- + 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
Discussion started 05/24/2012 08:51 PM by lenny - 4 replies (last reply by anonymous at 05/25/2012 07:35 AM)lenny on 05/24/2012 08:51 PM
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
Mr Purple Paul on 05/24/2012 09:22 PM
any indication if it will include all stops on the line .. or just the major ones?
speedster on 05/24/2012 10:59 PM
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.
lenny on 05/25/2012 04:09 AM
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.
Anonymous on 05/25/2012 07:35 AM
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..
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- + 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' ...
Discussion started 05/25/2012 04:14 AM by lenny - 0 replieslenny on 05/25/2012 04:14 AM
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.
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Bike transport from Cumberland to Pittsburg?
- + 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
Discussion started 05/20/2012 03:52 PM by musicguy - 5 replies (last reply by Mr Purple Paul at 05/24/2012 09:29 PM)musicguy from SILVER SPRING on 05/20/2012 03:52 PM
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
speedster on 05/21/2012 02:23 PM
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..
lenny on 05/21/2012 08:23 PM
Can only load bike in Pittsburgh and Washington as freight.There is no roll on service anywhere along the route...Yet
speedster on 05/21/2012 09:49 PM
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.
JW from Bowling Green, Ohio on 05/22/2012 07:33 PM
Check Yough River Transport
http://www.youghrivertransport.com/index.html
They offer a shuttle service and emergency pick up.
Mr Purple Paul on 05/24/2012 09:29 PM
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. . .
Georgetown Canal Boat
- + 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...
Discussion started 04/22/2011 10:24 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 1 reply (last reply by Joann at 05/24/2012 07:02 PM)Ray (webmaster) on 04/22/2011 10:24 AM
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.
Joann from Alex va on 05/24/2012 07:02 PM
When will canal barge be running
2 Wheel Trailer on the GAP and C&O
- + 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 under...
Discussion started 04/13/2012 08:23 AM by BoyScoutTroop - 9 replies (last reply by anonymous at 05/23/2012 11:46 AM)BoyScoutTroop on 04/13/2012 08:23 AM
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.
Jim on 04/13/2012 03:26 PM
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.
lenny on 04/14/2012 04:32 AM
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.
vabiker from williamsburg va on 04/16/2012 10:26 AM
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!
Les on 04/26/2012 09:11 AM
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.
lenny on 04/26/2012 06:55 PM
YEP,I agree Les
speedster on 04/27/2012 04:51 PM
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.
EJ from Richmond, Va on 05/04/2012 10:37 AM
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.
Dianne from Havre de Grace, MD on 05/07/2012 09:10 PM
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!
Anonymous on 05/23/2012 11:46 AM
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 tir...
Discussion started 05/17/2012 07:47 AM - 4 replies (last reply by anonymous at 05/23/2012 11:39 AM)Anonymous on 05/17/2012 07:47 AM
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?
speedster on 05/17/2012 06:35 PM
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!).
lenny on 05/18/2012 04:12 AM
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.
Rod Bruckdorfer from Baltimore, MD on 05/22/2012 09:38 AM
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.
Anonymous on 05/23/2012 11:39 AM
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.
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Non-stop from Cumberland to Harper's Ferry?
- + 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 t...
Discussion started 05/03/2012 08:02 AM by C-Bass - 3 replies (last reply by Stu at 05/23/2012 10:28 AM)C-Bass from CT on 05/03/2012 08:02 AM
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.
Anonymous on 05/03/2012 03:01 PM
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.
lenny on 05/03/2012 08:34 PM
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.
Stu from Whitney, PA on 05/23/2012 10:28 AM
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!
GREAT CAMP HOST
- + Im currently on bicyle stuck in Rockwood Pa. due to heavy rains that soaked everything I had. I was camped at Huskey Haven Campground and as I was leaving I told the owner I was headed to a hostel to ...
Discussion started 05/14/2012 03:57 PM by HONDO - 4 replies (last reply by vabiker23518 at 05/22/2012 06:57 AM)HONDO from WEST VIRGINIA on 05/14/2012 03:57 PM
Im currently on bicyle stuck in Rockwood Pa. due to heavy rains that soaked everything I had. I was camped at Huskey Haven Campground and as I was leaving I told the owner I was headed to a hostel to dry things out and spend an extra night but he insisted I stay in his rec room area to to dry things out and sleep there for free. He has a nice primitive campground with nice amenities like washer/dryer,tv,internet,showers,wood stove, game room across the river so please check them out if you pass this way and need a place to camp. Great hosts.
lenny on 05/14/2012 07:05 PM
Great report. I think you will find that most of the business people along the trail and the trailheads are the best. Enjoy your ride.
Anonymous on 05/18/2012 06:53 PM
That;s great to hear... Husky Haven is on my short list for stops...
Hondo from West Virginia on 05/20/2012 05:40 PM
Just to follow up. I left Husky Haven the next day only to have my chain break and derailer mess up 6 miles up the trail. The bike shop in Rockwood (Lynn) fixed me right up but the day was shot so I went back to the campground and the owner just looks at me and chuckles. Yes, another day at H.H. I did make it all the way to Harpers Ferry though. I cannot tell people what a fun adventure this is for anyone, young and old. I met one fellow, 76 years young that just had a new pacemaker and was doing the whole thing out and back. Nothing but a wonderful experience both GAP and C&O
vabiker23518 from williamsburg va on 05/22/2012 06:57 AM
We've camped at Husky Haven before and were very happy with the service and amenities...nice folks and a great trail town.
Rhododendron
- + I just rode The GAP from Pittsburgh to Cumberland and had a Great Time. Would like to plan another Ride when the Rhododendrons are in Bloom. Can anyone give me an approximate time frame so I can make ...
Discussion started 05/15/2012 07:43 PM by Scuby - 3 replies (last reply by lenny at 05/16/2012 07:20 PM)Scuby from Altoona, PA on 05/15/2012 07:43 PM
I just rode The GAP from Pittsburgh to Cumberland and had a Great Time. Would like to plan another Ride when the Rhododendrons are in Bloom. Can anyone give me an approximate time frame so I can make plans? Thanks
lenny on 05/15/2012 08:04 PM
Do you mean Mountain Laurel?
Anonymous on 05/16/2012 04:31 AM
Some people on the Ride said there were both Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron. I would like to plan a ride when they are in bloom. Thanks
lenny on 05/16/2012 07:20 PM
rhododendron blooms now. Mountain Laurel blooms the month of June.
Bill's Place in Little Orleans
- + just went there for a pizza and beer! great! bridge from appel rd was washed out this morning but you can still get across... thanks Bill!
Discussion started 05/15/2012 07:42 PM by milo3 - 0 repliesmilo3 from durham, nc on 05/15/2012 07:42 PM
just went there for a pizza and beer! great! bridge from appel rd was washed out this morning but you can still get across... thanks Bill!
Weekend Warrior
- + Just finished my first weekend Solo camping trip on the C&O. I camped at Fifteen Mile Creek at Little Orleans. I shared the whole campgrounds with only two other camp sites in use. One group of three ...
Discussion started 05/04/2012 07:38 AM by BG - 0 repliesBG from Conowingo,Md. on 05/04/2012 07:38 AM
Just finished my first weekend Solo camping trip on the C&O. I camped at Fifteen Mile Creek at Little Orleans. I shared the whole campgrounds with only two other camp sites in use. One group of three friendly kayakers who gratiously invited me to join them for the obligatory beer at Bill's Place.I biked up to the Paw Paw tunnel and back and it was a beautiful ride, many Bald Eagles and Wood ducks, spring flowers.This visit really makes one appreciate the NPS and I'm grateful we have this place kept available for us all.Everyone I met on the trail felt likewise.Enjoy BG
- + Are there any updates on the connection between Pittsburgh and the waterfront?????
Discussion started 04/29/2012 01:49 PM by lenny - 0 replieslenny on 04/29/2012 01:49 PM
Are there any updates on the connection between Pittsburgh and the waterfront?????
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Big Slackwater Repair Project - Update
- + Big Slackwater Repairs
C&O Canal National Historical Park
Updated: April 2, 2012
Restoration of the C&O Canal Towpath at Big Slackwater is ongoing. Installation of the pier footings, the...
Discussion started 04/24/2012 01:01 PM by Randy - 1 reply (last reply by lenny at 04/25/2012 04:07 AM)Randy on 04/24/2012 01:01 PM
Big Slackwater Repairs
C&O Canal National Historical Park
Updated: April 2, 2012
Restoration of the C&O Canal Towpath at Big Slackwater is ongoing. Installation of the pier footings, the concrete columns on top of the footings, and the skirt wall panels continues. These concrete elements, along with the double tee panels, form the eight (8) elevated walkways which will be located along the river within the limits of the project.
Additionally, the contractor is continuing reconstruction of the historic towpath in areas directly adjacent to the elevated walkways. Masons also are continuing to rebuild the historic stone wall along the river. Off site, the production of concrete skirt wall panels and deck panels is ongoing, and the contractor continues to receive these pieces to the site. Work on the elevated walkways, the towpath, and the stone masonry is expected to continue in the coming weeks.
By this summer we will no longer need to detour the 5 miles on public roads. :)
lenny on 04/25/2012 04:07 AM
Great News. Now if they could connect Pittsburgh.
C&O trail
- + We are riding the C&O and the GAP next week. Rain is in the forecast. Does anyone know how likely it is that the trail will be muddy to the point that it will be difficult to ride?
Discussion started 04/18/2012 12:11 PM by Nora - 4 replies (last reply by vabiker23518 at 04/23/2012 01:32 PM)Nora from Nashville on 04/18/2012 12:11 PM
We are riding the C&O and the GAP next week. Rain is in the forecast. Does anyone know how likely it is that the trail will be muddy to the point that it will be difficult to ride?
speedster on 04/19/2012 03:32 PM
Not that likely. It's been an unusually dry spring, for starters, so the ground isn't overly saturated to begin with. I rode a section of the trail last weekend after a heavy rain Sat. evening, without any sort of problem.
Furthermore, there is a stoney base layer pretty much everywhere I've traversed along the trail route. Big washouts and puddles shouldn't be a factor.
Obviously, bring raingear to keep yourself dry if rain is a possibility. Other than that, get out there and enjoy it!
Nora Balint from Nora Balint on 04/20/2012 05:31 PM
Thank you, speedster! That is comforting. Have a good weekend!
lenny on 04/21/2012 04:29 AM
the GAP will be fine in the rain because of the ballast base and chip top. but the C&O is a notorious mud hole in places after a rain.I've done the C&O twice and it rained one day each time and the track was puddled
vabiker23518 from williamsburg va on 04/23/2012 01:32 PM
Wow...looking at all that snow in and around the GAP...hope you're not out in it!
- + Megan have you done the ride yet?
Discussion started 04/22/2012 07:31 PM by lenny - 0 replieslenny on 04/22/2012 07:31 PM
Megan have you done the ride yet?
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Tires?
- + Riding Cumberland to Gtown next week. My touring bike has 28 mm Vittoria Randonneur tires (road touring). Ok? Or would a 32 mm cyclocross tire (Maxxis Raze) with a file tread work better? I am an expe...
Discussion started 04/18/2012 10:25 PM by Joe - 2 replies (last reply by lenny at 04/19/2012 07:16 PM)Joe from Buffalo, NY on 04/18/2012 10:25 PM
Riding Cumberland to Gtown next week. My touring bike has 28 mm Vittoria Randonneur tires (road touring). Ok? Or would a 32 mm cyclocross tire (Maxxis Raze) with a file tread work better? I am an experienced cyclocrosser racer with strong legs.
speedster on 04/19/2012 03:44 PM
IMO, either will be fine.
I personally use road-oriented, tour tires, with basic treading on them, but nothing elaborate is required.
If its absolutely pouring rain and getting soppy and soft, the slightly wider, heavy-treaded cyclocross would make out better, but honestly, people waste too much energy on here worrying about tire choice, if I'm to speak frankly about this issue.
The C&O is a very run of the mill trail surface and not some trials/downhill mountain bike course. That said, I wouldn't necessarily advise doing it with a narrow, untreaded race slick either..so just use common sense and you'll be fine.
lenny on 04/19/2012 07:16 PM
Put the bigger tougher tire on. You will push the road tire to its limit. I have pushed better tires than your 28 andhad some failures. I dontg think I am as strong as you either. the C&o can get ugly tough, surface wise.