Cumberland
- + i am looking into developing a historic downtown property in Cumberland as a traditional hostel, mostly dormitory style, with some semi private options, shared baths, laundry, food options, fantastic ...
Discussion started 01/10/2016 12:46 PM by Mary - 7 replies (last reply by Paul at 03/22/2016 05:07 PM)Mary from Cumberland on 01/10/2016 12:46 PM
i am looking into developing a historic downtown property in Cumberland as a traditional hostel, mostly dormitory style, with some semi private options, shared baths, laundry, food options, fantastic communal area which would also be open as a day use lounge with grab and go drinks & snacks. I envision the space to also include working artists studios and gallery so it could be a doorway into the culture and historic scene of Cumberland, and a place to meet and make friends .
Please discuss: is this type accommodation needed?, what would guests expect to pay? What features are most important to a great hostel experience?
Shawn Ambrose from Fort Wayne, IN on 01/16/2016 08:28 PM
When staying in Cumberland, the choice is camping at the Y, or a hotel. I believe a hostel could make sense. Perhaps you could design a survey to gauge interest?
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 02/01/2016 12:01 PM
I think a hostel would be a great option for staying in Cumberland. It's a convenient stopping/starting point for cyclists riding on the GAP or C&O Canal or riding straight through. We have stayed there twice, once in a B&B and the other time in the Fairfield Inn. Both places were among the most expensive lodgings on our trips from Pittsburgh to DC. What guests would be willing to pay depends on their budgets, but anything less than $100/room/night would be an improvement over other options. However, the hostel in Harpers Ferry has rooms for as low as $35/night with breakfast. Most important features include hot showers, secure place to store or lock bikes, breakfast or at least good coffee, laundry facilities or place to dry clothes.
Rick from Grafton on 02/11/2016 09:29 PM
I think the Hostel idea is really good. I'd talked to a B&B owner in the past about a secondary property they were going to rehab and open a second B&B. I understand that they could make more ($125 plus per night as opposed to $35 appx. as a B&B than a hostel.)BUT, not every rider can afford a B&B stay but could enjoy several indoor nights along the route at $30/$40 per night. Hosteling International opened a new Hostel in Richmond Va. last Sept. It is located a few miles from the end of the Capital Trail that runs 54 miles from Jamestown, Va. to Richmond, Va. The cost is appx. $35 per person/per night and includes a light breakfast of fruit,granola bars, juice, coffee, etc. Each bunk has a light and outlet/charging dock. There are dorm and private rooms. As far as features go...indoor secure bike storage, towel included or for rent, more than 1-2 bathroom/showers, within walking distance of food, etc. and easy access to and from trail. Good luck.
Tom on 02/14/2016 01:45 PM
Keep in mind Trail activity for both the C&O and the GAP is very seasonal, so you need to generate enough income to get you through an entire Winter where you may have limited to zero guest. Trail riders and users drop off significantly as temps, time and daylight availability changes. If you have a severe Winter the Trails could be shut with Snow and Ice until April. Many well meaning businesses have come and gone. Just something to think long and hard about. Again, the business is very seasonal. Best of luck in your decision.
Shawn Ambrose from Fort Wayne, IN on 02/14/2016 08:00 PM
I believe that Mary has addressed this with having a working artist studio and gallery.
Mary should develop a survey on Survey Monkey and place links to the survey on multiple platforms to gauge interest. In addition, I would hope the Cumberland Chamber of Commerce could give her some data on the number of bikers that go through Cumberland.
Tim M. from Cincinnati on 02/16/2016 01:16 PM
Mary,
You mentioned the "culture and historic scene of Cumberland". Perhaps Train Nuts (ok, ok , Rail Fans...) might be attracted to your hostel. The hobby has several magazines devoted to it and I see many ads therein (yes, I'm a "Train Nut") for places to stay while on Rail Fan trips. The railroad was of major interest to me on my October 2015 GAP ride from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, music to my ears....
Tim
Paul from Quincy, IL on 03/22/2016 05:07 PM
Tim, I'm sure you know the technical term is "foamer"
Iron Mountain Campsite in Cumberland
- + Has anyone stayed at Iron Mountain Campsite? Planning to take Amtrak to Cumberland from Washington to do a West to East ride and the train doesn't get into Cumberland until 7:17 pm which doesn't leav...
Discussion started 03/18/2016 06:23 PM by SoMD - 3 replies (last reply by Swagman at 03/22/2016 03:15 PM)SoMD on 03/18/2016 06:23 PM
Has anyone stayed at Iron Mountain Campsite? Planning to take Amtrak to Cumberland from Washington to do a West to East ride and the train doesn't get into Cumberland until 7:17 pm which doesn't leave much biking time so I'll need somewhere close for the first night. Wondering if it's a decent campsite.
Anonymous on 03/19/2016 06:21 AM
I stay at the YMCA just out of downtown Cumberland. They have a big fenced in lot you camp in. It costs $10 and in the am you can go over and get a shower.Just go down Green st. then I think its a left at a Sheezt then follow the Interstate signs and then you will see tye YMCA signs.
Anonymous on 03/20/2016 12:47 PM
I would use Evitts Creek Hiker/Biker campsite. 0.7 miles from vehicle access at mile 180.7. I felt like I needed more than just earplugs at Iron mountain as it has 24/7 train and switches that feel like they vibrate the ground.
Swagman from Hancock, MD on 03/22/2016 03:15 PM
I have done exactly what you are doing many times and experience no problems staying at Evitts Creek or Iron Mountain hiker/biker site. Just remember you're going to have some train sounds all night long so unless you're a heavy sleeper, better bring some ear plugs. Otherwise, enjoy and have a fantastic adventure!
Fee Increase At C&O Bicycle Bunkhouse
- + Hello, everyone. Want to pass along that the fee to stay in the C&O Bicycle Shop bunkhouse will increase to $15 per person, per night. Also, if there isn't sufficient patronage of the bunkhouse in 2...
Discussion started 03/22/2016 03:12 PM by John Walker - 0 repliesJohn Walker from Hancock, MD on 03/22/2016 03:12 PM
Hello, everyone. Want to pass along that the fee to stay in the C&O Bicycle Shop bunkhouse will increase to $15 per person, per night. Also, if there isn't sufficient patronage of the bunkhouse in 2016 to economically justify it's operation, the new owner plans to convert it into inventory stowage. So if you want to continue to have an inexpensive lodging option in Hancock, you better spend a night in the "Chicken Coops" and tell a friend or we'll lose this awesome treasure to progress.
Bike & Tire Options
- + We have a group riding westbound, DC to PGH in mid-June, 2016. Some are considering road bikes with slightly larger tires w/ tread. Your thoughts on this?
Discussion started 03/18/2016 12:49 PM by 52000Caboose - 1 reply (last reply by Rick at 03/19/2016 05:29 PM)52000Caboose from Camden, SC on 03/18/2016 12:49 PM
We have a group riding westbound, DC to PGH in mid-June, 2016. Some are considering road bikes with slightly larger tires w/ tread. Your thoughts on this?
Rick from Grafton on 03/19/2016 05:29 PM
Oct. 2 years ago we ran into a group biking DC to Pittsburg. Several people (3-4) out of a group of appx. 9 were riding hybrids and/or road bikes and had experienced lots of problems due to trail conditions. It was a very wet year along the C&O and muddy conditions had jamed/broken rear derailers, etc.
The C&O is just easier to bike with a Mt. Bike in my opinion. Of course the Passage is doable on pretty much any bike. I use a Trek Mamba 29er with 2" tires. I'm very happy with this setup.
Favorite Hotel - Pittsburgh End (Mile 150)
- + Curious as to your favorite hotel that is closest to the Pittsburgh end of the Passage - as close to milepost 150 as possible.
I know there are several good options at Homestead (mile 140)...w...
Discussion started 02/21/2016 09:01 AM - 1 reply (last reply by MPH at 03/17/2016 09:46 AM)Anonymous on 02/21/2016 09:01 AM
Curious as to your favorite hotel that is closest to the Pittsburgh end of the Passage - as close to milepost 150 as possible.
I know there are several good options at Homestead (mile 140)...what about down by Mile 150?
Thanks!!
MPH from St Louis MO on 03/17/2016 09:46 AM
Planning a trip in September, we are also looking for suggestions for a hotel in Pittsburgh close to the trailhead.
Thanks!
C&O Bicycle Shop Sold!
- + I have some sad and very disturbing news to pass along. Dennis Hudson has sold the C&O Bicycle Shop in Hancock to a local interest and Saturday, November 28th will be the last day the shop will be op...
Discussion started 11/27/2015 07:02 PM by John Walker - 9 replies (last reply by Shawn Ambrose at 03/11/2016 03:03 PM)John Walker from Hancock, MD on 11/27/2015 07:02 PM
I have some sad and very disturbing news to pass along. Dennis Hudson has sold the C&O Bicycle Shop in Hancock to a local interest and Saturday, November 28th will be the last day the shop will be open. The future is uncertain; the new owners want to consolidate a lawn mower/tractor business into the existing shop. There are rumors that the bunk house will be torn out to make way for equipment storage and the new owners have not reached out to any of the old staff in any attempt to encourage them to come back to work for them in 2016. It is feared that the bike shop will eventually be down sized and ultimately abandoned in favor of the more lacerative lawn implement business. Only time will tell. It is with great regrets that I say goodbye to Dennis and wish him luck in his future endeavors. It is highly recommend that any adventureist planning their 2016 trek to check in April if the bunkhouse has been removed and what services the new proprietors will be offering (remember Dennis and Jonathan were the only qualified cycle mechanics on site. Jonathan has not been asked to return for the 2016 season.)
Anonymous on 11/29/2015 12:22 PM
Sad news it is. Dennis has bailed me out a couple times travelling thru and the "chicken coop" was one of my favorite places to spend the night. Im going to miss it big time.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 12/04/2015 05:35 PM
What a shame! I really loved that place. Right where the C&O and the WMRT converge on the edge of town. Don't think you can top the chicken coop for good bicycling accommodations either. Will be missed...
Allan from Allentown on 12/05/2015 12:04 AM
Thanks Dennis for all you've done for us bikers... ye old bunkhouse kept us dry many a night!!! Blessings..
Shawn Ambrose from Fort Wayne, IN on 02/21/2016 11:03 AM
As on 2/21/2016, the website is still up and advertising the bunkhouse. Does anyone have more details?
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 02/21/2016 03:15 PM
Same here, I can't seem to locate any article or forum saying its closing and when. If it was closed you'd think the web site would be disabled or contain a message about the sale or last day open.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 02/21/2016 03:25 PM
Just called and got a voice mail. It said that they were closed for the season and will reopen on "the first Friday in April, 2016."
That sure doesn't sound like it's been sold but then again the voice
mail could have been recorded before the pending sale the original poster listed so who knows. The voice mail said to leave a message if you want to get ahold of them. I do not know Dennis so I didn't leave a message but if anyone does maybe drop a line and see if you get a call back to clarify if he's really closing?
Rick from Grafton on 02/22/2016 06:16 AM
I've spoke via email with one of the new owners. They are still planning to keep the bike shop running on some level. Also working out details in regards to shuttle service. I don't know anymore than that at this time. Not sure about the chicken coop either. The lady Tracie contacted me about helping with a shuttle but I'd already made arrangements with Cumberland Connection.
Shawn Ambrose from Fort Wayne on 02/22/2016 04:26 PM
I greatly appreciate that - I'm planning a DC to Pittsburgh trip in July; and I am one of those people who likes everything planned early. Thanks for the update~
Shawn Ambrose from Fort Wayne on 03/11/2016 03:03 PM
The new owners have just updated the website. The shop is opening April 1.
Trail Speed
- + About how many MPH would you guess you can travel on the both the GAP and the C & O? I would say I am a strong cyclist (at least on a road bike!!!!) Do you think an average of 60 miles/day is too amb...
Discussion started 03/09/2016 06:38 PM by Kelly G - 4 replies (last reply by lenny at 03/11/2016 05:41 AM)Kelly G from Erie PA on 03/09/2016 06:38 PM
About how many MPH would you guess you can travel on the both the GAP and the C & O? I would say I am a strong cyclist (at least on a road bike!!!!) Do you think an average of 60 miles/day is too ambitious? I am working with time constraints (as I'm sure most are :))
Anonymous on 03/10/2016 08:20 AM
You can easily do 60 a day. I ran into one fella doing 100 which is the end of the spectrum but you get the idea.The C&O will be a bit slower but you will be good with that mileage average.
Willy from Arlington, VA on 03/10/2016 10:12 AM
I biked form DC to Pittsburgh in September.
I did it in 6 days.
Most days were around 60miles per day.
Going toward Pittsburgh you may want to consider doing 44 miles from Cumberland to Rockwood PA That is because the trail from Cumberland to Deal is all up a 1.5 percent grade. You will find yourself going 6-7 mph going up the grade instead of the 10-12 mph on regularly flat terrain elsewhere.
Rick from Grafton on 03/11/2016 05:29 AM
Kelly I think you might have emailed me about trail info. My wife 65 years old averages 10/14 MPH on the Gap and slightly slower on the C&O. I ride a bit faster at 12/16 MPH and we're still able to enjoy the ride. You'll be able to ride quite a bit faster on the GAP even with the slight uphill grade. From Rockwood to Meyersdale we tend to slow down but it's the end of a 45 mile day and we're usually packing camping gear etc. The steepest portion of trail is the 8 miles from Meyersdale to the Continental Divide but still it's not bad just a grind. The C&O is slower but still 10/14 MPH for us. WE generally do the Gap in 3.5/4 days. We rarely have time issues but 60 miles is doable. Invest in a couple pairs of quality bike shorts with a well made pad.
lenny on 03/11/2016 05:41 AM
Have done Pgh to DC many times never less than 60 m/d. most trips are 2 - 75 mile days and 3 60 mile days. Pgh to Ohiopyle and Ohiopyle to Cumberland. Toughest grade going east is Rockwood to Myersdale....relentless grade for 16 miles. By the way we were in our late 50's.
Trail Update
- + Just finished the trail beginning at Cumberland to DC. The trail is in good condition overall, but the Water Spouts ARE NOT OPEN. Therefore, plan on taking a water filtration system of some kind or b...
Discussion started 03/09/2016 10:57 AM by Jim - 2 replies (last reply by Dmoney at 03/09/2016 08:37 PM)Jim from DC Metro Area on 03/09/2016 10:57 AM
Just finished the trail beginning at Cumberland to DC. The trail is in good condition overall, but the Water Spouts ARE NOT OPEN. Therefore, plan on taking a water filtration system of some kind or be prepared to have enough water to last for a while. However, lugging water is heavy and inconvenient; we lugged it and also purchased some in Paw-Paw at the Dollar General. Also, although the trail is in good condition overall, but there is a vast amount of sticks, twigs, and branches every few feet on the trail. So be aware of the tire hazards. The campsites are also in good shape and there is plenty of firewood for a fire if you choose to build one. The porta-potties are also in good shape with enough toilet paper, but its always wise to pack some baby-wipes. Still recovering from the long ride.. Happy trails!!!
Kelly G from Erie PA on 03/09/2016 06:40 PM
How fast were you able to travel?
Dmoney on 03/09/2016 08:37 PM
I think they put the handles back on the water pumps at the beginning of April. I ran on the trail from Nolands to Point of Rocks today and was amazed on the great condition of the trail. I did not notice any debris and it was almost "summer time" dry
Amtrak Station access
- + Any recommendations for hotels that will be close to the trail in downtown Pittsburgh but also close to the Amtrak station?
Want to check into a hotel. Leave the car. Take Amtrak to DC. Ride...
Discussion started 02/21/2016 09:20 AM - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 03/08/2016 03:43 PM)Anonymous on 02/21/2016 09:20 AM
Any recommendations for hotels that will be close to the trail in downtown Pittsburgh but also close to the Amtrak station?
Want to check into a hotel. Leave the car. Take Amtrak to DC. Ride back and have decent access back to the same hotel and the car.
Thanks!
Shawn Ambrose from Fort Wayne, IN on 02/22/2016 08:10 PM
I don't have a specific recommendation for you - but when I travel, I always use Trip Advisor for reviews and prices. Good luck!
Anonymous on 02/23/2016 10:25 AM
Thanks. I do as well. (Staying in a #1 trip advisor hotel this very moment.) Just trying to figure out which one has access...as that doesn't seem to show up often on trip advisor reviews. Thanks again.
Anonymous on 03/08/2016 03:43 PM
Hi I am from Pittsburgh and here is my opinion. Call up Courtyard Pittsburgh or Hampton Inn, both side by side and right off the GAP Trail. The GAP is a sidewalk for a short time and will take you right past these. The hotels are located in the Waterfront in Homestead, PA. Get here early in the afternoon the day before you want to take the train. Check in then take a bicycle ride (about 9 miles)on the GAP to Point State Park or the end of your ride. Then GPS the train station (it's maybe 1/2 away) and go check in out then back to the hotel. Should take you around 30 minutes to get to the point or station. Now here is what people don't like to do because the train leaves so early but I have done it. Put your light on your bike in the morning and ride to the train station. 30 minutes in the dark, not a bad trip. Or you can see if the hotel will shuttle you there. If you are will to camp out in the middle of nowhere then a 30 minute ride in the dark will be fine and kind of fun. On the way back just stop and get your car because you have already completed the last 9 miles to Pittsburgh. Hope that helps and sorry for this being on here so late.
Avoid camping ___________ .
- + I’m taking my 9yr old on a tandem and we are bike/camping the full length. Any places along the GAP or C&O that you would AVOID camping? Why is that?
Discussion started 03/01/2016 05:15 PM by Awf Hand - 4 replies (last reply by Allen at 03/05/2016 06:32 PM)Awf Hand from Chippewa Falls, WI on 03/01/2016 05:15 PM
I’m taking my 9yr old on a tandem and we are bike/camping the full length. Any places along the GAP or C&O that you would AVOID camping? Why is that?
Anonymous on 03/01/2016 07:38 PM
The only hiker/biker site I didn't like was the first one out of Cumberland on the C&O as though you are headed towards DC. Its next to a train yard so you will hear clanging and banging all night long.
dave from clinton md on 03/03/2016 02:11 PM
while up in the cumberland area you should ride your bike through big savage mountain tunnel built in 1911. i believe that is now part of a new rail trail that goes to pittsburg pennsylvania. this would be good if you had someone give you a ride in this area. i camp at savage river state forrest in western maryland, you can camp at big run state park, this whole area is absolutely beautiful, next to big run state park is savage viver reservoir where there is canoeing and kayaking, new germany state park, lake with lifeguard for swimming, camping, mountain bike trails, all of this is in one area, i can send you some pictures if you like. there are black bears in this area however they never bothered me before. dave
lenny on 03/05/2016 07:16 AM
Cumberland is the eastern terminus or the start of the GAP. Big savage is 24 miles west of Cumberland. there are 2 shorter tunnels before Big Savage. They are the Borden and the Brush Tunnels.
Allen from Shawnee on 03/05/2016 06:32 PM
I would avoid Kentuck campground at Ohiopyle, because of difficulty getting to it from trail. Very steep hill you will have to push bike up, takes less effort to ride to next campground for me.
conditions?
- + Hi all, I have not been on the trail (runner) since 1/22 due to the weather. Can anyone give me a trail report from Nolands up to Brunswick? Not too keen on running in the slop...lol
Discussion started 02/28/2016 07:25 PM by Dmoney - 0 repliesDmoney on 02/28/2016 07:25 PM
Hi all, I have not been on the trail (runner) since 1/22 due to the weather. Can anyone give me a trail report from Nolands up to Brunswick? Not too keen on running in the slop...lol
Camping DC-Harpers Ferry
- + Hiking from DC to Harpers Ferry on north/east side of canal along towpath. Camping sites look widespread and several on the opposite side. How do I get over to them (e.g. Swains Lock)? Are the other c...
Discussion started 02/22/2016 03:46 PM by Bill A - 1 reply (last reply by Rick at 02/23/2016 07:52 PM)Bill A from Jacksonville, FL on 02/22/2016 03:46 PM
Hiking from DC to Harpers Ferry on north/east side of canal along towpath. Camping sites look widespread and several on the opposite side. How do I get over to them (e.g. Swains Lock)? Are the other campsites reasonably close to the trail? What about stealth camping at other spots?
Rick from Grafton on 02/23/2016 07:52 PM
First, please remember that parts of the C&O border private property. I have stealth camped in the past also but if an area is clearly marked you should abide by the rules. Most established Park Service sites are 7-10 miles apart. If a site is opposite a lock for instance there's usually a footbridge or some other means of getting across. All/most campsites are right off the trail and some sit maybe 100' off the trail. Don't mean to sound "preachy" just hate to see someone busted for no reason. Or possibly mess up a good thing ie...free camping.
Car in Pittsburgh
- + Thinking about riding the Trail/Passage next summer. Would plan to leave a car in Pittsburgh - take the train to DC - and ride back.
Any suggestions for a hotel and a safe place to leave my ca...
Discussion started 11/06/2015 10:44 PM - 5 replies (last reply by anonymous at 02/21/2016 08:57 AM)Anonymous on 11/06/2015 10:44 PM
Thinking about riding the Trail/Passage next summer. Would plan to leave a car in Pittsburgh - take the train to DC - and ride back.
Any suggestions for a hotel and a safe place to leave my car on the far western end of the Passage??
Thanks!
Ken from Oklahoma on 11/07/2015 11:57 AM
I left mine at a parking garage just a few blocks from the station for about $11/night.
Anonymous on 11/09/2015 11:38 PM
Thanks so much for the reply. Very useful.
Ken from Oklahoma on 11/10/2015 10:32 AM
We didn't actually stay in Pittsburgh, we just pulled into the garage a little after 4:00 am and biked to the station. The train was about an hour late, but it still worked out great. 6 days later, biked to the garage and headed home. You will love it!
Tim M. from Cincinnati on 02/16/2016 02:02 PM
I left my pickup parked at the Courtyard in Homestead, PA (about 9 miles from Pitt.). Stayed there Saturday night, hit the trail Sunday and returned for it the following Thursday. No charge and felt safe.
Anonymous on 02/21/2016 08:57 AM
Thanks Tim! VERY helpful.
Equipment
- + Going to ride GAP/C&O trail May 2016. Can someone recommend best bike to ride (street, hybrid, MTB)?
Discussion started 01/07/2016 06:20 PM by Trailready - 3 replies (last reply by Tim M. at 02/16/2016 01:43 PM)Trailready from Morgaanton, NC on 01/07/2016 06:20 PM
Going to ride GAP/C&O trail May 2016. Can someone recommend best bike to ride (street, hybrid, MTB)?
Anonymous on 01/09/2016 08:30 AM
Your tires will be the most important part so a hybrid/mtb with the wider tires would be your best choice. You will be on hard packed gravel,going across ruts,roots and some rocks.The wider tires just make for a more comfortable ride. I would use atleast a 1.5 My bike has a 1.95 right now and that was plenty wide.
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 01/11/2016 07:27 PM
You don't need wide, knobby mountain bike tires, nor really thin racing tires. Something in between will do nicely. I have a Trek 7.3 fx hybrid that suits me well.
Tim M. from Zinzinnati on 02/16/2016 01:43 PM
Rode the GAP last October on my Cannondale Hybred with 700/38 Schwalbe Marathon tires, no problems. Next ride will be on my new Surly Trucker Disk touring rig. Just ordered a pair of Schwalbe Marathon Plus 700/45 tires for it. I don't like breakdowns or flats. Do your research and you'll be fine.