Paved?
- + Is the GAP paved, coming out of Pittsburgh?
If so, how far is it paved?
Discussion started 06/14/2016 09:02 PM by A - 2 replies (last reply by Bob G at 06/15/2016 08:01 PM)A on 06/14/2016 09:02 PM
Is the GAP paved, coming out of Pittsburgh?
If so, how far is it paved?
lenny on 06/15/2016 04:09 AM
Almost 16 miles to side of to the east side of Mckeesport.
Bob G from Columbus, OH on 06/15/2016 08:01 PM
They also have just paved (hooray) an additional mile or so east of McKee that used to be in terrible shape. It's the big hill after you get off River Ridge Rd (?) I believe.
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Paved?
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Cicada's
- + Riding from homestead pa to connellsville pa on June 17th does anyone know how the cicada's are in that area?
Discussion started 06/11/2016 12:09 PM by Sherri - 2 replies (last reply by Bob at 06/15/2016 07:55 PM)Sherri on 06/11/2016 12:09 PM
Riding from homestead pa to connellsville pa on June 17th does anyone know how the cicada's are in that area?
Anonymous on 06/15/2016 06:56 PM
I left from Boston Pa. yesterday toward Cumberland. they were everywhere on the trail the futher you go it seems to be a bit less .Noisy little boogers. I thought it was people weed eating their lawns. Its amazing.
Bob from Columbus, OH on 06/15/2016 07:55 PM
Just rode Connelsville to Homestead Saturday June 11 and they were loud and plentiful. Be sure to wear eye protection. They also will snag you clothing, and you get a free cicada brooch.
Train ticket in DC
- + I have no way to know what day or time of the day I will arrive in Washington DC, how difficult it would be to get a train ticket to Saint Louis, Mo with a bicycle and two panniers only?
Thank you ...
Discussion started 04/22/2016 07:33 AM by Miguel - 5 replies (last reply by anonymous at 06/06/2016 09:01 PM)Miguel from Rogers, Ar. on 04/22/2016 07:33 AM
I have no way to know what day or time of the day I will arrive in Washington DC, how difficult it would be to get a train ticket to Saint Louis, Mo with a bicycle and two panniers only?
Thank you in advance.
CP on 04/23/2016 03:48 PM
No direct trains from DC to St. Louis. You take one train from DC to Chicago (Capitol,Limited - overnight trip - train leaves around 4 in the afternoon daily) then another from Chicago to St. Louis (ca 5 hour trip). Bike spaces are limited on Amtrak - contact them for tickets and transporting your bike. DC Union Station is open 24/7
Miguel Trujillo from Rogers, Ar. on 04/25/2016 07:36 AM
Thank you CP, the information you provide me is the great value to me.AZ3te2
Paul from Quincy, IL on 05/08/2016 02:14 PM
There is a bug in the "Add a bike" feature at Amtrak.com. From DC to St. Louis, it wants $40, despite the fact that DC to CHI is $20; and CHI to STL is $10 (same for all Illinois trains).
Reason why I checked is I'm planning on doing PGH to Cumberland coming from Quincy, IL. The bike price QCY to PGH is $20; but CUM to QCY is $40.
I called Amtrak and the agent said, Yes there is a bug. Call to make the reservation and get the correct price of $30.
Miguel trujillo from Rogers, Arkansas on 05/12/2016 07:50 AM
Thank you Paul, very helpful information. So do I have to board two trains(two tickets or one ticket)? Or same train stopping at Chicago with one ticke from DC.?
Again thank you very much Paul, like you must tell I'm new to trains.
Anonymous on 06/06/2016 09:01 PM
As CP said you change trains in Chicago. However, assuming you book it as one reservation, you will get one ticket. It will show the two segments, WAS to CHI and CHI to STL. Each will show 1 coach seat or sleeping car accommodation plus 1 bicycle.
In your case since there are several trains from CHI to STL, it won't be a problem. But in general it is best to book it as one reservation, not use the "multi-city" option, because the later connection will not be guaranteed. If the first train is late enough to miss the connecting train, Amtrak takes care of you one way or another.
Also, in general it is better to book a round trip as two reservations. There is no discount for a RT ticket.
Note: on the Capitol limited the bike goes in a rack in the lower leel of a coach-baggage car. From CHI to STL you carry it into the single level coach and stash it in wheel chair space, luggage space, luggage rack, or where ever the conductor directs you. Turning the handlebars sideways facilitates boarding the train and stowing it.
OK
- + I've stayed there about four times over the last 6 years. Its ok for a guy and much less expensive than B&Bs. Typically i've ridden from Pittsburgh Airport...so i'm dead tired and just need a place ...
Discussion started 06/02/2016 06:25 PM by Big Fish - 0 repliesBig Fish from Gburg on 06/02/2016 06:25 PM
I've stayed there about four times over the last 6 years. Its ok for a guy and much less expensive than B&Bs. Typically i've ridden from Pittsburgh Airport...so i'm dead tired and just need a place to sleep. Please be careful on roads.
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Starting/Ending Points in DC Area
- + The following locations are neat places to start a trip
National Harbor...Ft Washington MD
National Airport
Dulles Airport
Mount Vernon VA
All these starting points extend your trip bu...
Discussion started 05/31/2016 05:08 PM by Frank - 0 repliesFrank from Port Tobacco on 05/31/2016 05:08 PM
The following locations are neat places to start a trip
National Harbor...Ft Washington MD
National Airport
Dulles Airport
Mount Vernon VA
All these starting points extend your trip but are all "car free" and very cool. Nice bike paths. Enjoy
Barrons Store is CLOSED!
- + This place has been closed for years, remove it from this website.
Discussion started 01/11/2013 11:00 AM by Swagman - 3 replies (last reply by Barron's Store at 05/29/2016 05:01 PM)Swagman from LaGrange, GA on 01/11/2013 11:00 AM
This place has been closed for years, remove it from this website.
Anonymous on 08/04/2013 09:47 AM
No it isn't. Your information is bad.
Jeffro from Greensburg on 05/19/2015 02:01 AM
Every time that I have been past it, I look forward to going there... never had the chance though because it has always been closed each time I ride by. Would love to have some ice cream... However, their website still says that they're open, and other people have told me that they have been there when it was open. Confused??? Do they just open on random days or keep strange hours?
Barron's Store from Sharpsburg, MD on 05/29/2016 05:01 PM
We are not closed. We are only open on weekends, 10-6, between May and September. We have real jobs during the week! Come see us!
Shower and Bike Washing Facilities in DC
- + Is there a place to take a quick shower and wash your bike once you get to DC
Discussion started 05/28/2016 09:13 PM by Redd1 - 0 repliesRedd1 from New York on 05/28/2016 09:13 PM
Is there a place to take a quick shower and wash your bike once you get to DC
Training for the full GAP/C&O
- + Starting to think about planning a full tour of the GAP/C&O. I'm just returning to bicycling and doing our local bike path (15mi total) 2-3 times per week. How much training should I do before attem...
Discussion started 05/25/2016 02:52 PM by Tony - 3 replies (last reply by Willy at 05/26/2016 07:18 PM)Tony from Milford, MA on 05/25/2016 02:52 PM
Starting to think about planning a full tour of the GAP/C&O. I'm just returning to bicycling and doing our local bike path (15mi total) 2-3 times per week. How much training should I do before attempting a big ride like this one? Are there any resources out there I should be checking out? Everything I've read about the passage is that it is fairly flat and can be completed by any level of rider. Do you agree? Thanks
lenny on 05/26/2016 04:15 AM
How many days do you have to complete the ride? We do two 75 mile days and 3 sixty or so days.
Tony on 05/26/2016 09:10 AM
I'm assuming that we would take 5-6 days for the full tour.
Willy from Arlington, VA on 05/26/2016 07:18 PM
I did the c&o/gap last September.
60 miles a day makes for a 6 day trip.
Its nice for just riding, but not much else.
If you want to stop and see anything for more than a glance (i.e spend time touring Antietam for example) you will find that you run out of daylight before the end of the day.
I might want to take another day or two and spend time along the trail for all the history.
That will also help if your conditioning isn't as good as you think it is.
GAP Trail Conditions
- + Any trail condition updates? I am riding the GAP from Pittsburgh to Cumberland on Thursday thru Saturday.
Discussion started 05/24/2016 03:19 PM by Glen - 0 repliesGlen from DC on 05/24/2016 03:19 PM
Any trail condition updates? I am riding the GAP from Pittsburgh to Cumberland on Thursday thru Saturday.
- + Thanks! Lots of connecting the dots on each end of the trail. We can't wait!
Discussion started 05/23/2016 03:32 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous from Rail to Trail lover on 05/23/2016 03:32 PM
Thanks! Lots of connecting the dots on each end of the trail. We can't wait!
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- + Thanks so much!
Discussion started 05/23/2016 03:31 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 05/23/2016 03:31 PM
Thanks so much!
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Long-term parking
- + Where can I get the best rate on long-term parking (10 days) near the end of the C & O? We thought we had this figured out but now it appears we don't.
Discussion started 05/13/2016 07:25 AM by rail to trail lover - 4 replies (last reply by Stacy at 05/23/2016 10:20 AM)rail to trail lover from Tuscaloosa, AL on 05/13/2016 07:25 AM
Where can I get the best rate on long-term parking (10 days) near the end of the C & O? We thought we had this figured out but now it appears we don't.
Shawn Ambrose from Fort Wayne, IN on 05/13/2016 07:38 PM
Which end? Thanks!
Rail to Trail love from Tuscaloosa, AL on 05/14/2016 07:00 AM
Georgetown
Shawn Ambrose on 05/15/2016 05:12 PM
Bike Washington recommends parking at Reagan National Airport: http://www.flyreagan.com/dca/economy-parking
Stacy on 05/23/2016 10:20 AM
We're doing this trip next week starting in Georgetown. We're staying in Crystal City and got a great rate for parking at the Marriott Crystal Gateway (although we're not staying there) - $95 for 10 days through Park 'n' Fly www.pnf.com.
The start of GAP
- + Can anyone tell me the location of the start of the GAP in Pittsburgh? Street address?
Discussion started 05/19/2016 12:14 PM by teresa - 2 replies (last reply by anonymous at 05/22/2016 06:35 AM)teresa from baltimore on 05/19/2016 12:14 PM
Can anyone tell me the location of the start of the GAP in Pittsburgh? Street address?
Ann from Pittsburgh on 05/20/2016 02:39 PM
The GAP Trail starts at Point State Park fountain. There are some signs that takes you through the city streets a short distance. Once you get to the Allegheny County Jail, it's smooth sailing all the way to DC. Note that the Three Rivers Heritage Trail overlaps the GAP, so you might see signs for that, too.
Anonymous on 05/22/2016 06:35 AM
Thanks. This answers my question as well.
Lost Camera
- + I lost my camera (Canon Powershot) on August 8th between the Devil's Alley H/B site, and Little Orleans. I'd really, really like the pictures on it, which are of scenes along the GAP trail. It's proba...
Discussion started 08/08/2010 08:30 PM by Drew - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 05/19/2016 01:43 PM)Drew from Elkridge, MD on 08/08/2010 08:30 PM
I lost my camera (Canon Powershot) on August 8th between the Devil's Alley H/B site, and Little Orleans. I'd really, really like the pictures on it, which are of scenes along the GAP trail. It's probably right outside the porta-potty at Devil's Alley.
Anonymous on 05/19/2016 01:43 PM
There was another post by someone who found a camera in the 2010 time period. It may be yours. I know its 6 years later but maybe Camera and Owner can be together again.
bike dropoff in cumberland
- + I plan on dropping my bike at Cumberland and driving to DC then taking the train back to Cumberland. I need somewhere near the police station to lock it up. Any bike racks in the vicinity?
Discussion started 03/23/2010 08:53 AM by PROTECH - 4 replies (last reply by anonymous at 05/19/2016 01:38 PM)PROTECH from BARDSTOWN, KY on 03/23/2010 08:53 AM
I plan on dropping my bike at Cumberland and driving to DC then taking the train back to Cumberland. I need somewhere near the police station to lock it up. Any bike racks in the vicinity?
Paulie from Knoxville on 03/29/2010 06:43 AM
Try calling the visitor center in Cumberland. Nice people and I'm sure they could give you some good advice.
http://www.nps.gov/archive/choh/Visitor/Centers/Cumberland2.html
By the way, nice site Ray !
Paulie
Protech from Bardstown, Ky on 03/30/2010 07:25 AM
Thanks for the tip Paulie. I'll give them a call.
Anonymous on 07/13/2010 12:17 PM
Please let me know what you ended up doing and how your trip went. Was thinking about doing the exact same thing. Thanks
Anonymous on 05/19/2016 01:38 PM
How was your experience?
GAP AP Apple Store
- + Has anyone had any "positive" experiences with the GAP/C&O AP that is available for the IPHONE? I heard there is a new version that is good. I checked reviews for the one AP and they were all negati...
Discussion started 05/19/2016 01:35 PM by Randy - 0 repliesRandy on 05/19/2016 01:35 PM
Has anyone had any "positive" experiences with the GAP/C&O AP that is available for the IPHONE? I heard there is a new version that is good. I checked reviews for the one AP and they were all negative. Basically it relied on Google Maps. Is there another AP available?
- + My husband and I will arrive by train from DC to Pittsburgh at midnight. Can the taxi service in Pittsburgh accommodate two bikes as well as ourselves?
Discussion started 01/24/2016 08:42 PM - 10 replies (last reply by Bill at 05/19/2016 01:22 PM)Anonymous on 01/24/2016 08:42 PM
My husband and I will arrive by train from DC to Pittsburgh at midnight. Can the taxi service in Pittsburgh accommodate two bikes as well as ourselves?
Shawn Ambrose on 01/28/2016 08:02 PM
I don't have experience, but I have seen Bill's Taxi Service mentioned a few times: http://linkup.shaw-weil.com/outfitters.htm
Anonymous on 01/31/2016 05:26 PM
Thank you Shawn
What about Uber? I know you can request an XL vehicle. Could two people and their bikes fit in an XL vehicle? I'm not sure what that means a all van, a 15-passenger van, a truck? Does anyone know?
Rick from Grafton Va. on 01/31/2016 07:48 PM
Where are you trying to get to after arriving at the station? The train is scheduled to arrive appx. 11:45 plus unloading time. The trail head is only 5-8 blocks away. Are you planning on heading to a motel, etc. When my wife and I arrive this Oct. we're planning to just wait in the station till early morning then head out.
Rick from Grafton Va. on 01/31/2016 07:57 PM
From Point STate Park cross Commonwealth Pl. and start riding on Blvd of the Allied (bike friendly.) In about 5 blocks turn right on Grant St. (be careful that your on Grant. Follow to 3 Rivers Heritage Trail and turn left. From there you'll begin to see some Passage signs as well as other trail signs. From Hot Metal Bridge east you'll have no problems. Pay careful attention on the far side of Mckeesport. There are trail signs but it's kind confusing.
Howard from Lexington, KY on 02/29/2016 03:46 PM
Not speaking from experience, but I'm doing the same thing this summer and just biking to a nearby Holiday Inn to grab some zzz's, then checking out Pittsburgh's bike trails and maybe an incline before heading out.
Laurie from South Portland, ME on 03/07/2016 11:46 AM
My friend and I are taking the train with bikes from DC to Pittsburgh in May (after biking the GAP and C & O). We are planning on biking to the Holiday Inn at 11:45pm - it is a short distance (if we don't take a wrong turn). It is unfortunate that this is the only train to put a bike on for this trip. Did you find out anything about an Uber request for an XL vehicle?
KG from Erie on 03/09/2016 03:29 PM
I'm in the same boat (biking from Pittsburgh to DC then taking the train back) in May. I will be traveling alone so Im a bit nervous riding back to Point Park at midnight to retrieve my car. Does anyone know if Amtrack lets you park your car at the station long term? I was thinking, I'd park at the train station, bike to the park to BEGIN my ride, that way my car would be at the station when I return the following week???? Advice/comments welcome!!!!
Anonymous on 03/09/2016 10:30 PM
Parking is very limited and small at the train station and you will pay an arm & leg anywhere in Pgh. for long term. But if I had to I would pick the garage on the Boulevard of the Allies / Smithfield Street. Google map it.
Anonymous on 05/09/2016 04:44 PM
I did find out from Uber that we would have to ask the XL vehicle driver if they were willing to take our bikes when we get there. That's not an option for us. We like to plan things out so that when the unexpected happens we won't be overwhelmed.
Bill on 05/19/2016 01:22 PM
Give a couple Taxi Cab companies a call and get the information first hand.
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Vegetarian Food Options Along the Trail
- + I'm a vegetarian and plan on biking the trail in June. I'd like to pack as light as possible so I'm looking for vegetarian food options for lunch and dinner along the towpath. Anyone have any favori...
Discussion started 05/11/2016 07:13 PM by SoMD - 1 reply (last reply by Roger at 05/19/2016 01:19 PM)SoMD on 05/11/2016 07:13 PM
I'm a vegetarian and plan on biking the trail in June. I'd like to pack as light as possible so I'm looking for vegetarian food options for lunch and dinner along the towpath. Anyone have any favorite spots you'd recommend? I'll also have a non-vegetarian with me so would be nice to have options for him at the same spots as well.
Roger on 05/19/2016 01:19 PM
There's plenty of grass and dandelions to munch on. Have fun. :)
Towpath Conditions?
- + Given all the recent rain, does anyone know what the towpath conditions are between Great Falls and Shepherdstown? Yesterday I biked Georgetown to Great Falls and except for two muddy spots, it was su...
Discussion started 05/15/2016 08:01 AM by Teacher - 1 reply (last reply by Jim at 05/19/2016 01:16 PM)Teacher on 05/15/2016 08:01 AM
Given all the recent rain, does anyone know what the towpath conditions are between Great Falls and Shepherdstown? Yesterday I biked Georgetown to Great Falls and except for two muddy spots, it was surprisingly dry.
Jim on 05/19/2016 01:16 PM
Probably the same.