C&O / GAP Forum

Page: 1 ... 56 57 58 ... 122

Bikepath Bed and Bath in Paw Paw

Chad E Lavender from Dixonville, PA on 06/14/2018 04:38 PM

Has anyone stayed here? If so, what was your experience?

Bikechick from Shepherds town on 07/26/2018 08:17 AM

Sorry this is so late. But I stayed there in 2016. Great experience! Owner is a canal steward and wonderful host! I plan to stay again.

Christopher Ormsby from Toronto on 07/26/2018 07:36 PM

Nothing fancy, but Dan makes a great host, and a better breakfast.

bobthebuilder from Cleveland Ohio on 07/26/2018 09:49 PM

We just completed the C&O and Gap on July 21st. Couldn't find lodging in Paw Paw so stayed in Little Orleans at the Hilltop Inn. 6 miles of the trail but they have a great shuttle service. By far the highlight of our trip. Don't miss this place!

Don from Dyer on 07/27/2018 11:48 AM

I stayed at Three Otters in that area. They will canoe you from the path across the river to their property and back. They were very friendly and accommodating. www.threeotters.com

Rich And Samantha kros from Stevensville md on 09/15/2018 10:22 PM

6/6/18
HEY Dan wanted to give you shout out after peddling from Cumberland to paw paw we stopped. all the camping areas mostly closed stopped at BIKEPATH bed and bath I've met a lot fine folks over my 65yrs but this guy was great. had to detour to 84marker he transported us last thing he told me was the adventure starts here he was spot on 2hrs to go 2 miles trail covered with 4" of muck and downed trees 5hrs to Sheppards town something my granddaughter will always remember. I'm sure to go back soon thanks Mr.Dan
R&S
2fast3

Add your Comment to Bikepath Bed and Bath in Paw Paw

share this thread

Tagged: Bikepath Bed and Bath

Parking in DC

Carl from Marriottsville on 09/12/2018 06:11 PM

Starting in Pittsburgh on oct 6 was looking for a place to have a vechicle in DC for when we finish on the 11th

Add your Comment to Parking in DC

share this thread

Bike Shipping

Beth from Minneapolis on 08/23/2018 03:58 PM

Just curious if anyone has used BikeFlights before and can offer up opinions on their service? I'm thinking of using them instead of FedEx. Thank you!

Ty on 08/23/2018 08:47 PM

I use them all the time. They’re great!

Anonymous on 08/23/2018 11:19 PM

I took my own bike from Australia on the plane to NY. Amtrak down to DC. Greyhound bus to Pittsburgh. I had it in a bike box all the way. I used bike packing saddle bag at rear, a frame bag and a handlebar bag. This works if you’re not carrying too much. Good luck!

Beth from Minneapolis on 08/24/2018 10:09 AM

Awesome! Thanks for your input!!

Anonymous on 09/03/2018 07:41 PM

Bike flights is a good way to go. But they don't ship on weekends or holidays. You have to figure that in when scheduling.

Steve from BEND on 09/05/2018 01:00 AM

Have used them several times and have always saved many $$$ over what FedEx would have charged. You just print out the prepaid online labels and pack them up. I've dropped them off at FedEx offices for shipping, no hassle at all. Did 5 bikes at one time once. Great company.

Beth from Minneapolis on 09/06/2018 05:20 PM

Awesome! Thanks Steve!

Jon M from N TX on 09/11/2018 01:54 PM

Shipbikes.com is similar to BikeFlights as a reseller for Fedex. Used them to ship my bike home from Chicago at the end of a tour. Door-to-door residential pickup and delivery was less expensive than rates quoted directly from Fedex.

Add your Comment to Bike Shipping

share this thread

Seneca

Sharon from Altoona, PA on 09/09/2018 07:15 AM

Lodging is listed for Seneca. Could you provide name and contact information? I can’t seem to find lodging there. Thanks

Anonymous on 09/09/2018 08:07 AM

There is a free hiker biker campsite at mile marker 26. Also, you can stay in Lockhouse 22...go to canaltrust.org and you should find more information there. All of the lock houses available to stay in are designed in different time periods so you’ll definitely want to make sure it has the amenities you are looking for. We stayed in Lockhouse 10 and it was really a fantastic end to our ride from Pittsburgh.

Add your Comment to Seneca

share this thread

Tagged: Seneca

Riding solo and camping

Steve Jorgensen from Bend, OR on 09/05/2018 01:08 AM

Hi, I'm looking at flying out and riding from Pittsburgh to DC, maybe as early as this Thursday. I fly space available so I often just need to wing it and not have detailed plans if flights have a bunch of open seats. I have a folding Dahon set up for touring and all supplies and camping gear ready to go. Is it going to be a problem to find camping along the way if I just show up in Pittsburgh at the airport and ride to the trail or trailhead and just head out? I'm figuring 40-50 mile days. Is it difficult to ride from the airport to the trail?
Thanks!

Anonymous on 09/05/2018 08:37 PM

Not sure about the ride from the airport to the trail, but I'm sure if you search the forum you could find a post about that. As for camping...campsites are not as prominent on the GAP as they are on the C&O. We stayed at Cedar Creek which is a free campsite right on the trail, approx 40 miles from Pittsburgh. Once you reach the C&O, free hiker biker sites are available every 5-7 or so miles. I don't see you having any problem--enjoy your trip!

Mike on 09/05/2018 09:31 PM

If you see heavy Grafitti near a Camp Site or close to it, move on to the next Camp Site further out. I wouldn't camp solo near a road juncture (unless there is a group of Campers sharing the same Camp Site). Never know who might show up in the middle of the night. Just sayin.

Steve from BEND on 09/06/2018 12:56 AM

All good advice that also applies just about anywhere, thanks!

Willy Prost from Alexandria , Va on 09/06/2018 12:32 PM

The campsite that fits your 40-50 mile destination on your first day from the airport is the Gill Hall campsite near mile 46 on the Mountour trail.
https://montourtrail.org/plan-a-visit/camping/
Here is a map of the Mountour trail
https://montourtrail.org/plan-a-visit/map/

Add your Comment to Riding solo and camping

share this thread

emergency shuttles/Uber

Skipper from Oregon City on 09/04/2018 12:01 PM

We are leaving Pittsburgh end of Sept, taking our time to DC. What are options for unforeseen mechanical or bodily breakdowns? I can fix minor issues but if something major occurs are there local folks who will help out in a pinch? (with compensation of course) Thanks!

Tom L. from Robinson Twp Pa on 09/04/2018 01:09 PM

If you are near Hancock MD go to the C&O Bicycle shop which is located directly at the trailhead, right next to the canal. I had a serious mechanical breakdown last fall, and these guys did a complete rebuild of my main bearings for $40. Within 45 minutes of me getting to their shop I was back on the trail. They also sell trail-type foods and supplies and have a very reasonable bunkhouse if you need to stay overnight. They really got me out of a jam & I stop by every time I'm through there. Very honest & reasonable. Just great people.

Anonymous on 09/04/2018 02:56 PM

Thanks! We will be staying one night in Hancock. Hopefully we won't NEED their services!

Add your Comment to emergency shuttles/Uber

share this thread

solo

tom from pgh on 09/04/2018 09:47 AM

Planning a solo bike trip from DC to Pgh in late September. Will be camping 3 nights along the C & O and was wondering if anyone could give me their overall impression of the overnight safeness of the trail campsites, Chisel/Horseshoe Bend/Big Woods in particular.

Add your Comment to solo

share this thread

Pitt--->DC this October

Ty from Wheat Ridge, Colorado on 08/29/2018 11:40 AM

Leaving Pittsburg on September 30th headed for Washington DC! Will take 8-10 days getting there, no plans to rush. My ride will actually end in Baltimore since my flight home is out of BWI. Plan to do short days, 40-50 miles. I'll be hammock camping along the way. If you see me feel free to say hi! I'll blog about the ride on my Instagram at Portland_2_Portland

Anonymous on 09/03/2018 07:40 PM

We may see you on the trail! Leaving Pittsburgh 9/29 by way of Montour trail. Going very very slow, taking time to explore this part of the country. Coming from Oregon. Safe riding!

Add your Comment to Pitt--->DC this October

share this thread

Ohiopyle

John Bonbright from Shepherdstown, WV on 08/31/2018 09:12 AM

The accuracy of the mileage figures from different sources seem to be off, in some case significantly. For instance, I ran westward from Ramcat to Ohiopyle in June. The last mile marker I saw before reaching Ohiopyle was "71" and the trailhead was another 0.2 miles further, so, using my keen mathematical abilities, I put Ohiopyle at 71.2. Your info has it at 74, however. I'm not being nitpicky but since I'm running this, accurate mileage is nice to have. For instance, your town info for Connellsville has it at 88, which would mean 14 miles from Ohiopyle. However, the mileage figures posted on the actual signs on the GAP have that at 19 miles. Those 5 miles make a big difference on foot, at least for my old slow arse! Confusing things further, the mileage chart on the "official" GAP web site lists it at 17 miles. Anyway, thanks for any clarity you can provide. Perhaps the mile markers themselves aren't correct due to the opening of that one tunnel a few years back? And maybe I'm the only one who actually cares about any of this! BTW, I LOVE this site, the town info is awesome.

Ray (webmaster) on 09/02/2018 08:54 AM

Thank you John for pointing this out. After going back through all my records and references, I can only conclude that the listing of Ohiopyle as MM 74 was an error. I have corrected this number to 71.2 throughout the website.

Having said that, there is some variance in the town mile number and they cannot be counted on for absolute precision, but they all should be accurate within a few tenths of a mile - like you said, not a big deal for cyclists but a bigger deal for someone on foot.

Thanks again for catching that, and I apologize for any trouble caused by that error.

Happy trails!

Add your Comment to Ohiopyle

share this thread

Tagged: Ohiopyle

SAG vehicle Pittsburgh to DC

ItaliaTeach from Youngstown Ohio on 08/31/2018 02:42 PM

Is anyone familiar with a service that will haul my gear to campgrounds while I ride? Dont want the additional weight or hassle.

Add your Comment to SAG vehicle Pittsburgh to DC

share this thread

Paula Termini from Takoma Park md on 08/23/2018 07:11 AM

Any news on the detour in Brunswick?

David from Grafton on 08/28/2018 09:35 AM

Check Youtube. Looks like a path has been established.

Anonymous on 08/29/2018 11:37 AM

Where on YouTube? That's such a generic answer. No better than saying "check Google."

Anonymous on 08/29/2018 02:12 PM

:-) I thought the same thing. I'm not sure if this is the link David is referring to but here you go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhDNlqPGyuk

Also the park service web site https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/conditions.htm says "Construction on the temporary low water bridge is anticipated to begin the week of August 20 and will be completed by mid-September"

Hope this helps. I'm hitting the trail Sep 8th from the DC end.

Ocala Jim from Ocala on 08/29/2018 07:28 PM

Paula,check out Towpath update post,fourth reply down.
I will be making the trip in late Sept.
I can't believe people will not help you.
Wish you the best.

Ingrid from Pittsburgh 2fast3 on 08/29/2018 07:59 PM

Check out Pedalshift on YouTube. It’s a video about the washout.

Add your Comment

share this thread

Lock #21 (Swain's Lock) in Potomac

Lowell J Herschberger from Brooklyn on 08/17/2018 08:19 PM

Is it safe to leave a car here for several days?

Add your Comment to Lock #21 (Swain's Lock) in Potomac

share this thread

Tagged: Lock #21 (Swain's Lock)

Towpath update

Shicks from Pittsburgh on 07/24/2018 09:57 AM

Is the towpath detour free? Will be riding it next week.

Decafsoylatte from Pittsburgh on 08/12/2018 03:42 PM

I called both shuttle services listed on the NPS site. Shephardstown Pedal charges over $100 per, the Brunswick shop said around $60 for two of us. We are going to move over to the W and OD next week.

Anonymous on 08/14/2018 01:04 AM

$100?!? No thanks. I’d pay $10 and not a penny more. I’ll find a way around.

John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 08/15/2018 09:03 PM

There is an easy way around with just a little bit of backtracking. Check out this video from The Pedalshift Project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhDNlqPGyuk Move the video up to 2:38 to see the shortcut. Look for the red survey flags. He's going Cumberland to DC so you know which direction he's going. Hope this helps.

Anonymous on 08/16/2018 11:41 AM

Thanks John

Add your Comment to Towpath update

share this thread

Pittsburgh Parking

H. Thomas from NW Pa on 07/28/2018 11:11 PM

I plan to ride east from Pittsburgh but am reluctant to leave my car in an unsecured spot for several days. Can anyone advise me on safe parking near the trail in Pittsburgh for a reasonable fee?

Anonymous on 07/31/2018 07:37 PM

someone posted back in June that they will be able to park at the Heaven Bicycle Museum for $10 day in a guarded lot. Their suggestion was to speak with Craig the owner. Worth a phone call!

Rebecca from Pittsburgh on 08/07/2018 08:18 PM

Charles from Steel City Outdoor Adventures tells us we can park at Amtrak for free, and it's a nice lot, well-lit and the car will be safe

Add your Comment to Pittsburgh Parking

share this thread

Weather

Bob from North Platte NE on 07/26/2018 10:48 AM

I am looking at trying to do a trip from Pittsburgh to DC in October, first or second week. Can anyone give me an idea of what kind of weather, temp. etc.. I could expect? Is this a good or bad time to do a trip? Thanks,

Richard from Washington DC on 07/26/2018 12:48 PM

It's tough to predict. Early October can be wonderful, or it can be wet. Hurricanes and low pressure centers moving up the coast can bring as much as a week of bad weather. Otherwise, it's likely to be cool and dry, almost cold in the mountainous parts of the GAP. There'll be leaves on the GAP too. You have to take your chances. It could be your greatest or worst bike ride. But normally, early October is a good time of year that part of the country.

Don from Dyer on 07/27/2018 11:51 AM

I did that trip over last two weeks of September last year and weather was perfect (no rain!) except for being really hot on a few days. Was very manageable in the shade of the paths.

Beth on 07/31/2018 02:02 PM

Great question as I am also doing this trip the first 2 weeks of October too!! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for wonderful weather for us.

Anonymous on 08/01/2018 03:58 PM

We’ve been doing the canal for last 30 years and from Pittsburgh the last 15 or so during the last 2 weeks of October. As said, weather can be glorious or rainy. Last 2 weeks of October we usually don’t get temperatures below 35 - 40 at night which we like for camping, and daytime temperatures are usually 60’s to 70’s. Last trip we had no rain for all 11 days, trip b4 rained almost every day.

Add your Comment to Weather

share this thread

train to DC

tom from pgh on 08/01/2018 08:14 AM

I am planning a reschedule of a DC to Pittsburgh trip that was cancelled back in early June when all hell broke loose on the trail. First question is, is the trail back to decent shape (mud, trees down, etc). I know there are a few detours to work around, but general rideability of the trail is my main concern. I'm an old guy and I'm not looking for a great adventure, just the peace and beauty of the Potomac valley. Also, has anyone taken the AMTRAK early morning train from Pgh to DC with bike? Is it hassle or is it a good way to get to DC.

Ocala Jim from ocala,Fl. on 08/01/2018 10:19 AM

My trip was a washout in mid-May. I have rescheduled for mid-Sept. Traveled on the am. train from Cumberland-DC. with my bike. Everything worked out great. As for the trail condition, like you I'll be checking frequently.

Snow White from Takoma Park md on 08/01/2018 11:24 AM

I would suggest Pittsburgh TO DC , as it is all downhill!
TO DC, Union Station is downtown and a ride through the city to Georgetown where the C&O canal starts. Not difficult, and there are lots of bike lanes.

bobthebuilder from Cleveland Ohio on 08/01/2018 12:17 PM

We took Amtrak in July from Ohio to DC. They have a roll on service now in a special car where your bike gets securely hung. Great! Cars were over-air conditioned, and savvy travelers brought pillows and blankets. Fun way to start. Allow plenty of time to navigate to your hotel. We stayed in Arlington, 9 miles and the last half was all up hill.

Add your Comment to train to DC

Page: 1 ... 56 57 58 ... 122

+ Start a new discussion