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Fall in Ohiopyle
Fall in Ohiopyle, PA on the GAP
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Current status of Amtrak Roll On Service
 -  + Looking forward to our annual Passage/C&O ride this Oct. I've been looking at the Amtrak site concerning roll on service but the info seems to all be old or just rehashed. Another question is biking f...
Discussion started 02/03/2015 05:44 PM by Rick - 7 replies (last reply by John W. at 04/11/2015 10:15 AM)
Rick from Grafton, Va. on 02/03/2015 05:44 PM
Looking forward to our annual Passage/C&O ride this Oct. I've been looking at the Amtrak site concerning roll on service but the info seems to all be old or just rehashed. Another question is biking from the end of the trail to Union Station to retrieve our vehicle. Been looking at the map but I'm not sure if there are additional connector trails or if we'd be on heavy traffic streets. Any comments/suggestions? Thanks.

 
John from Pittsburgh, PA on 02/03/2015 10:40 PM
Rick, has any "new" news come out on this? I keep hearing they're going to test it, but I've never heard of a time frame or a firm date that they'll make it an everyday, permanent thing. Any internet search for Capitol Limited Bike Roll-on Service only gives me news articles from 2013 that it will just be in a test phase (with no time defined). I can't seem to find any more recent news on this. Hopefully they decide soon and make it a permanent fixture!

 
Rick from Grafton on 02/09/2015 06:38 PM
John,
No. No new news. Just the same we're working on it, we'll let you know. At this rate I'll be 105 before Amtrak pulls their head out of their butts and get the ball rolling. I would use train service every trip and I average 3 per year along the Passage/C&O.

 
Awf Hand from Chippewa Falls on 02/12/2015 08:36 AM
Did you try calling them? I've floundered on their website for far too long to not make Amtrak's employees lift a finger.

Reservations & Customer Service
1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or TDD/TTY (1-800-523-6590)

 
Rick from Grafton on 02/15/2015 12:36 PM
I haven't actually spoken with a human. Just on hold for several minutes and finally hung up. Tried maybe twice and gave up as my time is too important.

 
Rick from Grafton on 02/15/2015 08:07 PM
Spoke with a very pleasant customer service rep in California this afternoon. I was on hold for probably 8 minutes before speaking to a human. He was only able to tell me that the Roll On Service experience that took place last spring (I think) was a success and Amtrak was still in the planning stages. Not very useful info but better than just sweeping the idea under the carpet. He spent a lot of time checking with a couple of supervisors before relaying the info to me. Really nothing new but I guess we can keep hoping.

 
Paul M from Quincy, IL on 04/09/2015 04:07 PM
About all I can add to the saga is that the new baggage cars WITH BIKE RACKS have finally made their appearance. All 5 long distance trains originating from New York have them. I suspect the Capitol Limited will be next, if it doesn't already have them.

Unfortunately, that doesn't mean roll-on, roll-off bike service is any nearer. The only thing that makes me think such a radical idea (for Amtrak) will come about, is that two years ago baggage service was reinstated at several stations even when there is no agent on duty, another very radical idea.

 
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 04/11/2015 10:15 AM
Does anyone know if the Capitol Limited (DC to Chicago with a Pittsburgh stop) is still doing "testing" this season with Roll On Roll Off? Secondly, if so, can you get off at Cumberland, MD without boxing your bike up? News seems so hard find on this route. If offered I would 100% use it this summer. Here's to hoping.


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Current status of Amtrak Roll On Service
https://bikecando.com/talk.aspx?tid=687&tonly=1

Pictures from our trip April 2015
 -  + Hi,
Thought you all might be interested looking at our pics from our trip. Here's the tumblr
http://candotowpath.tumblr.com/
Discussion started 04/09/2015 09:54 AM by AC - 0 replies
AC from Toronto on 04/09/2015 09:54 AM
Hi,
Thought you all might be interested looking at our pics from our trip. Here's the tumblr
http://candotowpath.tumblr.com/


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Pictures from our trip April 2015
https://bikecando.com/talk.aspx?tid=704&tonly=1

Trail condition update
 -  + Hi ya folks

I promised I'd update on the trail condition.

We have ridden from Cumberland to Williamsport thus far.

The trial has been soft in places and felt like it was suckin...
Discussion started 04/04/2015 08:44 PM by AC - 0 replies
AC from Toronto on 04/04/2015 08:44 PM
Hi ya folks

I promised I'd update on the trail condition.

We have ridden from Cumberland to Williamsport thus far.

The trial has been soft in places and felt like it was sucking the tires.

There have been puddles and a couple wet places but in general, it has been a typical gravel trail.

We've made great time.

Thanks again to everybody who helped us plan this trip.



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Trail condition update
https://bikecando.com/talk.aspx?tid=702&tonly=1

Riding C&O down to DC in early April? Possible?
 -  + Hello all,

A buddy and I are interested in riding the C&O over an extended long Easter weekend (6 days) from Cumberland to DC.

We plan on camping along the way.

I am a little co...
Discussion started 02/18/2015 02:27 PM by ac - 13 replies (last reply by John W. at 04/03/2015 05:17 PM)
ac from Toronto on 02/18/2015 02:27 PM
Hello all,

A buddy and I are interested in riding the C&O over an extended long Easter weekend (6 days) from Cumberland to DC.

We plan on camping along the way.

I am a little concerned that a lot of the accounts from people n the web are many years old.

Is the trail still in good repair?

Do you think it will be too muddy in early April?

I assume the water pumps will be still shut off, any other advice you could offer us?

Many Thanks in advance for any input.


 
lenny on 02/19/2015 04:45 AM
Will be cooler, river will be high and lots of chance for April showers. some of the camp sites are in lower riverside areas.I thing the pump handles go on April 1. The trail has been in good shape but it is still close to the end of winter and damage at this point is unforseeable.

 
ac from Toronto on 02/26/2015 04:26 PM
Thanks for the comment Lenny.

Cool is ok :) We are Canadians, it's in our blood! lol

So the trail is still in good repair then? And the tunnels will be open in April?

Thanks again

 
Rick from Grafton on 02/27/2015 08:11 AM
Last fall on my ride there were sections of the trail that were in pretty bad shape 9deep ruts, mud, downed limbs, etc.) We've had some pretty lousy weather since then including tons of rain and snow. If we can get some drier weather I'd think that the trail will be in fairly good shape considering. According to the website the pumps aren't turned on until April 15th so that's just about a week after Easter. There are plenty of water options and most are just off the trail. The only tunnel would be Paw Paw and that will be open unless there are repairs being made. You can give your butt a break by riding on the Western Md Rail Trail west of Hancock to near Fort Fredrick about 24 miles of smooth travel. Enjoy your trip.

 
Rick from Grafton on 02/27/2015 08:16 AM
Deep ruts...not 9 deep ruts. I've always rode my Trek Mamba on this route with 2" tires and 15/20 pounds or so of gear. The wider tires give you a bit more control and help get out of some of the ruts and allow you to roll over some of the limbs.

 
lenny on 03/01/2015 06:55 PM
i personally wouldnt make my final plan til I got some feed back a little later this month. since your first post winter has continued in Maryland D.C. with a vengence.

 
AC from Toronto on 03/16/2015 06:36 AM
Hi Lenny, folks. Thanks again everyone for the info .

We are about 2 and a half weeks put for our trip. How is the trail doing? The temps have been well above freezing for a while, just wondering if the snow has gone?

Do you guys think the trail will be reasonably passable? We both ride mountain bikes.

Thanks again

 
Jim Simm from Hagerstown, MD on 03/19/2015 08:44 PM
Trail conditions so far are muddy. All our snow has melted away and the stuff forecasted for tonight will not last till noon tomorrow. Generally speaking the pump handles are attached around the second week of April. The wells are treated with Iodine and has a peculiar aftertaste. Recommend filling up with good old tap water, which is plentiful if you look for it in either Nelgene bottles or H2O bladders. Spring along the towpath is generally rainy and there are some of the hiker/biker campsites that you have to pay attention to when pitching your tent or you’ll wake up swimming in your sleeping bag. Best rule of thumb is always pitch on the high ground and avoid the “bowls” where rain water pools, some times several inches deep! The condition of the towpath from Cumberland till about the other side of Williamsport is pretty, well, poor. The closer you get to Washington, DC (and all the Doctors, Lawyers and Supreme Court Chief Justices) the better it gets; and so does the traffic. If you are not a purist, you can avoid some of the muck and mud at milepost 136/Lock 56 and switch off onto the Western Maryland Rail Trail, which is packed black top like the GAP trail surface, for about 40 miles then swing back onto the towpath just west of Fort Fredrick state park and on to Williamsport, MD. Have fun, be careful and enjoy the adventure.

 
Chris Beichner from Meadville Pa on 03/20/2015 12:55 PM
I will be completing the trail during this time and the plan is to camp as long as it isn't constantly pouring. We are leaving March 28th from Pittsburgh. I will try to let you know the conditions as we go. Anyone have any recommendations for Big Savage Tunnel? Detour? Up and over? How about detouring taking MD-47 around the trail meeting up on MD-36?

 
A C from Toronto on 03/25/2015 10:53 AM
Can't thank you all enough for the advice and updates. We are getting excited. You know when the weather network starts forecasting on your trip dates.... you are getting close :)

Thanks so much Chris for the offer to post updates on the trail condition as you go. We will be running behind you by a few days.

I'm sorry Chris, I don't have any idea how to get around the Big Savage Tunnel? I wish we did, it is influencing where we start from.

If the board would like, we can post conditions as we roll through too. Twitter or a tumblr maybe? Let me know if there is any interest and I'm happy to oblige.

 
Anonymous on 03/25/2015 02:49 PM
The WRMT is only 22 miles of paved surface.

 
ian from dc on 03/26/2015 01:00 AM
Yeah I would love some updates. I'll be starting in Pittsburgh on the 6th. Any info on the trails would be great.

 
AC from Toronto on 03/26/2015 01:27 PM
We'll post our experience with the trail. Conditions etc. Happy to!


 
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 04/03/2015 05:17 PM
The Big Savage Tunnel was opened for the season today!
http://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2015/04/03/Illuminated-tunnel-on-Great-Allegheny-Passage-opens/stories/201504030309


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Riding C&O down to DC in early April? Possible?
https://bikecando.com/talk.aspx?tid=688&tonly=1

 -  + When does the tow path open for the season? Also, the guy at my local bike shop is telling me that my "department store bike" is not up to the task. it's only 2 years old. Is he just trying to sell...
Discussion started 03/28/2015 10:09 AM by Cenzolorenzo - 7 replies (last reply by Rick at 04/01/2015 06:42 PM)
Cenzolorenzo on 03/28/2015 10:09 AM
When does the tow path open for the season? Also, the guy at my local bike shop is telling me that my "department store bike" is not up to the task. it's only 2 years old. Is he just trying to sell me a new bike?

 
Rick from Grafton, Va. on 03/28/2015 06:08 PM
The Tow Path is never really closed. People cross country ski during the winter months if there is snow. Most people choose to thru-ride starting around mid April when the water pumps are turned on. Trail conditions can be rough early in the spring due to a harsh winter (like the one we just had.) People have ridden the Tow Path on just about every thing from a high end road bike to a beat-up paper boy bike. A hybrid or Mt Bike with wider tires would be your best bet and a nicer (more expensive bike) might give you better service and fewer mechanical issues. If your planning to haul overnight gear like tent, sleeping bag, cook gear, etc. A better built bike would be a wise investment. I ride a Trek Mamba 29'er with 2" to 2.4" tires. Never had a mechanical issue other than tires. My wife and I met a group that had a ton of problems on the Tow Path due to extremely muddy conditions several had broken or bent derailers and other problems. They had a sag wagon so help wasn't far away. A nice well built durable bike will give you a comfortable, dependable ride.

 
John from Richmond, VA on 03/29/2015 07:50 AM
Rick- how are the current conditions? I am planning a Mt. Vernon VA to Cumberland trip in about a week during my spring break. (I'm a teacher). I'm not so much worried about my bike as I am me being miserable! I've ridden in mid-April during a soggy time and it wasn't fun!
Thank you-

 
Rick from Grafton, Va. on 03/30/2015 05:22 AM
Small world, I work for the Newport News School System and am also on break a week from today. I haven't been on the Tow Path since last Oct. At that time there were stretches that were rough but that is normal. We had a pretty hard winter with all of the snows and rains. I'd guess that the trail is wet and muddy along most of the route. We are supposed to have warmer weather this week that might dry things out abit. Sorry I can't help more.

Have you ridden the Capital Trail? The newest completed stretch between the Chicahominy River and Charles City Courthouse is pretty nice. 13 miles one way.You can do a nice 60 miler if you start at Jamestown and head out and back.

 
John from Richmond on 03/30/2015 10:48 AM
Cap trail is going to be great! I guess this summer/fall it will finally be finished b/w Richmond and Williamsburg. I've been doing the CaptoCap rides the past 10 years. Always a lot of fun.
I'm hoping the trail will be on the dryer side of things. The first time I attempted to ride the whole thing we left in a cold mist and it didn't get any better. We got to Point of Rocks and had to stop. I might have to bump up my ride by one day too (less time for drying!) I haven't done any of the Western MD trail, so I'll try that b/w Hancock and Pearre.

 
Rick from Grafton, Va. on 03/30/2015 08:22 PM
Yeah the Western MD route is a nice alternate to the C&O. It would be nice if they could extend it to Paw Paw but the tunnels are home to endangered bats and I'm not sure if it will ever happen. It would be a great loop along one of the most remote stretches of the Tow Path. The weather has chased me off a couple of times also.
Have you ever biked the Greenbrier River Trail in WV? Nice 75 mile Rails To Trails route. We ride and camp along the route twice a year. We'll be heading that way April 24/26. We have room for one more rider if you can get a Fri. off of work. We bike 25 miles on Fri. and camp near Marlinton, 42 miles on Sat. camping along the river, and finish with 10 miles on Sun. Give me a shout if your interested. The group that participates is a mixed bag of skill levels.

 
John from Richmond on 04/01/2015 09:19 AM
Thanks for the invite!
I have a Boy Scout campout I'm doing that weekend. I've never biked the Greenbrier Trail, though I've heard good things about it. This summer I'll have to wander up there to take a look.
I'm worried about the weather this weekend- several storms are supposed to move through before I leave which would make riding miserable. I'm now having second thoughts about going this week.

 
Rick from Grafton,Va on 04/01/2015 06:42 PM
Yeah, the weather is going to be a bit unstable at times next week. I was planning to bike the High Bridge on that Thur. but rain is in the forecast. If you decide to bike the Greenbrier at some future time feel free to contact me athiker80@cox.net. I've done about 8 thru rides. I'd be glad to share some info. It's a fun route.


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Shuttle advice
 -  + Gonna do C&O/GAP in June. From NC and driving to DC. Need shuttle from DC to Pittsburgh. Looking for suggestions. So far the shuttles I've checked with want close to $500 for two people and two bikes....
Discussion started 03/01/2015 08:42 PM by Stephen Hudson - 13 replies (last reply by Dave Cavanaugh at 03/28/2015 11:22 AM)
Stephen Hudson from Jamestown,NC on 03/01/2015 08:42 PM
Gonna do C&O/GAP in June. From NC and driving to DC. Need shuttle from DC to Pittsburgh. Looking for suggestions. So far the shuttles I've checked with want close to $500 for two people and two bikes. Sounds high to me. Wanted to use Amtrak between DC and Pitt but they don't allow roll on bikes, only boxed so that's out. What's my best option? I'm all ears. Thanks.

 
lenny on 03/02/2015 05:10 AM
there is no easy solution. the powers that be have not cooperated yet . this forum may be your best bet in finding something that may work. i have witnessed others here over the years making connections for their rides. goodluck

 
Mark from Lafayette, IN on 03/02/2015 03:11 PM
I suggest renting a one way minivan or SUV if you only have 2 people and bikes. I did this from DC to Cumberland and it was around 115ish. Too bad Amtrak seems unable to copy their format of allowing roll on service along the Katy trail.

 
Mark on 03/02/2015 03:15 PM
Also, it's possible to rent a moving truck for fairly cheap.

 
Anonymous on 03/02/2015 04:45 PM
They will box your bikes at the Amtrak Station in D.C. I have made this trip plenty of times and the train is not as much hassle as everyone makes it out to be. The box will cost you $15.00. There are plenty of places to stay near the train station in Pittsburgh. A Hampton Inn is located less than a mile from the station. You will start your ride from Point State Park which is about 2 miles from the Hampton Inn. Cost of 2 train tickets plus boxes along with a hotel room should be less expensive than the shuttle service you priced.

 
Rick from Grafton on 03/03/2015 05:47 AM
Hancock Md. Bike Shop has the best price of any shuttle service. Contact me athiker80@cox.net I've use their service almost exclusively for all of mu shuttle needs.

 
Allan from Allentown, PA on 03/03/2015 05:14 PM
Last summer (2014) my wife and I rented a minivan from Enterprise in Bethesda, MD, parked our car at Great Falls, drove Minivan and dropped it off at Enterprise near Point Park in Pittsburg. It cost us less than $200... We rode GAP and C&O back to Great Falls.... make sure you register your car with C&O park rangers...

 
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 03/08/2015 04:21 PM
Roll on service, if actually happening, is the best bet. Until that is 100% a sure thing, I would look into one way rentals. I rented from Pittsburgh Airport and drove to Dulles, checked the car in, connected by bike to the Washington & Old Dominion Trail, got off the W&OD and took my bike on the Metro at Dunn Loring (it was a Sunday, you can't do this during weekly rush hours) and got off at Foggy Bottom. From there it was a short ride to the beginning of the C&O. Maybe I didn't look hard enough but the 3-4 rental places told me they didn't do one way rentals at Reagan National Airport which would have saved me 15 or so miles but I suspect you can do this.

 
Paul A on 03/08/2015 11:48 PM
Keep in mind for shuttles the driver has to drive twice as many miles and spend twice as much time as you do.
Google maps shows it being 242 miles DC to Pittsburg and 4 hours 4 minutes. so that translates into 484 miles and over 8 hours for the shuttler. Maybe 500 isn't so unreasonable after all.
Others have suggested cheaper options.

 
Stephen Hudson from Jamestown,NC on 03/11/2015 06:35 AM
Thanks all for the ideas/suggestions.
We've got it figured out now. Leaving vehicle in long term parking at Union Station and picking up rental there to drive to Pittsburgh. Then we ride! Can't wait.

 
Greg K from Chicago on 03/11/2015 06:36 PM
The main problem with Amtrak west is the train leaves DC in the evening and reaches Pittsburgh around midnight.

 
Tom from Raleigh nc on 03/20/2015 08:05 PM
Why not use the boxes? We took the train from DC to Pittsburgh last summer and Amtrak staff were very helpful packing the boxes. The main issue was unpacking and riding to hotel at midnight but not a problem if you have decent lights and know the route.

 
Jim Simm from Hagerstown, MD on 03/22/2015 06:37 AM
Concur with Rick; call Dennis Hudson at the C&O Bicycle shop in Hancock, MD (301) 678-6665 candobicycle.com. His rates are very reasonable and the price covers up to I believe six passengers and gear. Great deal if you ask me.

 
Dave Cavanaugh from Buffalo on 03/28/2015 11:22 AM
The Amtrak line "Capital Limited" is one of two routes piloting "Roll on, Roll off" services for cyclists. Pittsburgh is on the route. I intend to use the services for the return leg from the Georgetown Station to Pittsburgh.

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