What are eBike rules on C&O Canal trail?
- + Are power assisted bicycles permitted on the C&O Canal trail?
Discussion started 08/23/2016 09:14 PM by John - 7 replies (last reply by anonymous at 09/02/2016 01:53 AM)John on 08/23/2016 09:14 PM
Are power assisted bicycles permitted on the C&O Canal trail?
Mike Caffrey from Pgh on 08/30/2016 04:08 PM
True E-bikes (that adhere to legal description), are street & trail legal by state law which was passed in 2014 that deems them 'bicycles'.
**Must be less than 750 watts, under 100 lbs, 20mph max assist only. Riders must be 16. No combustion engines, electric assist only.
Anonymous on 08/31/2016 03:50 PM
The signs say nothing with a MOTOR.
Truman from Washington on 08/31/2016 07:40 PM
Again, as previously stated...it (eBike) is deemed nothing other than a bicycle by federal mandate & redundantly, STATE LAW.
Anonymous on 09/01/2016 11:40 PM
The trail signs don't say it's open to bicycles (no matter whose definition of bicycle we are talking about). The trail signs say NOTHING with a motor is allowed.
Anonymous on 09/02/2016 12:39 AM
Where are these 'signs' exactly? I don't recall seeing them.
JK on 09/02/2016 01:25 AM
I called the bike shop in Cumberland and the person told me that power-assisted e-bikes are indeed permitted on the C&O Canal trail
Anonymous on 09/02/2016 01:53 AM
Seems like some people just want to try to keep people from use of the trail.
pittsburgh to ohiopyle in day 1
- + my wife and i are riding both trails next week pittsburgh--georgetown and have all lodging reservations made for the week.we rented a room at yough plaza in ohiopyle for first night of the start and w...
Discussion started 08/31/2016 10:24 AM by jerseydinerguy - 4 replies (last reply by anonymous at 09/01/2016 11:41 PM)jerseydinerguy from cape may,NJ on 08/31/2016 10:24 AM
my wife and i are riding both trails next week pittsburgh--georgetown and have all lodging reservations made for the week.we rented a room at yough plaza in ohiopyle for first night of the start and was wondering if that initisl 75 mile day seems crazy.we are both expierienced riders.has anyone else done that?
Anonymous on 08/31/2016 11:37 AM
If you've ever done 50-75 miles in a day before, you'll have no problem riding the GAP for 75 miles. The surface is almost like riding on pavement. In fact the first 20 miles or so to Boston will be paved. If you can ride 12-15 mph it's relatively easy to do the whole 150 mile GAP in a day. I've done it a few times, but you enjoy the journey more breaking it up to 2 or 3 rides for the GAP. Once your on the C&O it's a bit harder on the body. While I've done the 180 miles in 1 day, it's not a fond memory. Though it is totally flat while the GAP has a small grade.
Anonymous on 08/31/2016 03:47 PM
If you are an experienced rider, I don't believe you'll have any problem. I did Cumberland to Ohiopyle...then Ohiopyle to downtown Pittsburgh in back-to-back days without any problem (on the heals of doing 3 62-68 mile days back-to-back on the C&O coming out of DC. 5 days DC to Pittsburgh worked GREAT for me). As noted, the trail surface on the GAP is great and was a welcomed relief after 3 days of lots and lots of mud/rain on the C&O!
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 08/31/2016 06:24 PM
Perfect mileage!
On my one 5 day trip my mileage was:
--Pittsburgh to Ohiopyle (78 miles)
--Ohiopyle to Cumberland (74 miles)
--Cumberland to Hancock (67 miles)
--Hancock to Harper's Ferry (72 miles)
--Harper's Ferry to Washington, DC (77 Miles)
The trail is only 335 miles so these include the trips into town along the way.
Anonymous on 09/01/2016 11:41 PM
The schedule outlined above is what I rode a few weeks ago. Worked GREAT for me....I just rode it east to west.
Paw Paw Tunnel Railing
- + How sturdy is the railing inside the tunnel?
Discussion started 08/31/2016 03:37 PM by John - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 08/31/2016 03:48 PM)John on 08/31/2016 03:37 PM
How sturdy is the railing inside the tunnel?
Anonymous on 08/31/2016 03:48 PM
I wouldn't trust leaning on it. The surface under my feet/bike wheels was quite uneven as well going through there....AND YOU NEED A LIGHT. IT WAS DARK!!! REAL DARK!!
It was awesome!
Trike use on trail
- + I love riding my recumbent trike on long distance extended rides. The front wheel width is 34". Can anyone tell me if there are restrictions on the tow path that would limit my passage? If so is there...
Discussion started 08/28/2016 04:39 PM by Steven Gaub - 4 replies (last reply by Steven Gaub at 08/31/2016 01:57 PM)Steven Gaub from Lakewood on 08/28/2016 04:39 PM
I love riding my recumbent trike on long distance extended rides. The front wheel width is 34". Can anyone tell me if there are restrictions on the tow path that would limit my passage? If so is there an easy workaround.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 08/28/2016 06:29 PM
No restrictions. I've seen all sorts of wheel sizes on the trail, no worries.
Enjoy your trip.
JIMT from QUEENS NY on 08/29/2016 04:55 PM
I TOO HAVE A TRIKE AND CONSIDERED TAKING IT ON THE TRAIL THIS FALL BUT FROM THE PICTURES I'VE SEEN A LOT OF SPOTS HAVE 2 SINGLE TRACKS SIDE BY SIDE WITH A HUMP IN THE MIDDLE. I DONT CARE TO BOUNCE AROUND THAT MUCH SO ILL TAKE MY HYBRID
Steven Gaub from Lakewood on 08/31/2016 01:30 PM
As for ruts I did the Katy in mo out and back and the ruts were there they were not the most problem the storm that put numerous huge trees on the trail made it a real chore to pass. Once I saved the day by begging a truck ride to my next stop and rode the high way the next day it was all good.
Steven Gaub from Lakewood on 08/31/2016 01:57 PM
What about the Paw Paw tunnel? Is the most restricted of the paths and what is the width 3' plus?
Amtrak roll on service
- + I rode the C&O and Gap last year before Amtraks roll on service began the trails were great I am continuing where I left off in Pittsburgh and riding back home to Indianapolis. My question is how stri...
Discussion started 04/17/2016 08:56 PM by Bryan - 5 replies (last reply by Mike Caffrey at 08/30/2016 05:13 PM)Bryan from Avon IN on 04/17/2016 08:56 PM
I rode the C&O and Gap last year before Amtraks roll on service began the trails were great I am continuing where I left off in Pittsburgh and riding back home to Indianapolis. My question is how strict are they on carry on sizes when boarding train in a none check in bag city ie Waterloo IN my panniers are a few inches taller than carry on restictions and I will have my camping gear also. Anyone who has done this have any input or suggestions. Can water bottles etc stay on bike? Thanks
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 04/19/2016 08:12 PM
Last time I was on Amtrak was before roll on-roll off but from what I've gathered reading here, just carry your bags to your seat as if it were carry-on luggage, you should be fine. Our bikes were boxed up but my panniers were carried on board like backpacks or handbags and we just took them to our seats and put them up above in the storage bins. I think you need to remove the bags off of your bike when putting your bike in the dock on the train because all of that extra weight might not keep it stable. Can anyone whose used Roll On Roll Off confirm?
Shawn Ambrose from Fort Wayne, IN on 04/22/2016 04:47 AM
My son is in college in Utah and he took to train from Waterloo, IN to Salt Lake City. He had two suitcases, a backpack, and a guitar. Amtrak let him carry all of that on if that helps.
Bryan on 04/24/2016 07:18 PM
Thanks everyone
Paul from Quincy, IL on 06/06/2016 09:18 PM
"I think you need to remove the bags off of your bike when putting your bike in the dock on the train because all of that extra weight might not keep it stable. Can anyone whose used Roll On Roll Off confirm?"
That is Amtrak's recommendation. My wife used the service about 1 week after it started while I had a folding bike. We had a room in the transition sleeper, better known as the trans-dorm because that is where the on board personnel sleep and when the other sleepers are full, they open a few rooms to customers. The conductor had me put my folding bike in the crew lounge, so I got to talking with him quite a bit. He said I could have left my luggage with the bike. Not only that, but the door to the bike compartment was not locked, so I had access to it during the trip. But it's Amtrak, you never know.
As far as carry on luggage is concerned, the operational rule is if you can schlepp it on board without causing a commotion or delaying boarding, you are good to go.
Mike Caffrey from Pgh on 08/30/2016 05:13 PM
I concur...no problems. Do what they tell you & from both Pgh & DC (I've done both) just be cool, take your bags from bike & you can leave them beside bike on floor...no need to schlep anywhere unless you want to.
are eBikes allowed
- + Are eBikes allowed on the trail? If so what are the limits?
Discussion started 06/29/2016 06:53 PM by ziligy - 1 reply (last reply by Mike Caffrey at 08/30/2016 05:08 PM)ziligy from Chapin on 06/29/2016 06:53 PM
Are eBikes allowed on the trail? If so what are the limits?
Mike Caffrey from Pgh on 08/30/2016 05:08 PM
Ebikes that meet the state law requirements of 750 watts or less, less than 100 lbs, max 20 mph assist & rider must be at least 16 are deemed 'bicycles'. This is a new & coming phenomena in biking, just be extra careful & respectful...please.
Recumbent bike on AMTRAK
- + Will a recumbent bike fit on AMTRAK.
Also, will have a 2 wheeled child trailer that I will be towing.
Can I bring both on board.
Thanks for your answers
Discussion started 06/21/2016 05:24 PM by John - 3 replies (last reply by Truman at 08/30/2016 05:01 PM)John from Bala Cynwyd, PA on 06/21/2016 05:24 PM
Will a recumbent bike fit on AMTRAK.
Also, will have a 2 wheeled child trailer that I will be towing.
Can I bring both on board.
Thanks for your answers
Geo from Kennett Square PA on 06/30/2016 09:01 PM
Took Amtrack to NYC, the train had the racks for bikes, I really do not see a recumbent fitting, let alone a trailer. Contact Amtrack.
Paul from Quincy, IL on 07/03/2016 09:03 PM
Per Amtrak's website:
"Carry-On Bicycle Service" (which includes the Capitol Limited)
Standard full-size bicycles may be carried on and stored onboard in bicycle racks on these select certain trains."
Truman from washington on 08/30/2016 05:01 PM
Amtrak Capital trains 29/30 while allowing bikes (& I was told by conductor) that can transport 1 recumbent. Also, while a child or cargo trailer (even folded) does not meet their carry-on limits, if it is NOT a holiday, busy time, & from Pgh or other (not Union Station), you may be able to get it on, but certainly not assembled unless you pay another bike charge...maybe.
Long Term Parking in Pittsburgh/ South Side
- + We are in the planning stages for our bike trip on the C&O and GAP in September. We plan on taking Amtrak from Pittsburgh to DC and biking back. Is there any long term parking available in the South...
Discussion started 07/01/2016 04:39 PM by Michele - 4 replies (last reply by Mike Caffrey at 08/30/2016 04:40 PM)Michele from St Louis MO on 07/01/2016 04:39 PM
We are in the planning stages for our bike trip on the C&O and GAP in September. We plan on taking Amtrak from Pittsburgh to DC and biking back. Is there any long term parking available in the South Side area? I would ask if there was anything close to the train station but since that is downtown I would not expect it...but if there is it would be great!
DG on 07/28/2016 11:01 PM
There is a parking garage adjacent to the GAP Trail at about the 1 mile marker. Not sure of the name. You may wish to call... The Golden Triangle bike shop which is nearby. I'm sure they'd be able to give ya exact info. I parked there for an overnight ride.
Anonymous on 08/03/2016 10:30 PM
I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express at 20 South 10th. I left my car there in their secure parking area. Cost was $14 a day as I recall. Easy ride from there to Amtrak...and right on the Southside Trail as you come back into town.
Gene from Pittsburgh on 08/10/2016 08:41 AM
You may want to consider a rental car as a second option. Enterprise, the company that picks you up, has a remote office location in Adam’s Morgan DC right on a connector trail. I have used this option several times now and it works well. The price is around $210.00 for the one-way drop-off based on a 24 hour rental. Last year the wife and I left in the middle of the night, dropped the van at 7:00 AM then biked 40 miles out to Indian Flats camp site, that was a bit much. This year we are staying at a holiday Inn 10 miles away from the rental car office. It is the closest hotel I could find that offered free breakfast and free parking.
Mike Caffrey from Pgh on 08/30/2016 04:40 PM
Two suggestions...the Pumphouse lot at the Waterfront in Homestead or, the Riverfront Park on the Southside at 18th. Two stories...the first suggestion is designed for multi-day rides/parking but is a 9 mi bike ride to station, the 2nd is posted for no overnight but by all accounts, not enforced & is only about a 3 mi bike ride. Just go to the upper lot, away from dog park entrance. Now 'free' also has the downside of some level of risk...both areas while supposedly patrolled, are more susceptible to damage, break-in, vandalism, etc. In either case (or other), I HIGHLY recommend Amtrak! The train is (or can be) just as much of an experience as the trail...just get up out of your seat, go to the viewing, cafe, or dining car---& talk to people!
- + Last May while thru riding Pittsburg to Cumberland we noticed a new building being framed. Possible motel? It was just south/east of the community park in Connelsville. Sure looked like a small motel....
Discussion started 08/16/2016 07:12 AM by Rick - 1 reply (last reply by Mike Caffrey at 08/30/2016 04:17 PM)Rick from Grafton, Va. on 08/16/2016 07:12 AM
Last May while thru riding Pittsburg to Cumberland we noticed a new building being framed. Possible motel? It was just south/east of the community park in Connelsville. Sure looked like a small motel. Any info?
Mike Caffrey from Pgh on 08/30/2016 04:17 PM
You are correct...although it is/has been a slow build. I would think by Spring (of 2017), it should be in operation.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
https://bikecando.com/talk.aspx?tid=935&tonly=1
Knights Inn Knoxville - Brunswick, MD
- + Has anyone stayed at the Knights Inn Knoxville - Brunswick, MD? How is it? Bike Friendly? Thanks, John
Discussion started 08/17/2016 11:21 PM by John K - 3 replies (last reply by Ken W at 08/29/2016 09:19 PM)John K from Herndon, VA on 08/17/2016 11:21 PM
Has anyone stayed at the Knights Inn Knoxville - Brunswick, MD? How is it? Bike Friendly? Thanks, John
Willy from Arlington VA on 08/18/2016 10:36 AM
Have stayed there twice, once last year and once last week.
Clean. 1940s era Hillside Motel- now under Knights Inn brand.
They have hose for washing off bike.
Liquor store with good selection of beer next door.
Convenience store across the street.
Will stay again next time I'm in the area on the towpath.
John K from Herndon, VA on 08/29/2016 05:26 PM
Are you allowed to keep bikes in the room? (after hosing of course)
Ken W from Germantown,Md on 08/29/2016 09:19 PM
I stayed there in July. Came in on a very rainy afternoon. They were very nice. No problem with the bike in the room. Second time I've stayed there.
Crossing at Harper's Ferry.
- + I'm riding this area in a couple weeks and was wondering about the crossing at Harper's Ferry from trail to town. Is there an easy way to do this with a tandem bike and trailer?
Discussion started 08/22/2016 01:59 PM by Awf Hand - 5 replies (last reply by Anonymous at 08/29/2016 02:04 PM)Awf Hand from Chippewa Falls, WI on 08/22/2016 01:59 PM
I'm riding this area in a couple weeks and was wondering about the crossing at Harper's Ferry from trail to town. Is there an easy way to do this with a tandem bike and trailer?
Rick from Grafton, Va on 08/23/2016 05:09 AM
The short answer is no. The spiral staircase just across from town is doable but tough with a "normal" bike much less a tandem and trailer. You might want to consider getting on the Rt. 340 bridge at Sandy Hook and riding Rt. 340 into town. It's kind of a busy road but doable. Sandy Hook is east of Harpers Ferry and I know the Appalachian Trail use to cross the bridge before they built the walkway your referring to. I guess since there are 2 of you you could haul the trailer up by hand then set the tandem on it's rear wheel and get it up the staircase. Once you get to the footbridge your golden. Rt. 340 is busy lots of fairly high speed traffic including big trucks. Hope this helps.
Awf Hand on 08/23/2016 10:59 AM
We might end up skipping HF then as we are headed west to east. My tandem partner will not be able to help me haul a loaded bike, trailer and gear. Any other towns that we could (should) easily visit?
Rick from Grafton va on 08/25/2016 03:29 PM
The rest of the towns along the route are easy to get to. A year or so ago they were doing construction on the bridge leading into Shepherdstown. Not sure if it is completed. There are other towns with easier access and more options. Hancock is great, as is Williamsport.
Anonymous on 08/28/2016 11:45 PM
Shephardstown is easy access. A bit of a hill before town, Betty's Restaurant was good, loaded up on fruit at an organic place around the corner.
Anonymous on 08/29/2016 02:04 PM
There are bike racks on the trail side of the bridge. You could lock you bike & trailer there unless you need them in town for some reason. It's a nice town and worth the walk across the bridge.
Wrenwood Inn in Paw Paw
- + Bunkhouse is fantastic. Clean with AC,Wi-Fi,hot shower, excellent lunch, dinner, and can order breakfast the night before as well as a bagged lunch so you can get back on the trail. Only .5 miles from...
Discussion started 08/20/2016 01:36 PM by Steve - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 08/28/2016 11:39 PM)Steve from Brooklyn on 08/20/2016 01:36 PM
Bunkhouse is fantastic. Clean with AC,Wi-Fi,hot shower, excellent lunch, dinner, and can order breakfast the night before as well as a bagged lunch so you can get back on the trail. Only .5 miles from trail, take paved bike path that will sweep around and take you over the bridge. Carol and Scott are fantastic hosts and accomodating to bikers. Say hi to Pop while your there.
Rick from Grafton, Va on 08/26/2016 06:16 AM
WE stayed at the Wrenwood 2 years ago and yes it was very nice. Had supper and breakfast both. Not much else in the town except a gas station/lunch counter and a Family Dollar, I think? Didn't have a bunk house at that time. Good to know.
Anonymous on 08/28/2016 11:39 PM
You're spot on. Bunkhouse is fairly new. Nice respite considering there is not much between Hancock and Cumberland.ex
insects
- + We are going to be riding from Pittsburg to Georgetown starting in mid-September and camping most of the time. I am wondering about the insect situation, specifically ticks. What is the best way to av...
Discussion started 08/27/2016 12:36 PM by Dean - 1 reply (last reply by John W. at 08/28/2016 06:26 PM)Dean from Juneau on 08/27/2016 12:36 PM
We are going to be riding from Pittsburg to Georgetown starting in mid-September and camping most of the time. I am wondering about the insect situation, specifically ticks. What is the best way to avoid ticks and if they are encountered, what is the best way to deal with them? We want to enjoy the ride without the possibility of contracting Lyme disease...
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 08/28/2016 06:26 PM
Mid September is a great time to ride the GAP/C&O! Warm days but not that mid summer stickyness. It's gets darker much sooner but it's also much cooler at night and a lot less traffic on the trails.
I've read that spraying on Off or Deet or some kind of bug spray will help. Stay out of thick vegetation and stick to the trail and open areas. I always like wearing long sleeve wicking shirts...less target area for insects to get on you. GAP is an old rail trail so it's wide and established gravel. C&O is a bit more "woodsy", wet, and muddy (if it's rained) and you'll likely see more mosquitos because of the still standing canal water. Ive never read on these forums about anyone contracting Lime disease after a trip on these two trails. I wouldn't be too concerned about it. Have fun.
Boston to Cumberland
- + I am planning a three day trip in October Boston to Cumberland. What is John Butler House? Is it a hotel or a hostel? What is Yough Shore Inn? There will be 5-6 of us.
Discussion started 08/27/2016 04:01 PM by Yana - 0 repliesYana from Sparks,MD on 08/27/2016 04:01 PM
I am planning a three day trip in October Boston to Cumberland. What is John Butler House? Is it a hotel or a hostel? What is Yough Shore Inn? There will be 5-6 of us.
DO IT!
- + I live in the Kansas City area. After years of thinking about it, I finally made it happen and rode DC to Pittsburgh July 30 - August 3.
I have one piece of advise for you if you're thinking a...
Discussion started 08/25/2016 09:49 AM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 08/25/2016 09:49 AM
I live in the Kansas City area. After years of thinking about it, I finally made it happen and rode DC to Pittsburgh July 30 - August 3.
I have one piece of advise for you if you're thinking about riding the C&O/GAP....DO IT!!
It's been 3 weeks since I finished and I am missing it so bad. Despite some rain and lots of mud, it was a magical 5 days. I wish I lived closed and could jump on it more often. SO AWESOME.
So...if you're considering it....just make the plan and make it happen.
Enjoy!
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
DO IT!
https://bikecando.com/talk.aspx?tid=942&tonly=1
Trail still open between Cumberland and Frostburg?
- + I noticed the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has shortened its route because of a landslide at Woodcock Hollow. I think the GAP trail is right next to the tracks in that area - is the trail still pa...
Discussion started 08/15/2016 07:51 AM by John Pescatore - 1 reply (last reply by Steve at 08/21/2016 08:51 AM)John Pescatore from Ashton MD on 08/15/2016 07:51 AM
I noticed the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has shortened its route because of a landslide at Woodcock Hollow. I think the GAP trail is right next to the tracks in that area - is the trail still passable? We are planning a West Newton to Cumberland 2 day ride later this week.
Thanks, John P.
Steve from Bethel Park on 08/21/2016 08:51 AM
Rode through there yesterday, wide open