C&O / GAP Forum

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.)

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.

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...

Thanks Dennis for all you've done for us bikers... ye old bunkhouse kept us dry many a night!!! Blessings..

As on 2/21/2016, the website is still up and advertising the bunkhouse. Does anyone have more details?

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.

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?

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.

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~

The new owners have just updated the website. The shop is opening April 1.

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 :))

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

How fast were you able to travel?

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

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!

I don't have a specific recommendation for you - but when I travel, I always use Trip Advisor for reviews and prices. Good luck!

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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?

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.

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!

I left mine at a parking garage just a few blocks from the station for about $11/night.

Thanks so much for the reply. Very useful.

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!

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.

Thanks Tim! VERY helpful.

Going to ride GAP/C&O trail May 2016. Can someone recommend best bike to ride (street, hybrid, MTB)?

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.

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.

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.

We are planning a ride on the GAP in May. We will be flying to Maryland from Oregon and will need to rent bikes. We would like to rent bikes in Cumberland and then hire a shuttle to take us to Pittsburgh to start our ride from there the next day. I was wondering if someone has experience renting in Cumberland and/or used a shuttle from there and could give a review. We are both experienced riders, but have not done multi-day rides. We will bring our seats, but want to be sure we have good bikes.

Where are you flying into in Maryland? If near D.C. it might be easier just to take the Amtrak to Pittsburgh and rent a bike there.

From your post it seems you are only riding the Gap and not C&O, correct? If so you could use the Cumberland Connection Bike Shop right there in Cumberland and their shuttle service. They quoted me $260 for 2 riders/bikes/gear and $25 each additional rider from Cumberland to Pittsburg.
Another option would be Amtrak. 2 passengers/2 bikes appx. $98 reserved coach. Only problem is one train per day and you leave Cumberland at 7:30pm and arrive in Pittsburg close to 12am. I live in Va. so I've never had to rent a bike but most shops do rent and the bikes are usually good quality. If and when you rent be sure that they understand your riding 3-4 days and want a bike that will provide comfort and be dependable for the intended use. There are several bike shops in Pittsburg also but I'm not sure how far away from the Gap they are located. My wife had to use a rental bike once. It was an okay bike. It fit her and had a rear rack for her panniers but...it wasn't her bike and although she had fun she just didn't enjoy using another bike/brand. Her's is a Trek Mamba 29'er with disc brakes,and 2" tires. The one she used was a 26" with 1.5" tires. Just not the same bike. Hope this helps. If you need more info please feel free to contact me 757 619-5522 athiker80@cox.net.

One additional comment. If you did use the Amtrak Roll On Bike Service you'd want to make a reservation early. They only have room for 6-8 bikes in the storage area. The Cumberland Station is on Harrison St. Maybe 5-6 blocks from the trail head.

Another option would be a one-way car rental. This worked best for us back in October 2015, Pittsburgh to Cumberland. Rented from Enterprise, they will meet you. Actually got two bikes and gear in the back of a VW Beetle!

Thank you everyone.

I just received the following email from C&O Canal Association. Not sure whether volunteers get to bring their bikes along on the train. :-)

Volunteer and help Amtrak passengers enjoy the scenic Potomac River valley. The C&O Canal National Historical Park is seeking additional volunteers to join its Trails & Rails program.

Since May 2012, Trails & Rails volunteers have been providing interpretive programs onboard Amtrak’s Capitol Limited between Cumberland and Washington. They tell passengers about the history of the C&O Canal, the railroad, the Civil War, nearby towns, and natural features along the route.

Volunteers work in teams of two, boarding an inbound train in Cumberland at 9 a.m. and returning on an outbound train at 7:30 p.m. Teams ride the train Fridays and Saturdays during the summer. The park service will provide interpretive and safety training March 12 from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. at 10 Howard Street, Cumberland, Md.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. If you are interested, please contact Park Ranger Rita Knox at the Cumberland Visitor Center by calling 301-722-8226, or via e-mail at rita_knox@nps.gov. You can also visit the government volunteer website: https://www.volunteer.gov to fill out an application.

Does anyone know if the canal was being skated on outside of Georgetown over this weekend (02-12-16 thru 02-14-16)? Eye witness accounts of people on the ice playing hockey is a good enough indicator for me. Thanks.

The road to Little Orleans Campground is very steep with no sides at all. Blind curves and big hills might be too much for some cyclists. Campground is decent, but getting there was pretty scary for us. Wished I had known about the trip up there before planning to stay there.

The other important thing to know about Little Orleans is when "Bike week" is taking place. That small area is overrun with Bikers (motorcycles). They are loud and obnoxious. They use Bill's Place and the Campgrounds. I believe Bike Week is in the 1st weekend of August.

So...anybody have any thoughts on what the weather/trail condition may be like during that weekend? It's my 47th birthday and I've decided that a 300+ mile bike ride would be fun! Just a little concerned about the weather/trail! Any information would be appreciated!

The biggest concern is the Big Savage tunnel located just north of the mason Dixon line is closed until the first week or so in April. There is no easy detour around the tunnel.

I've never done this, but here's one possibility...http://linkup.shaw-weil.com/detoursavage.htm

I'd also be concerned about cold weather and snow and ice still being on the ground along the trail as early March is still the tail end of winter. Especially on the C&O (which is dirt paths) this could be really rough as it needs some warmer weather to dry out a bit. While the GAP drains better as its a crushed limestone gravel rail trail, the section near the continental divide could see cooler weather up there. You might enjoy an early April trip a lot more than an early March trip maybe? No matter what time you pick, you'll have a great time!

All good advice. Big Savage will be closed for sure as well as some overnight stay options (indoor stays.) Most/all campsites will be open. March can be a tricky month weather wise 1 day like spring the next frigid ice and snow. There's been plenty of rain and snow along the C&O corridor so you might find the trail in pretty rough shape. The Passage would be easier to bike due to the surface (apart from Big Savage Tunnel) but at higher elevations you could have some rough windchills. If you go and complete the route it will defiantly be a birthday to remember!