. The trail itself is in good condition. There are a several other trails that join the Decker's Creek trail and they are all in good condition.