May 2018 GAP and C&O Trip Report
- + Sharing our trip report here: https://ttravel441155563.wordpress.com
We enjoyed the others we read and hope this helps to plan your trip!
Discussion started 05/18/2018 12:23 PM by JKT - 5 replies (last reply by JKT at 05/27/2018 04:45 PM)JKT from Tampa on 05/18/2018 12:23 PM
Sharing our trip report here: https://ttravel441155563.wordpress.com
We enjoyed the others we read and hope this helps to plan your trip!
Jeanne from Land O Lakes on 05/25/2018 05:49 AM
Thank you for sharing your trip. I had time to read one entry and appreciate all of it---your information, photos, and sense of humor. I'm saving the link to read later with my husband. We are scheduled to ride from Pittsburgh to DC in June. Hoping for drier conditions by then, but worried that the storm in the gulf might bring more rain to the area.
Anonymous on 05/25/2018 01:19 PM
Just found this link this AM. Planning to do the GAP from Pitts to Cumberland. Thanks for your trip sharing. I read the GAP portion and it was really nice.
Mr. Bill from Media, PA on 05/26/2018 08:32 AM
Excellent blog and exactly what I wanted to hear. The C&O Towpath looks a little soupy at this time but what the heck. I’m starting next week and it appears I’m staying at the same places that you did. I presume you were in the Garden Room at Hanna’s and that tub is right up my alley. Thanks for the laughs too. I love a little bit of whimsy.
TampaBiker on 05/26/2018 10:17 AM
JKT. Nice trip report. My wife and I went from Pitt to DC last June. We took pictures but I was she we would have made a blog with videos too.
I see you are from Tampa also. We couldn’t find any T-shirts for both the C&O and the GAP so my wife had a custom one made for each of us.
Several local Tampa Bay Area random people have commented to us they did the ride too.
JKT on 05/27/2018 04:45 PM
Best of luck with the weather (although you really can have a great experience even with a bit of rain!). Please share your trip observations. We found the ones we read extremely helpful in setting expectations and planning our time. -JKT
My June 2017 Pitt to DC video blog
- + Here’s my video blog of my ride on the GAP and C&O June 22-26, 2017.
http://bikingforachromatopsia.blogspot.com
Discussion started 05/26/2018 12:12 PM by JK - 0 repliesJK on 05/26/2018 12:12 PM
Here’s my video blog of my ride on the GAP and C&O June 22-26, 2017.
http://bikingforachromatopsia.blogspot.com
Brunswick, 2 guys I warned about a raccoon
- + Trying to get in contact about the 2 guys riding together that I stopped you on the Brunswick part of the trail on May tuesday 22 about the raccoon. I would like to meet up and ride with you guys as I...
Discussion started 05/23/2018 12:04 PM by Kirk - 0 repliesKirk from Brunswick on 05/23/2018 12:04 PM
Trying to get in contact about the 2 guys riding together that I stopped you on the Brunswick part of the trail on May tuesday 22 about the raccoon. I would like to meet up and ride with you guys as I'm sure we have the same interests. 267-671-6078
Meyersdale to Cumberland
- + How steep is the descent into Cumberland?. I am on a rental bike that is too big. (Don’t get many started in my disappointment with the bike shop that we rented from.) I having a great deal of difficu...
Discussion started 05/20/2018 09:30 PM by Donna - 4 replies (last reply by Richard at 05/22/2018 06:28 AM)Donna from Oregon on 05/20/2018 09:30 PM
How steep is the descent into Cumberland?. I am on a rental bike that is too big. (Don’t get many started in my disappointment with the bike shop that we rented from.) I having a great deal of difficulty braking safely because I can’t get my hands in the proper position to get enough leverage? We started our ride in Pittsburgh. It hasn’t been a problem while in the trail, but has freaked me out in a couple of the towns, including coming into Meyersdale today.
Additionally is there a bike shop in Frostburg or Meyersdale?
Richard from Washington on 05/21/2018 06:49 AM
The descent is gradual. The maximum grade on the trail is 3 degrees. You won't have to pedal. You might not even have to brake, but I can understand your anxiety. The only bike shops that I know of are in Cumberland. The trickiest part may be Big Savage Tunnel since it's dark, a mile long, and downhill. If you made it from Pittsburgh, you should be able to make it to Cumberland. To get into the town of Frostburg, you have to get off the trail and go up a steep hill, but it's only two blocks long, so you can walk it.
Donna from Oregon on 05/21/2018 08:33 AM
Thank you so much for responding. The information you shared was very helpful.
Anonymous on 05/21/2018 09:36 PM
The Big Savage Tunnel has lights in it, 3/4 mile long and level. With that said...a bicycle light does help.
Richard from Washington on 05/22/2018 06:28 AM
The trouble is that if you use a bicycle light, you blind those who are coming toward you. They lose their night vision and can't see for several minutes after you pass.
Pittsburg-DC
- + We are planning a 6 day trip from Pittsburg to Dc. When should we start our trip on the memorial weekend to experience less rain? We were debating Thursday or Friday.
Discussion started 05/21/2018 11:01 AM by Topuz - 0 repliesTopuz from Frederick on 05/21/2018 11:01 AM
We are planning a 6 day trip from Pittsburg to Dc. When should we start our trip on the memorial weekend to experience less rain? We were debating Thursday or Friday.
Amtrak bike. Policy
- + Does Amtsrak have a roll on bike policy for stops between Cumberland and Connellsville.
Discussion started 05/20/2018 02:07 PM by Jkh - 1 reply (last reply by Roadrider at 05/20/2018 03:20 PM)Jkh from Evansville ins. on 05/20/2018 02:07 PM
Does Amtsrak have a roll on bike policy for stops between Cumberland and Connellsville.
Roadrider on 05/20/2018 03:20 PM
Yes, Amtrak has roll on/roll off bike service at Cumberland and Connellsville. There are no stops between those stations. Fee is $20 for bike when making reservation. The difficult to use Amtrak website has all the information once you navigate through many pages.
- + Still trying to decide whether to take my less comfortable Bianchi with 32mm tires and fenders or a beloved Airporne with 25 mm tires and no fenders. Looks like some rain is possible for our Pittsburg...
Discussion started 05/19/2018 04:45 PM by gary - 1 reply (last reply by Charlie at 05/20/2018 08:41 AM)gary from bath,oh on 05/19/2018 04:45 PM
Still trying to decide whether to take my less comfortable Bianchi with 32mm tires and fenders or a beloved Airporne with 25 mm tires and no fenders. Looks like some rain is possible for our Pittsburgh to Cumberland ride beginning May 21. Advice?
Charlie from Manassas on 05/20/2018 08:41 AM
With the amount of rain we have been getting, I’d go with the 32’s and fenders.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
https://bikecando.com/talk.aspx?tid=3025&tonly=1
Tires
- + I am just passing through western Pa and thought about a quick ride from Connellsville to Ohiopyle and back. My bike I will be transporting is a road bike with 700/25 tires. Will these be OK on this p...
Discussion started 05/16/2018 11:48 AM by Boilernagy - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 05/19/2018 09:49 AM)Boilernagy from Lafayette on 05/16/2018 11:48 AM
I am just passing through western Pa and thought about a quick ride from Connellsville to Ohiopyle and back. My bike I will be transporting is a road bike with 700/25 tires. Will these be OK on this part of the trail?
Richard from Washington on 05/16/2018 12:50 PM
It should be okay unless all the rain has made a mess of things. The GAP is gravel. I have noticed the fine gravel tends to coat the chain and gears, and I've wondered if it causes wear and tear, but you're not going that far.
Anonymous on 05/19/2018 09:49 AM
Agree. 25s will be fine for that section of the GAP.
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Tires
https://bikecando.com/talk.aspx?tid=2986&tonly=1
Jefferson County remains on flood watch
- + "...Flooding is expected at the pedestrian bridge adjacent to the Shepherdstown boat ramp, with significant portions of the C&O Canal towpath under water.
The Potomac River at Harpers Ferry is ...
Discussion started 05/19/2018 08:12 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 05/19/2018 08:12 AM
"...Flooding is expected at the pedestrian bridge adjacent to the Shepherdstown boat ramp, with significant portions of the C&O Canal towpath under water.
The Potomac River at Harpers Ferry is expected to crest at 18.4 feet on Sunday morning, the release states.
..."
Full article: https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/tri_state/west_virginia/jefferson-county-remains-on-flood-watch-through-saturday/article_e01f96d2-5aa7-11e8-97f5-7f45a2b73247.html
Riverfront camps shut down in face of Potomac Rvr
- + Riverfront camps shut down in face of Potomac River flood
The Brunswick Family Campground is among the Potomac riverfront recreation sites that have have been evacuated in the face of rising wa...
Discussion started 05/19/2018 08:08 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 0 repliesRay (webmaster) on 05/19/2018 08:08 AM
Riverfront camps shut down in face of Potomac River flood
The Brunswick Family Campground is among the Potomac riverfront recreation sites that have have been evacuated in the face of rising waters.
Full article: https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/frederick-county/riverfront-camps-shut-down-in-face-of-potomac-river-flood/65-554572378
Big Bang Bike Shop
- + The Big Bang Bike Shop is no longer in operation as of the Spring of 2018.
Discussion started 05/19/2018 05:35 AM by Rivnuts - 0 repliesRivnuts from Homestead on 05/19/2018 05:35 AM
The Big Bang Bike Shop is no longer in operation as of the Spring of 2018.
- + Just got off trail at 530 between mile marker70 to 55 and it was very challagingreal bad conditions glad we made it too Brunswick ending our trip 55 miles short of finishing will come back when trail ...
Discussion started 05/18/2018 10:16 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 05/18/2018 10:16 PM
Just got off trail at 530 between mile marker70 to 55 and it was very challagingreal bad conditions glad we made it too Brunswick ending our trip 55 miles short of finishing will come back when trail is fixed
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Flooding Damage May 2018
- + Due to the rain & flooding impact the week of May 13, would you recommend canceling a Memorial weekend bike ride of the C&O? trail
Discussion started 05/17/2018 12:15 AM by TWS - 2 replies (last reply by DJS at 05/18/2018 01:00 PM)TWS from Derwood on 05/17/2018 12:15 AM
Due to the rain & flooding impact the week of May 13, would you recommend canceling a Memorial weekend bike ride of the C&O? trail
Matt from Alexandria on 05/18/2018 10:21 AM
I would hold off on cancelling anything just yet. There has been a lot of rain and more to come today. Water levels will subside in the coming week and things will dry out (a bit), but it is unclear if and how detours will affect travel. Checkout @chesapeakeandohiocanal on Facebook for the latest on trail conditions.
DJS from Warre3n Ohio on 05/18/2018 01:00 PM
Just got off of the C and O from Washington to Cumberland,the biggest problem being the bike bridge washouts and the detours involve riding on the road makes it dangerous,not to mention the hills are beautiful in a car in the area,not when riding or walking,could not make it,Harpers Ferry is NOT crossing the river and the trail is muddy,I would check everywhere you can before going.
Status of Flooding on C & O Canal Towpath
- + I am leading a group of college students on a study/travel program. We arrive in Cumberland tomorrow from Meyersdale. We will be riding to DC. We hear there is a section of the Towpath that is flooded...
Discussion started 05/17/2018 05:58 PM by Rev Tim - 1 reply (last reply by Matt at 05/18/2018 10:18 AM)Rev Tim from Georgia on 05/17/2018 05:58 PM
I am leading a group of college students on a study/travel program. We arrive in Cumberland tomorrow from Meyersdale. We will be riding to DC. We hear there is a section of the Towpath that is flooded due to a lock break and therefore the section is impasse able at the moment. Where is the section and how large of an area does the flood impact?
Matt from Alexandria on 05/18/2018 10:18 AM
Tim, there is extensive flooding along the towpath right now. Checkout @chesapeakeandohiocanal on Facebook for updates on flooding and closures.
Tunnel and Lights
- + We will be riding the GAP for the first time in a couple of weeks; beginning at Pittsburgh and riding to Cumberland over 5 days. Is it necessary, safer or more enjoyable to have lights on our bikes f...
Discussion started 04/30/2018 05:10 PM by Donna - 8 replies (last reply by anonymous at 05/06/2018 10:54 AM)Donna from Portland, OR on 04/30/2018 05:10 PM
We will be riding the GAP for the first time in a couple of weeks; beginning at Pittsburgh and riding to Cumberland over 5 days. Is it necessary, safer or more enjoyable to have lights on our bikes for riding through the tunnels.
Anonymous on 04/30/2018 07:42 PM
Not really necessary in any of the tunnels in my opinion. They are dark though. In the paw paw you want a headlamp.
Whit Rawlinson from Yorktown on 04/30/2018 10:26 PM
Absolutely
lenny on 05/01/2018 05:10 AM
Definately in PawPaw. Maybe Bordan and and Brush. Always a good idea to have a light.
JK on 05/01/2018 08:32 AM
I would definitely bring a bright light -- some of those tunnels can get pretty dark inside. Better safe than sorry.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 05/01/2018 09:20 PM
I would bring a light or head lamp not just for the tunnels but also for if you don't make it to town or camp before sunset.
Flats happen. Bikea break down. Injuries or dehydration happens. You may get not make it your destination before sunset.
Some parts of the trail are very dark after the sun goes down. You are in some remote places with lots of tree canopy. Some of these places you cannot see your hands in front of your face at night. Do not get caught out without a light.
Also, if you are camping, you will need a light to get around your campsite at night.
I'm not saying it will happen but it's best to be prepared.
John
Ed on 05/01/2018 11:31 PM
Lights are absolutely not necessary for the tunnels on the GAP trail during daylight hours. I have been thru them numerous times.
The Paw Paw tunnel is on the C&O Canal, not the GAP trail. It is dark, but can safely be navigated without a light, as most bikers walk thru this tunnel.
That being said, unless you are staying in a hotel... I'd toss a small flashlight, headlamp, etc in your pack somewhere.
Ed on 05/01/2018 11:41 PM
You absolutely do not need a light for the tunnels on the GAP trail during daylight hours.
I have ridden thru them numerous times.
The Paw Paw tunnel is on the C&O Canal, not the GAP trail. It too can be safely navigated without a light as most people walk thru this tunnel. It is rough, dark, and narrow.
That being said... I'd throw a small flashlight, headlamp, etc in your pack somewhere. Unless you are staying in a hotel, you might need it at some point. But not for the tunnels.
Anonymous on 05/06/2018 10:54 AM
We had headlights on our bikes and headlamps in our packs...not necessary in the tunnels. I will add on to what an earlier poster said...it is definitely wise to have some kind of headlamp with you...once the sun sets behind the mountain, it gets dark FAST.
As for the Paw Paw Tunnel...I’m pretty sure it’s still closed for the rock scaling project they started last year.
Road bike Harper's Ferry to Georgetown
- + My son wants to join our group and ride from Harper's Ferry to Georgetown May 10-12. He has a road bike with 700X25mm tires. Will this generally work for this part of the trail?
Discussion started 04/20/2018 10:46 PM by Rick - 3 replies (last reply by Rick at 05/02/2018 03:23 PM)Rick from Louisville KY on 04/20/2018 10:46 PM
My son wants to join our group and ride from Harper's Ferry to Georgetown May 10-12. He has a road bike with 700X25mm tires. Will this generally work for this part of the trail?
Snyderwine Martha on 04/21/2018 11:38 AM
I’ve done the section from Seneca to Georgetown on 32’s. Just cautious at times where it’s muddy or more loose gravel, around lock bridges. I see rode bikes often between Great Falls & Georgetown. Suggest lower tire pressure.
Richard from DC on 04/21/2018 03:22 PM
From Harpers Ferry to Seneca Creek, the trail is mainly dirt. If it rains, it will be muddy for a week. Grass grows all on he towpath except for two strips where the bikes have killed the grass. From Seneca to Georgetown, the towpath is either compact dirt and sand or fairly large pebble stones. I ride it a lot. If it's muddy, even mountain bike tires have a tough time. And a mountain bike tires will absorb at least some of the shock of riding over he pebbles, and they'll get you through the loose sand and gravel. I've never tried it with my road bike except for a very short pebbled section, which rattles my teeth even on a steel frame. I have seen road bikes on the towpath, but they have larger tires. I think it's iffy in dry weather and impossible if it has rained.
Rick from Grafton Va. on 05/02/2018 03:23 PM
Bigger tires are always the best bet but I would consider using my 700X38's on my Trek Dual Sport. The particular stretch your referring to isn't too bad trail wise but my last ride through there was last Oct. a year ago. You didn't mention if your son would be carring overnight gear or not. But that could be a factor also.
Clean-up at the end of the trail
- + Is there a good gym or another place with showers between the end marker and Union Station? I am hoping to get cleaned up before a 24-hour train ride. Or is hoping to find a cheap hotel room the best ...
Discussion started 04/27/2018 04:40 PM by Timon of Athens - 3 replies (last reply by David Gorman at 04/29/2018 09:28 PM)Timon of Athens from Lawrence, KS on 04/27/2018 04:40 PM
Is there a good gym or another place with showers between the end marker and Union Station? I am hoping to get cleaned up before a 24-hour train ride. Or is hoping to find a cheap hotel room the best option?
GreenCloud from Middletown, OH on 04/28/2018 01:56 PM
Some of the hostels in the city are reasonable and close to trail: I paid about $45, six years ago.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 04/28/2018 03:07 PM
Check the YMCA. They'll usually let you use showers for like $5 but I would call first and ask if the non-member public can use their facilities (if they even have them) and how much it will cost.
David Gorman from Hollidaysburg on 04/29/2018 09:28 PM
Many times if you are a member of a YMCA in your area they are a member of the AWA program which lets you use any Y (though for the more urban Ys, Washington DC, etc there may be a small fee).
Little Orleans
- + In the chart I don't see what the trail surfaces are. Is it asphalt from Hancock to Little Orleans?
Discussion started 04/21/2018 11:17 AM by BarbS - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 04/21/2018 01:02 PM)BarbS from Grand Rapids, MI on 04/21/2018 11:17 AM
In the chart I don't see what the trail surfaces are. Is it asphalt from Hancock to Little Orleans?
Stillriding from Pittsburgh, Pa. on 04/21/2018 12:12 PM
From Hancock you have two choices. The Western MD. Rail Trail which is 11.5 miles of asphalt till you are back on the C&O for the last 4 .5 mile to Little Orleans or us the C&O for the entire 16 mile trip.
Anonymous on 04/21/2018 01:02 PM
That's a 16 mile trip. You have two choices. Take C&O the entire way or take the MD. Rail Trail that will be asphalt for 11.5 mile before it puts you back on the C&O Trail.
Parking options Ohiopyle, etc?
- + Looking for parking advice or information. Planning early June day rides East/West (E/W) from Ohiopyle and Boston. Appreciate any advice on parking availability along the trail. Or will inns/motels...
Discussion started 04/18/2018 08:18 AM by MES - 1 reply (last reply by lenny at 04/20/2018 06:44 AM)MES from Arlington, VA on 04/18/2018 08:18 AM
Looking for parking advice or information. Planning early June day rides East/West (E/W) from Ohiopyle and Boston. Appreciate any advice on parking availability along the trail. Or will inns/motels allow us to park for the day? Thanks in advance!
lenny on 04/20/2018 06:44 AM
All of the major trail heads have parking, including Ohiopyle and Boston.
Bike boxes from Pittsburgh to DC
- + Hi. Six of us are planning to fly into PIT to cycle GAP/CO to DC in June. We will be totally self-supported. Prior to flying into PIT we will box our bikes in cardboard bike boxes we get for free from...
Discussion started 03/26/2018 11:01 PM by Dave - 1 reply (last reply by Matt at 04/02/2018 06:50 AM)Dave from Alberta on 03/26/2018 11:01 PM
Hi. Six of us are planning to fly into PIT to cycle GAP/CO to DC in June. We will be totally self-supported. Prior to flying into PIT we will box our bikes in cardboard bike boxes we get for free from a local bike shop. At the end of our trip, we will want to box our bikes in DC so we can fly out of BWI. Does anyone have any ideas how we can get our bike boxes from Pittsburgh to Washington DC or alternatively the name of some bike shops in DC where we could get some bike boxes. Thanks.
Matt from Alexandria on 04/02/2018 06:50 AM
Dave, I would suggest calling Pro Bicycle Shop and Trek Bicycle Shop in Washington, DC. Both stores are in Georgetown and pretty close to the C&O. Good luck and have a good ride.
Swains Lockhouse Rehabilitation Begins
- + ... The small white house at Swain’s Lock, off River Road west of Potomac Village, will become the seventh house of the Canal Quarters, a program of the nonprofit C&O Canal Trust. Canal Quarters are r...
Discussion started 03/23/2018 06:28 AM by Ray (webmaster) - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 03/28/2018 07:46 PM)Ray (webmaster) on 03/23/2018 06:28 AM
... The small white house at Swain’s Lock, off River Road west of Potomac Village, will become the seventh house of the Canal Quarters, a program of the nonprofit C&O Canal Trust. Canal Quarters are renovated lockhouses available to rent for overnight stays. Each tells a story of a particular period of Canal history.
...
Full article:
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2018/mar/21/swains-lockhouse-rehabilitation-begins-co-canal/
Anonymous on 03/28/2018 07:46 PM
Exciting news! Staying in Lockhouse 10 was one of the highlights of our trip last fall!
C&O to Reagan Airport
- + People often wonder how to get from the C&O Canal to Reagan Airport (or vice versa):
1. From the trail, head south along the Potomac River
2. At Memorial Bridge, cross the river
3. After ...
Discussion started 03/29/2011 10:30 PM by Ray (webmaster) - 3 replies (last reply by Jeanne at 03/20/2018 07:24 AM)Ray (webmaster) on 03/29/2011 10:30 PM
People often wonder how to get from the C&O Canal to Reagan Airport (or vice versa):
1. From the trail, head south along the Potomac River
2. At Memorial Bridge, cross the river
3. After getting across the Potomac, you're on the Mount Vernon Trail. Head south to the airport.
Anonymous on 03/19/2018 10:24 AM
Thank you!
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 03/20/2018 04:44 AM
Indeed! One of favorite things is right where the Mount Vernon Trail and Reagan Airport meet is Gravelly Point where airplanes, depending on direction, either take off or land right over your head! Very cool how close they are! A really great viewing point to just relax and watch the planes as well as catch lots of cyclists, walkers, rollerbladers, etc. pass by.
Jeanne on 03/20/2018 07:24 AM
We'll be ending our ride there in June; can't wait!
School House Kitchen in Oldtown
- + In addition to being a great place to eat, they really care about people!
last month my son and grandson had a frightening experience when they found themselves in the dark, cold, rain in unfam...
Discussion started 12/13/2017 09:43 AM by Carrie O - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 03/18/2018 01:36 PM)Carrie O from Manassas, VA on 12/13/2017 09:43 AM
In addition to being a great place to eat, they really care about people!
last month my son and grandson had a frightening experience when they found themselves in the dark, cold, rain in unfamiliar territory and no cell phone coverage! They found the Schoolhouse Kitchen late on a Sunday evening. Larry kept the doors open, loaned them his personal phone to call for family to come pick them and their gear up, then kept the doors open while we drove 2 hours to get there! He also washed and dried their wet clothes while they waited! What an awesome and wonderful experience this turned out to be. I don't even want to think about what the outcome could have been without the Schoolhouse Kitchen and their caring folks! God Bless you all!
Rick from Grafton Va. on 12/18/2017 03:28 PM
Never had an adventure like your son but we always make a point of stopping to eat on our thru rides at School House Kitchen. They are really nice folks.
Anonymous on 03/18/2018 01:36 PM
100% my favorite place on the entire Gap/c&o
Footwear
- + What shoes do people recommend for a July ride on the C&O/GAP
Discussion started 02/27/2018 02:51 PM by bobthebuilder - 4 replies (last reply by Vinesy at 03/13/2018 08:02 PM)bobthebuilder on 02/27/2018 02:51 PM
What shoes do people recommend for a July ride on the C&O/GAP
GreenCloud from Middletown OH on 02/27/2018 06:46 PM
Rode GAP/C&O in June, pretty hot most of time, with leather gym shoes. Big mistake if you don't like smelly feet. Gym shoes with mesh composition would have been cooler and less smelly. Gold Bond works wonders BTW!!
Ray (webmaster) on 02/28/2018 07:18 AM
You'll see people out there in hard-soled cycling shoes, and sandals, and everything in between. I've always done fine with running shoes - mesh design so they are breathable, like GreedCloud mentioned above. You'll probably want to pack flipflops or sandals to change into after the ride, because your feet will enjoy the cool fresh air after being cooped up in hot sweaty shoes all day.
Ray (webmaster) on 02/28/2018 07:36 AM
And one other thing.... socks. Cotton socks will retain moisture. Synthetic socks will wick away the moisture and remain more dry. You can find good athletic socks at any bike shop, sporting goods store, or even stores like Target.
Vinesy from Melrose, MA on 03/13/2018 08:02 PM
Rode Pittsburgh to DC, rode in Specialized mtn bike shoes with Time ATAC pedals. Agree with the earlier post - socks are key. Cycling specific socks worked really well.