C&O / GAP Forum

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C&O MD to DC - fatty on a fatty in 4 days?

dcswindler4 from Culpeper, VA on 02/04/2020 01:04 PM

Hey everyone, Just want to get your opinions. I'm thinking about doing the C&O from Cumberland to Georgetown in early July (weekend after Independence Day) Saturday to Tuesday on a fat bike pulling a modified bob ibex trailer (fatty on a fatty, I'm 34, 5'-6", 215lbs, muscular build that can benefit from some sit-ups and less beer). I've never done any long distance riding, I'm usually limited to riding only a hour at a time due to my schedule and can do 8-12 miles in that hour fairly easily (assuming 6mph average on the trail). Planning it right now as a solo trip with the possibility of a friend joining if hes in town that time frame (he has a 27.5 giant MTB...a Talon 3 maybe). Planning to camp each night at H/B sites.

Do you think I am allowing enough time to complete the trail for someone with limited distance training? Just train more and get more saddle time? Should I reconsider? Thoughts?

Tom from Robinson Twp on 02/04/2020 02:39 PM

If you have given it this much thought, you know you have to do it. At 34 yrs old you can overcome any obstacles you may run into on this trail. As you said, get some saddle time because if you don't, there will be no part of that saddle that will be comfortable to sit on come day 2. Rain and heat are two things that might slow you down in early July. Just stay hydrated and hope for good weather. Cumberland to DC is a nice easy pace for a 4 day trip. That's good because there is so much to see historically and the natural beauty of this area is something you won't soon forget. You really don't want to rush through, especially if this is your first trip. Check out a site called "Pedalshift" for a really good look at all the hiker/biker camp sites. Also, if you have access to "google earth", you can actually see what all portions of the trail looks like with their street-view option. As I said, you have to go through with this because you will regret it if you don't. I'm exactly twice your age and I'm attempting another solo DC to Pittsburgh trip in June. If I can do it, you sure can.

Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 02/04/2020 07:32 PM

I concur with Tom from Robinson's appraisal. In my opinion, the most challenging portion of the C&O is that from Cumberland to Little Orleans, especially if there has been rain and knowing you'll be towing a trailer. Just beyond Little Orleans you can switch over to the paved Western Maryland Rail Trail that parallels the C&O to approximately 11 miles beyond Hancock, MD. That is a nice respite from what could be a muddy trail. The H/B campsites are spaced closely enough that you can adjust your daily plan easily should any given day or personal condition requires it. There's plenty of daylight in June so you'll have lots of hours each day to get to you next overnight so there's no need to push hard or punish yourself.

By going in June and staying at H/B camp sites don't forget to include bug spray among your packed materials.

Matt from Charlotte on 02/04/2020 09:49 PM

Do your best to add a longer ride in on the weekends. it will go a long way to preparing your body for the 40-50 miles your going to want to cover each day. Beyond that, do your best to break your day into smaller rides. get up, eat breakfast, ride to second breakfast. eat second breakfast, ride to lunch... 45 miles is pretty easy to cover in bite sized pieces.

dcswindler4 from Culpeper, VA on 02/07/2020 06:13 PM

Thanks for all the input. You're making me think I can actually do this. Hopefully the weather cooperates, originally I was going to try it this past April when I was between jobs for a week but the weather that week was nothing but rain, I wouldn't have been prepared anyways.

My goal is to get at least to Little Orleans the first day to set the pace, anything above that will be an ego boost and make the following days a little shorter. If that section will most likely be the hardest part, even better.

I'll definitely have bug spray, did a beach biking/camping trip down in False Cape last year and the bugs were ridiculous, bug spray was worth more than gold that weekend.

Thanks for letting me know about Pedalshift. Looks like a good resource, and I've starting listening to his podcast.

I'm hoping to leave a vehicle near the end at Georgetown but not sure if I should spend a couple hundred for a spot for a couple days close by or price out areas a little further out like across the key bridge and ride there, maybe leave it at a metro station and take the metro? Not sure about riding the metro with a fatbike and a bob trailer though. Any recommendations?

Matt from Charlotte on 02/09/2020 06:35 PM

if your up for a short ride from G-Town, consider leaving your vehicle in longterm parking at Ronald Regan airport. <6 miles via Mt Vernon Trail. you can park an offsite lot for around $10 per day. you can even pre-book your parking at https://spothero.com/washington-dc/dca-airport-parking

BBiker from Reston, VA on 02/10/2020 12:20 PM

DCSwindler....I'm also a "larger framed" biker, 5'11" and 225, muscular, late 40s and a friend and I have twice ridden the Pitt to DC Gap trail and C&O in 4 days. The first trip, the most I ever rode was 20mi in a day and we were putting in average of 75mi/day. We don't pretend to be even average lever bikers, but wanted to see if we could do it...The 2nd trip, I trained better...with the longest training being a 40mi/day...
Like someone else said, you would benefit from some longer distance training, and the longer daylight hours in July will help, as avg days were about 9-10 hrs for us. Cumberland to DC is definitely doable in a 4-day time-frame. Weather was hot, but shaded and we didnt have any rain. The washed out bridge/trail at Brunswick was passable on foot by shouldering the bike and tiptoeing across the rocks to the other side. The trailer might be more difficult unless you made 2 portages. Good Luck!

Rick from Grafton, Va on 02/20/2020 03:51 PM

I've biked the C&O on my Monster Gravity Fatbike. It was a great ride. I used panniers (no trailer). The bike handled the terrain very well. We averaged 35-45 miles with 1 shorter day that had us stay overnight in Harpers Ferry so we could get a shower. We completed the route at Great Falls the following day. Fat bikes are a great option for the trail. I do a bunch of rides on various rail trails and if you'd like to contact me feel free. athiker80@cox.net

dcswindler4 from Culpeper VA on 06/25/2020 09:59 AM

Where around Grafton do you ride? I have an uncle in Gloucester Point I visit a couple times a year.

It's official, I'm going to try the trip so if anyone sees me on the trail (Felt fatbike with a heavily modified Bob Ibex trailer) July 11-14 going east, a word of encouragement will be greatly appreciated. Still trying to figure out the logistics of getting to Cumberland, may need to bribe my brother to drop me off Friday night and camp out at the YMCA in Cumberland to get an early Saturday start.
Also still debating on leaving my car in Rosslyn or Reagan airport

dcswindler4 from Culpeper VA on 07/12/2020 05:56 AM

Got an early start from the YMCA yesterday, struggled but camped at Licking Creek at MP117...got my first metric century. Planning the next 3 days as 40 milers. Not sure my butt or quads could handle longer days to make it by Monday. Scattered Thunderstorms the next 2 days also will make it harder. This is much harder than I expected

WKR from Brunswick, MD on 07/12/2020 06:37 PM

Huh, I should've looked at this before I went out riding today. I went out and back brunswick to sharpsburg and did see a rider on a fat bike pulling a trailer. If that was you does that mean you went more than 40 miles today? I didn't make it to MM77.

dcswindler4 from Culpeper VA on 07/12/2020 07:04 PM

It was probably me. Was I lying down gasping for air? I did go further... currently stranded just after the trail bypass in Brunswick, cassette nut worked loose and I can't pedal.... anyone have the socket in the Brunswick area willing help out? I was on track to finishing tomorrow

WKR from Brunswick, MD on 07/12/2020 09:32 PM

Sounds like you went a lot further. You're talking about a shimano cassette tool? I do have one of those. Send an email to k i r k r o y AT gmail.

dcswindler4 from Culpeper VA on 07/13/2020 09:32 AM

Got it "tight enough" with a multi tool and camped at bald eagle. Still loose though. Going to try and limp it into Georgetown. 44 miles to go...

dcswindler4 from Culpeper, VA on 07/14/2020 04:28 PM

With the thunderstorms that came through around Harpers Ferry, my shoes and padded shorts were still soaked Monday morning. I rode the first 20 miles barefoot while my shoes dried. Had to remove the rear wheel 10 miles in to re-tighten the cassette locknut again. It eventually got me to the finish line. I was able to finish yesterday, around 4:15.
- Day 1 I did the ride from the YMCA to the start (1.2ish miles) then to licking creek campsite at MP116 for 68.5 miles of the trail, My first ever metric century.
- Day 2 I rode to Bald Eagle campsite at MP50.3 for 65.7 miles of the trail (My 2nd metric century, back to back days).
- Day 3 I finished the 50.3 miles left of the trail then another 1.75 miles to my car in Rosslyn.
All said and done, it was a great trip that was much more taxing on my body than I had expected. It challenged me physically and mentally and I almost called it quits twice. Thanks everyone here for all the info and support to make it happen.
-dcswindler (fatty on a fatty)

Richard from DC on 07/14/2020 07:18 PM

Fatty, Thanks for telling us how it turned out. I was wondering. I think you should celebrate with Fat Tire beeer.

WKR from Brunswick, MD on 07/14/2020 08:48 PM

Nice! Glad it worked out.

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Meyersdale Station in Meyersdale

Art from Gaithersburg, MD on 07/13/2020 09:22 AM

Hello,

What is the GAP Trail like going 15mi both north and south from Meyersdale Station?

We will be riding 15mi (30mi RT) north tomorrow, Jul 14, and then 15mi south on Jul 15 from the Meyersdale Station.

Art

Juan from Pacheco on 07/13/2020 02:59 PM

Hardpack cinder and shaded.

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Tagged: Meyersdale Station / Trailhead

Parking in Meyersdale

JK on 07/12/2020 11:07 AM

I am planning a day ride from Meyersdale to round trip ride between the Salisbury Viaduct and M-D Line. Where is the best place to park in Meyersdale? I am considering the Historical Society lot. Is that free and allowed? Thanks!

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Overnight Parking at Great Falls

JM from Central Florida on 07/12/2020 10:25 AM

Is a special parking permit required for long term parking at Great Falls? I have a NPS America the Beautiful pass, which will be sufficient for entry to the Park. I'll also alert the Park personnel that my vehicle will be parked for multiple days. Is anything else required?

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Meyersdale and Ohiopyle

Art from Gaithersburg, MD on 07/09/2020 08:45 AM

Hello. We are planning day trips on the GAP in 15mi sections (30mi RT). We are thinking of Meyersdale, PA, and Ohiopyle as possible starting points. What are the trails like in those areas? And we are open to other suggestions as well as places to stay. Art

Steve m on 07/09/2020 03:42 PM

Ohiopyle to Confluence is 10 miles or a 20 mile round-trip. Good trails and beautiful scenery along the Youghioghenyy River. I prefer Meyersdale to the MD state line. This route takes you through the Big Savage tunnel, beautiful vistas and crosses the eastern continental divide. This route is about 12 miles or 24 miles round-trip.

Steve m on 07/09/2020 03:44 PM

Rivnuts from Homestead, PA on 07/09/2020 04:27 PM

Going the other way out of Ohiopyle, you can ride 17 miles (34 miles round trip) to Connellsville. There is a slight grade down to Connellsville. Connellsville is a larger town than Confluence with more options to eat or obtain goods, if needed. Similarly, going the other way out of Meyersdale, you'll cross the long bridge in route to Rockwood (~12 miles, 24 miles round trip).

The trail is the good (crushed limestone) from either Ohiopyle or Meyersdale.

While there are B&B's in Ohiopyle, they are often full since Ohiopyle is a whitewater rafting destination as well as a bicycle tour overnight location. If you plan to stay indoor there overnight, make sure you have a reservation before going there. Some of the places can be a little noisy with rafters.

There should be less problem finding a place in Meyersdale. I've stayed at both the Trailside B&B and Yoder's Guest House. Both were clean and friendly albeit I guess I liked Yoder's somewhat better albeit further downhill from the trail. Dinner at Morguen Toole is normally quite good if the restaurant is open.

Richard from Washington DC on 07/10/2020 09:09 AM

I agree with Steve. Meyersdale to the Mason-Dixon Line is a must ride. It's a slight uphill to the Continental Divide, which is most of the mileage outbound, giving you an opportunity to coast on your return trip. Plus the accommodations and dining are better. Ohiopyle is an interesting spot with the river and whitewater. But the accommodations are a little more rustic. If you want to pamper yourself, spend a night at the Levi Deal Mansion B&B in Meyersdale.

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Water in Early July.

Ryan from Pittsburgh on 07/08/2020 10:12 PM

We just rode the GAP and C&O from July 2nd to 9th. Water handles still missing at Purslane and Town Creek campsites. Also missing at Indian Flats. All the taps were off from Great Falls to Georgetown. . IMO it’s pretty bad to be shutting off water for COVID. Everyone still presses the button. It’s still over 90 degrees out and a health hazard on its own. Poor judgement and communication from NPS.

Trail conditions were good. A few stormy nights dropped a lot of branches between Hancock and Brunswick. Mosquitos were bad most camps with standing water in the canal. Raccoons were widespread and clever.

George McCook from Kennett Square on 07/08/2020 10:35 PM

How would Corona survive all of the iodine in the wells?

JM from Central Florida on 07/09/2020 12:55 PM

Thanks for that update, Ryan. Were there many other people out on the trails? How "crowded" were the campsites?

ST on 07/09/2020 10:07 PM

I completely agree about NPS shutting off water. Makes no sense to me. Thankfully water availability is generally good right now but I imagine it is frustrating to camp at one of the sites with no handle.

Juan from Pacheco on 07/10/2020 07:52 AM

We did the GAP and C&O from June 27th July 2nd. Few people camping at the free campgrounds. Not sure about the paying campgrounds. The closer to the parking spots or small towns the more people you will see. The closer to DC the more people you will see on the trail. Carry enough water especially on the C&O, I ran out of water between Cumberland and Little Orleans and a family camping at the Campground at L O save the day. Don't rely on the stores at L O they were both closed when we got there. If you take the Western Maryland Rail Trail out of L O a resident next to the trail sells bottled water out of a cooler.

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Current conditions and water availability

ST on 06/25/2020 10:20 PM

Hi all - looking for recent reports of towpath condition and especially water availability. I realize that NPS publishes info on both of these items but I’m interested in up-to-date, real-world experiences.

I’m planning a solo trip from Cumberland to DC on Monday and am aiming to travel light. If there is really poor water availability or trail conditions I will consider postponing.

Thanks!

Bracken from Raleigh on 06/27/2020 04:37 AM

Hi ST,
I just completed the trail from DC to Pitt last week (June 12-20). There was no water between Cumberland and Hancock. You would need to refill bottles in Hancock because your next source wouldn’t be until somewhere just before Harpers Ferry when pump handles start showing up. From Harpers Ferry to DC almost all the pumps are working.

I wasn’t sure about water availability on my trip and carried 4 liters on the bike. It worked well for camping/ cooking/ drinking, and wasn’t too cumbersome.
Hope this helps!
Bracken

Bracken from Raleigh on 06/27/2020 04:37 AM

Anonymous on 06/27/2020 12:23 PM

We did the entire 184.5 miles in one day yesterday from Cumberland to DC. It had rained on Thursday afternoon, so there were standing puddles in the beginning of the towpath, and again for about 10 miles going into Riley's Lock. The puddle-dodging made it hard to establish a rhythm and definitely slowed us down. I would anticipate the puddles would be dry by today, and definitely by Monday, barring any additional rain. Most water pumps were open. We each started out with 2 liters of Gatorade in our Camelbacks. We filled up our Camelbacks twice at the pumps. We never came even close to running out of fluids at any time. We also washed the mud off our bikes at the pump. Bring your bug spray because the bugs started coming out in the afternoon, and glasses if you plan on doing any nighttime riding. Swarms of gnats flew into our face as rode the last 4 miles. They kept flying into my mouth, so I had to breathe through the nose instead.

John W. from Pittsburgh,PA on 06/28/2020 05:55 AM

Same here. I got on the C&O at Whites Ferry and Indian Flats and Calico Rocks did not have handles. Bald Eagle Island did. Also Huckleberry Hill did not, Antietem Creek (pay campsite) had a handle but it wouldn’t pump (like the handle needs fixed). Killiansburg Cave was also missing a handle. Horseshoe Bend and Big Woods did have handles. I stayed at North Mountain and it’s handle is missing.

In short, do not rely on Pump water being available. There seems to be more handles missing than ones with them.

If your traveling the C&O, bring extra bottled water from town.

John W. from Pittsburgh,PA on 06/28/2020 05:59 AM

Trail surface conditions are excellent! Whites Ferry to Sheperdstown has the lovely new surface and wow what an improvement. More of this please! GAP like smooth and zero puddles.

Sheperdstown to Williamsport is the “old” surface but other than a few Random mud spots it too has been pretty dry (no water puddles).

ST on 06/28/2020 06:30 AM

Thanks, guys, very helpful! I’m sure there will be puddles in spots given the thunderstorms in DC this weekend but sounds like conditions should be decent with reasonable water availability. I will definitely bring some extra but grateful to not need the whole day’s worth. Very excited for this trip!

Anonymous on 07/06/2020 10:30 AM

ST, how did your ride go?

ST on 07/09/2020 10:04 PM

Ride was excellent. Started at about 3:20am and was slowed down considerably by muddy spots in the first 10 miles or so but pretty smooth sailing after that. I found the NPS site updates on water availability to be mostly accurate. Weather was pretty good considering the season and I made it to Georgetown in about 16 hours, plus another hour to ride home. Great way to get out during all that is going on right now!

Anonymous on 07/09/2020 10:41 PM

Awesome! Congrats!

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