C&O / GAP Forum

FYI, the Big Savage Tunnel is scheduled to close for winter on Dec 1, 2010.

Any idea when the tunnel will open back up. Planning on cycling from Pitt to DC in early April, but I don't want to miss this tunnel.

Thanks!

Verizon Wireless Expands 3G Wireless Network in Confluence, Pennsylvania
Here's a PR announcement, of interest to any Verizon customers who plan to pass through Confluence on the GAP.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/verizon-wireless-expands-3g-wireless-network-in-confluence-pennsylvania-112809204.html

We rented equipment and it wasn't even checked or fitted but we trusted that they knew what they were doing. When we went to leave one of the workers noticed that two of the same bindings were put on so they needed to adjust, they did and we went on to Seven Springs. Upon arrival after getting into all of our gear, we were unable to hit the slopes because they had given us equipment that didn't match up. They equipment was out of date and had not been made for years. After the amount of money we had already spent on lift tickets, we could not be refunded because we had rented from this wretched place. We called the place and explained what happened and they told us they would call us back. They never did, so we had to go to the place and explain what happened. Even the employees said that the equipment was supposed to be thrown away and never should have been there. They said that it was ridiculous and that it was there fault but proceeded to do nothing because the boss would not allow them to. After arguing we recieved our rental fee back but were still out our entire lift tickets and the two hours we traveled to get there. We now had to travel 2 hours back home, out of money, and upset. When we called the owner he told us too bad and had the nerve to hang up on us just becasue we asked if there was anything he could do. Craig is a real jerk and thinks that just because he owns fast good chains and this dinky rental shop that he can treat people like they are beneath him. When we got legal affairs involved he lied to them and had his employees lie for him as well. It was incredible the way he treated his customers and unfortunately we have not been the only ones. I would never rent from here again and it is a shame that people get away with treating other people badly. Because we could not get the equipment on (and we kept trying) I fell and am now seeing specialists due to a back injury...what a way to spend the holidays!

I would be interested in meeting up with others riding from Pa to Cumberland in conjunction with the Alzheimers ride on the C&O Sept of 2011.

The family that gave Poolesville, Md., its name will close the doors of their 45-year-old family business this January.

Billie Poole and her husband Raymond have spent most of their lives selling farm fresh eggs, preserves, and other sundries to Montgomery County farmers.

"Its been wonderful," Billie Poole said. "We don't have customers, we have friends."


Economic hard times made it difficult for the Pooles to continue to extend credit for its goods, and the business has slowed considerably.

"Its sort of when old time business run into modern realities of credit and not paying their bills," said Bill Allnutt, a friend of the family and a local farmer.

The Poole's roots run deep in this county. They were here in 1972 when Hurrican Agnes swelled nearby Seneca Creek and flooded the store. After the flood, the Montgomery County Department of Parks bought the property and rented the store to the Pooles. That lease will run out Dec. 31.

Although a petition was started for "the Continuted operation of Poole's store," the family itself seems resigned to end this chapter of their lives. Outside the store, staff threw old business records into a fire.

The county is hoping to find a new tenant to move in to the commercial property. It is unclear what will come next, but the era of locals gathering for hot soup and chili made by the Pooles will end this month.


"I've been here for quite a while and I've enjoyed all of it," 84-year-old Raymond Poole said. "I hate to leave it. Every good thing comes to an end they say, so this is it."

First Published: Dec 16, 2010 6:41 PM EST

Source: http://www.nbcwashington.com/around-town/shopping/Pooles-General-Store-to-Close-in-Montgomery-County-112032059.html

I am the President & Founder of the Whitsett Historical Society. This historical society is on Facebook and has many old photos of Whitsett.
The Facebook website is: Whitsett Historical Society/Whitsett,PA My phone # 724-736-0519.

Planning ahead for a ride from DC to Pittsburgh. Should I be thinking about riding my cyclocross bike with 700 x 32 tires or my 29er with bigger and wider tires? What would you recommend, or does it really matter?

I've done both trails with 700X32 and never had a problem.