C&O / GAP Forum

IAM PLANNING AN AUGUST RIDE USING CREDIT CARD AND HOTELS COVERING BOTH THE GAP & C&O. MY MAJOR CONCERN IS RAINS AND AVAILIBILITY OF LODGING. ALL THOUGHTS ARE APPRECIATED.

August is one of our hot months in this area. In past years, we did not get a lot of rain during August but this season our normal weather pattern are anything but normal. If our "normal" weather pattern full in place, I believe you will be OK regarding rain. When I go on tour, I always try to build at least one day into the tour to wait for bad weather to pass.

My thinking is to pack a raincoat and cover your gear/pannier with a piece of tarp and pretty much try continuing as planned.

Rain is tough to totally avoid on any multi-day tour, so best to be prepared. Even on many 2 day tours I've ridden, its been almost impossible to avoid the dreaded rain. On this particular tour I'm referring to, it included 3 previous weekends of packing and cancelling last minute due to unfavourable conditions.
The week I finally decided on when clear conditions were called for, it still rained most of the time!

Some people on here will tell you your best strategy is to camp longer and wait it out. Not me though. Typically, you've already gotten wet since rain doesn't time out as your reach your campsite for the night or when cover is near. Taking a rest day to dry out seems wasteful to my sensibilites, your gear will actually dry faster in the wind riding!

If its a total lightning storm, obviously use your good sense, but light showers and stuff of that nature, I've personally always opted to push onward (sometimes due to time restirctions on when I've needed to be back).

I'm sure many others will say to pack down for a while and wait, but I just find in some cases, with time the conditions may actual worsen or stay in a wet pattern for a week or more. Then what! At some point you have to brave the conditions..

I have3 done the Ride a few times and it has rained at least 1 day out of the 5. I, nor any of my mates have stopped for a minute. But you must pack right, everything in plastic bags.I don't even use a rain fly, at 12 mph you get wet inside so way waste the space, and weight.

I am doing the same trip (only a smaller portion of the trail) .. when are you going?

there are B&Bs or campgrounds or hostels all along the GAP section of the trail... it all depends on how long you want to ride each day and if you are the type that wants to go as far as you can and then look for a place to stay for the night . . .

I'm the other type I'll plan (and reserve) my lodging in advance and take my ride at a more leisurely pace . . stopping to enjoy the trail and take photos . .

Planning on doing the ride--now looking at the last week of August. Planning on doing 45 miles a day--that looks like it is the spacing for hotels.

DB...

I'm doing 44 miles a day for the same reason (lodging spacing) . . .I'm going the first week in August and only doing a two day 88 mile ride form Connelsville PA to Cumberland MD . . .so I'll try to check in after the ride and give you an update. . .

Let me know where you guys will be, if it is a weekend day I'll do a trailhead or so with you.

Mr. Purple Paul, Connellsville to Cumberland is 91 miles.

lenny . . .

I'm just going from what the mileage chart on here states . . .I doubt the extra 3 miles will make a difference . . but it's good to know .. thanks

We are five couples aged 60 to 70 years old riding the trail from Confluence to Rockwood. I have a concern of the elevation climb of the trail. Is it a challenging up hill climb? Should we consider reversing the direction of our trip?

Just did it Saturday, it is 19 miles. Down hill is easy, wife and I did it in 1hr. 20 min. Back was a little longer 1:45. we are 58 and 57 years of age. Your question is hard to answer, what have you done lately? Do you ride 20 miles regularly? How about the heat?

The grade in that section is nothing very oppressive from what I remember doing it last yr, though I do gather you folks are retirement aged (or thereabouts), so outright stamina probably isn't your strong suit, given age.

Cumberland to Frostburg I believe is the worst direction to be heading as far as grade climb is concerned. Going the other way though from Frostburg to Cumberland is an easy ride for someone with lower endurance as it is a total downhill coast, with little if any pedalling required.

It is the 4th steepest on the GAP, and over 19 miles long ,but still only 1.5% grade.

Thanks to all. We have been trying to get into shape, 14 miles so far has been the longest ride. We will be taking breaks, checking out the view, etc so it sounds like we will be ok, especially since they are calling for cooler weather. We are hoping the rain holds off.

You should be able to do that part of the trail, Just pace yourself, take a few snacks with you - Clif Bar, banana, apple, etc. I suggest you invest in a couple of tubes of electrolyte tablets, such as NUUN, etc. Drink plenty of fluids and enjoy your ride. Also ride a lot before you ride the GAP. Fives miles is better than no miles and before you go do a couple of rides that are at least 75% of the distance you plan to ride.

Bob, be sure to stop on the Pinkerton Bridge and get a look at the Casselman River. One of my favorites

I camped here for the first time on 5/27/12. Not 10 minutes after arriving, DNR rangers ordered me to move my vehicle (which I had to pay EXTRA to bring onto the grounds)to a grass area where I sunk in 8 inches of mud. While setting up camp around 9pm, the same officer (Officer Brumagin)told us to be quiet because "people are sleeping." He left and came back after catching us having a short laugh and advised we whisper the remainder of the night, or pack up and go home. THE CAMPSITES ARE TINY and bath houses are dirty and full of bugs! DO NOT CAMP HERE IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO HAVE FUN WITH YOUR FAMILY!!

We are planning to ride from Williamsport to Cumberland starting Friday May 25th and returning to Williamsport Tuesday May 29th. Because of all the rain lately, I am concerned about trail conditions. Any information about trail conditions is appreciated. We are riding a touring tandem with 40 mm X 26" tires and plan to camp and cook along the way. This is my wife's first tour.

Been tracking the condiditons, as well, I'll be on that stretch with my kids over the weekend. Reports are good, all H/B sites are open, no water pump closures. Towpath is fine. Since it's been really dry in the previous weeks, the recent rains have not had a negative effect. Some minor mud patches, but nothing that should require dismounting. Perhaps we'll cross paths along the way.

Thank you for the update on the trail conditions. Hancock's C&O Bicycles, and the Cumberland visitor's center concur with your report. The Williamsport visitors center reported muddy conditions. We plan to drive to Williamsport tomorrow and head toward Cumberland with a planned arrival in Cumberland, late Saturday. We are riding a cherry red/sunrise yellow Co-Motion tandem fitted with yellow Ortlieb panniers. Perhaps our paths will cross.

Friday, 25 May, we rode our fully loaded tandem from Williamsport to 15 mile Creek Campground. The trail from Williamsport to Ft Frederick was muddy in spots. Periodically, we had to stop remove the mud "brake" stuck between the fender and front tire. At Fort Frederick we turned unto the road leading to the fort and continued through Fort Frederick State Park. At the T-intersection we turned left unto Rt 56. After about a mile, we turned onto the Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT). The C&O Trail from the western end of the WMRT to 15 mile creek was in good condition.

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1233828

Rode Rockwood to Confluence on Saturday.Met a lot of first time riders to DC. Trail was in great shape, very hard and fast (38 miles/3hr 10min). Last year noticed forest clearing on top of Pinkerton Mt., this year it is excavated and leveled. Does any one know what is happening on top of that mountain? Also could see threw Pinkerton tunnel, only about 150 yds.,the shufly is almost 2 miles.

Just got an answer from Amtrak that they are working on and making progress on roll on service for the Capitol Limited. Should have a trail train service in place by this Fall

any indication if it will include all stops on the line .. or just the major ones?

I have absolutely no clue on included stops, but one would have to assume that if the service is being put in place to accommodate cyclists and the trains route 'shadowing' the GAP/C&O, it would only make good sense that bikes be allowed at all stops along the way to attract customers from any and all locations along the trail..

Still a bit of a shame though that roll-on service is still the exception rather than the rule in a lot of service areas/routes. The change should be system wide and I'm guessing cyclists, in good numbers, would pony up with ticket sales.

Speedster, I agree, but these people are slow to respond to change. Just look at the U.S. rail system vs any other country, we have squandered this vital piece of infrastructure.

Tough to survive financially as a company when you're slow to respond to change, especially in a down economy. Seems like an easy profit improver, why not devote the proper amt of staff/resources to expedite implementation of this policy change..

I have scheduled my annual Pgh. to D.C. ride for early Sept just to let as much time as possible for the final Pgh. mile to connect and the roll on service. Don't know how many more of these rides I' be able to do so I' like to actually like at least one true city to city ride. Maybe this year.

I'd like to ride from Pittsburg to Cumberland.
Is there a way to leave my car in Cumberland and get transportation for me & my bike to Pittsburg?
Thanks

Amtrak has the 'Capitol Limited' route running between DC & Chicago with stops in the cities you are needing (Cumberland & Pittsburgh).

I am not positive, but believe its possible to bring your bike aboard with you. Maybe someone who has used the service will come in here with an answer. Otherwise, call up Amtrak and inquire about it..

Can only load bike in Pittsburgh and Washington as freight.There is no roll on service anywhere along the route...Yet

It could maybe still be done, although with compromises.

If you purchased a foldable bike and could fit it into your carry-on luggage, well..,maybe its possible to go about it like this. Although by doing this you lose the option of using a regular-sized bike ( which is likely far more comfortable and would allow for a quicker travelling pace) and loading up your carry-on with a bike probably wouldn't leave room to carry all your necessaries..

Aside from this, maybe Greyhound or another regional bus service is available that would accommodate your situation..at least worth it to call around and find out.

Check Yough River Transport
http://www.youghrivertransport.com/index.html

They offer a shuttle service and emergency pick up.

You might check with the place you plan to stay overnight at in Pittsburgh. .. they may let you store your bike there earlier in the day ... and then all you have to do is drive to Cumberland and get on the train. . . okay not all .. you have to get off in Pittsburgh and find your way to the B&B or hotel to get your bike. . .

From Natl Parks Svc: As of April 21, 2011 The Georgetown Canal boat is not running due to flood damage. Please call the Georgetown Visitor Center at 202-653-5190 or Park Headquarters at 301-739-4200 to inquire when the canal boat is expected to run again.

When will canal barge be running

I have been reading trip reports and other information. I am planning on using 2 wheeled trailers to haul camping gear to avoid panniers. Does the trail mostly accommodate the use of the trailer understanding that it may be a pain in the muddy spots? I have seen people using BOBs but those are out of the budget for this ride.

As far as the C&O, you should be okay with 2 wheeled trailers. The trail is basically level, the only dips you will experience would be at some of the canal locks. At those places you may experience a drop from 3 to 5 feet and up again. The entire trail is hard packed dirt and natural stone. This is a not a rail trail. If you experience rain it can get very muddy, but lately it's been very dry.

I believe you may be slowed down by the narrow width of the C&O. In some places it is barely wide enough fo two bikes.

Agree, the 2 wheel trailer can be used on C&O but will be painful in places. No problem on the GAP. I have a BOB...look on Craigslist, ebay and Amazon...there are some buys out there!

I have always wondered about a two wheel trailer tracking on shoulder and middle/ grassy areas on the canal. Seems like that would add lots of friction.

YEP,I agree Les

Yes, more rolling resistance for sure with 2 extra wheels. As you mentioned, one wheel will likely always be on the 'bad line' with the dandelions and overgrowth. Average speeds should be factored in as slower than a conventional set-up without trailer, as there's no way in hell you'll make anything close to 12-15mph average going this route.

I prefer to just use panniers along with a backpack if need be, if your gear carrying needs are significant.

From my perspective, a trailer always seems like a good idea in theory, but when you get out there and actually put 'wheel to trail', it never works out as well as imagined.

We are starting the trip in Pitts on a tandem and a 2 wheel trailer June 17th. I have traveled a lot with this set up and we have always been fine. The tandem takes lots of attention do to the length and the trailer seems to just be a part of the train. I have reports that the 2 wheel set up is fine on the GAP and the C&O is a little tighter but is done by many.

I would definitely recommend panniers over a two-wheeled trailer. I did this trip last spring with two of my children. We started out with panniers and a two-wheeled trailer; the friction of the extra wheels on the mud and grass was slowing me down in a big way. By day two I had to ditch the trailer and re-pack everything into panniers on my bike and load up the kids panniers a little more. Trailers seem like a great option, and I think they are on hard packed surfaces, but most of the C&O has tall grass that at least a wheel or two will be dragging through. You'll be surprised at how much you can stuff into a large size pannier. I wish you a wonderful trip! We had a blast last year!

Yes, did it last year and doing it again this year. See pix at http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/cando
No issues, it ain't worthy of glorious bike magazines, but 100% appropriate. I use a two-kid trailer: last year in it's original configration; this year converted into a cargo trailer. The towpath is friendly and forgiving to "alternative" functionalities. Have no fear.

Still trying to figure out what kind of tires to use on a planned ride in July from DC to Pittsburgh. If I understand correctly, things are paved from Cumberland on west. Don't want a big clunky tire on the pavement. How thin of a tire can I get by with from DC to Cumberland?

I've done a large section of the C&O on a 32, no flats and no issues.

Your thinking of using the thinnest tire (within reason) seems right to me. Less rolling resistance, which consumes less energy by the rider while pedalling. Over a sustained distance, the savings in energy exerted is substantial. Your average speed will be higher and you'll presumably finish earlier (which near the end of your trek, the finish will seem like it can't come soon enough!).

The GAP isn't paved, it is packed crushed limestone. It can be soft if it rtains but is generally smooth and hard most of the time. I use Panaracer TSERV PT, which are kevlar, and run 90# air,are very fast and hard. I've done the entire ride on them.

I have ridden the C&O trail twice with front and rear panniers on self-support tours. Both times I used 32 mm X 700C tires - Conti Contact tires. The C&O trail is a rough surface and 60 miles is a long day. The trail surface is composed of pea size gravel and clay. In some sections the gravel is on the surface and not packed into the clay. If I could fit 35 mm wide tires to my Miyata 1000 LT touring bike, I would use this width of tire on the C&O. If you plan to go self-supported with panniers, etc. lightweight skinny tires are not suitable for touring.

I've run on 32 with no problems. For enduring comfort along the way I wouldn't go any narrower. I'm now riding on 37's, which greatly improve my comfort with negligable speed penalty. I tour and commute on my bike daily, and hit the towpath twice a year for weekend tours.

I'm planning a solo credit-card tour from Pitsburgh to DC along the GAP/C&O at the end of June. My plan includes a non-stop 125-mile ride from Cumberland to Harper's Ferry on day 3. Is it possible to maintain a 12-mph pace along this section of the trail? Can anyone ofer any advice on riding this section non-stop? Thanks.

It would really depend.

Are you the type to stop for photos? How often do you stop for food/bathroom stops etc. How old are you? How many miles do you ride in an average week?

End of June it will likely be fairly hot and humid, so I would say trying that kind of distance is best done at a cooler time of year. Plenty of hydration will be key and to cover that distance you'll have to be riding through the worst of the heat in the mid-afternoon.

What I would say is get through Day 1 & 2 and then reassess where things stand, how trying of a time the ride has been on the first couple days, whether you're dealing with a case of major saddle sore, flats, broke spokes or general bad luck or bike troubles. If this is the case, I'm guessing aborting your plan would be your best option, unless you're fond of tempting fate.

It certainly ambitious. Doable, not so sure..

The only way to really find out is to go out there and give it a shot.

Very doable if weather and machine cooperate. when entering the towpath from the detour be aware of the sandy track. I have dumped there twice as I came flying in off of the hill. I have friends riding that week you maY meet them they are a ballistic gang.

My brother and I just finished the Deal, PA to DC run, approx. 220 mi. So, OK, I'll be the stick-in-the-mud. But first, a question: are you out there to have fun or to beat the crap out of yourself? If you're there to have fun make that stretch a 2-day affair. If you're there for the latter reason go for the non-stop. Bear in mind you will have at least 2 slow-downs: Paw Paw Tunnel (for which you WILL need a headlamp) and the 5 mi. road detour at Big Slackwater. For that distance a sustainable pace would be 9-10 mph. Good luck!