C&O / GAP Forum

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REI trip from Harper's Ferry to G-Town

John from Owings on 05/21/2014 11:35 AM

Anyone been on the REI trip along the C&O from Harper's Ferry to Georgetown, your thoughts and comments please. This would be my first overnight bike trip.

Anonymous on 05/22/2014 10:31 AM

Friday the 16th we started our ride at Georgetown right after it stopped raining for 12 hours. The towpath was shocking very good. Wet and puddles but enjoyable. If the river would not have overflowed it's banks it would have all been good.

lenny on 05/24/2014 07:25 AM

I can,t believe people spend good money to be lead around and fed on a bike trip. Have done this with many others many times over the years for half the money. I,d be happy to advise how we do it just ask.

John from Owings on 05/28/2014 08:21 AM

Good morning Lenny, your advice would be welcomed, REI's trip is not cheap by any means.

lenny on 05/29/2014 04:38 AM

I use this site to find hotels and the services I may need. I pack bike clothes and toiletries for 3 Days,3,bike shorts, shirts and socks.I wash 2 sets on the 2nd day. I bring a pair or shorts and flipflops for the evenings, I wear the next day shirt. We generally ride 60 to 74 miles per day doing the trip i 5 dsays Point Parp to the national Mall. 1, Pgh. to Ohiopyle.2, Ohiopyle to Cumberland. 3, Cumberland to Harpers Ferry,5 Harpers Ferry to DC. There are convenient stop about half way between each stop to have lunch.I usually do this for less than $600. If you have specific Question just ask. I do this annually with several friends.

Jbone from Cortland on 05/29/2014 11:23 AM

Thanks for posting this. Its great info. Does it take less time to do the C&O than the GAP?

lenny on 05/29/2014 07:16 PM

Gap 150 miles 2 days. C&O 185 3 days. First 2 days are very long, about 7 hrs in the saddle at 12 mph. Last 3 easy 60 or so a day

dbbcpa from Tampa on 06/01/2014 04:00 PM

Lenny, I your comments you said it was five days, in you detail listing the days you skipped Day 4. Could you revisit this. I am thinking of doing this trip by myself unless I can get someone to come along. I hate to camp when it is hot, when does it begin to cool off at night up there, I am from Florida? Is there a rainy and a dry season? If I camp I will have to pull a one wheel trailer, is this doable? What speed do you guys ride at and on what type of bikes?

lenny on 06/02/2014 04:33 AM

I didn't miss day 4 , I just lumped C&O together. From Cumberland day 3 to Hancock, lunch at Paw Paw. Hancock to Harpers Ferry day 4 lunch at Williamsport.Harpers Ferry to DC day 5, lunch at Whites Ferry.

lenny on 06/02/2014 04:39 AM

I ride a Gary Fisher Utopia, it is a dual sport, somewhat like an aggressive Hybrid. My younger friends ride cross bikes. I average about 11 mph. Usually about 6 hrs. saddle time per day. The Gap I do in 2 days, 75 mile per day.

dbbcpa from Tampa on 06/02/2014 05:55 PM

Thanks for the clarification Lenny. I am new to this site and hope to ride the whole trail in either August. I am hoping to catch a Pirates game and start the next day then catch a Nationals game after the ride. Has anyone else done this? Kind of mixing two things I enjoy, baseball and biking.

lenny on 06/02/2014 07:38 PM

never thought of that sounds cool

Greg K from Chicago on 06/03/2014 10:24 AM

Five days works okay since the GAP is in really good shape and you can squeeze 70+ mile days out of it. The C&O is a bit rougher and would have been more pleasant if it didn't rain *every* day. I mainly did it for the GAP, anyway, and that was fantastic. My trip mirrored Lenny (Ohiopyle, Cumberland, Hancock and Harpers Ferry) and I went in late October when the weather was cool and the leaves were turning. I stayed at various hostels and B&Bs along the way. There's a trail book that's sold for something like $10 from the GAP website that's pretty good at listing everything along the way.
I absolutely hate heat so if I can swing another trip this year it will be later in October or even early November just before Big Savage Tunnel closes for the year.

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trailers

jonnybgood from johannusberg on 05/06/2014 11:27 AM

How much slower does one travel with a trailer attached? If its split between two people?

Anonymous on 05/06/2014 11:47 AM

I am not trying to be negative but that question is just too general to answer. Things like weight, wheel size, one or two wheel trailer, type of hook up, your condition and brand of trailer are just a few things someone would need know to answer that. You should just ask someone that has one next time you go for a ride.

JJB from Fairmont, WV on 05/06/2014 04:02 PM

Something else to consider. If there is any type of detour it can be very difficult to get a trailer around / over it. One ride there were two detours, this was before Big Slackwater was repaired and another one that involved stairs. That would be tough. Also there was a problem by PawPaw tunnel last year that caused folks to take a detour. Trees down, mudslides, etc. Just something to think about.

Scott from Powhatan, Va on 05/07/2014 06:19 AM

I just got back Monday from riding the GAP, Pittsburgh to Cumberland. I pulled the BOB Ibex trailer for the whole ride. The trailer is tough and can handle most of what you throw at it. It tracks like a dream.
With all of that said, I over packed mine and I was carrying way to much weight. In Connelsville the weight of it knocked the bike over, ultimately bending the rear derailer and I could not fix it. Luckily, even though the shop had closed for the day, the guys at Bikes Unlimited in Connelsville saved me. They got my rig fixed and took real good care of me, everyone needs to check these guys out, first class operation.
You do know the trailer is there, I got it done but it kicked my rear end. There was a few times we had to carry the bikes around objects and this becomes a pain in the arse.
I'm not sure which is the better way. My next ride of the C&O I think I'm gonna try without the trailer. IDK. GOOD LUCK.

Fruita Riders from Fruita,CO on 05/07/2014 12:17 PM

We rode the GAP-C&O a couple of years ago pulling Bob trailers. Yes, we too over-packed and found we could have lived with a whole lot less. The trailers were, however, awesome; they track well and allow you to find out what is essential and what is luxury. My husband attached a small kickstand on the trailer and at first I balked at the added weight (negligible), but it made a huge difference in regards to the stability of a parked, fully loaded bike. The GAP-C&O experience was incredible and we plan to repeat it this summer!

Scott from Powhatan, Va on 05/07/2014 07:14 PM

The kickstand is nice, I used the one that is recommended. With that said, be careful with it as if it is not perfect each time it will fall over, bending your rear de-railer, rendering you dead in the water. Ask me how I know? Thank goodness for Bikes Unlimited in Connelsville....they saved us.
The BOB trailers are the ones to pull if you are going to pull one. Just don't overpack the dang thing. My stand fell over easier because of the weight. Good luck.

lenny on 05/08/2014 04:11 AM

were you guys camping, needing a trailer for all of your gear?

Scott from Powhatan, Va on 05/08/2014 07:02 AM

Yeah, we were going to camp so we had all of our gear. The trailer I not needed in my opinion, you just don't need to take that much stuff. My trailer totaled out was at approximately 75 pounds and pulling that from Pittsburgh uphill to the Eastern Continental Divide damn near killed me. Opinions will vary. I'm gonna do the C&O next year, the BOB will stay home if I haven't already sold it.

Naismith from Florida on 06/02/2014 09:23 PM

We also had bike work done in Connellsville and they were great, and fast and reasonably priced as well. Nobody likes bike issues, but a good place to have it happen, forsure.

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Little Sandy's Truck Stop & Restaurant in Hancock

Al from Flintstone on 01/06/2013 11:33 AM

On New Years day I stopped in for breakfast. I ordered waffles and bacon. When the waitress brought my order and placed it on the table, she asded if it was too dark. It was, in fact the waffle was burnt, and the bacon dark. I said yes it was too dark. Without saying a word, she returned it to the kitchen. About 3 to 5 minutes later, the waitress returned with the order and placed it on the tabel and walked away. The waffle again, appeared dark and when I turned it over, I found that it was burnt. It appeared to be the same waffle. I again told the waitress that it was too dark. She returned to the kitchen, at which time I heard the cook yelling. I motioned to another waitress to have the order canceled because I could hear the cook yelling. A few minutes later, my waitress walked by my table and said to me, "You can pay for your coffee at the register." She did not say she was sorry for the burnt food, have a good day, nothing. I paid for the coffee and left.
I will not return, nor recommend your restaurant to my many friend and family that visit.

Randy on 01/09/2013 03:39 PM

Appreciate the head's up. Thanks for the post.

Carla on 04/17/2014 04:24 PM

Yes I totally agree with the person who got the waffles, In the past I have to ask for silverware, refill on drinks, napkins, these people get into their little groups and gossip, I have seen this many times.

Roy from Middletown on 04/18/2014 10:01 AM

The restaurant should apply for federal money so they can continue this poor service indefinitely, sorta like Amtrak

Sorry, couldn't help myself

Rick Hancock from Grafton, Va. on 04/19/2014 04:30 PM

For a good meal you never need to venture further than Weaver's. Good food, fair prices. Someone mentioned elsewhere in the forums that their serving breakfast several mornings a week. We always stop in for lunch or supper. The waitresses are very friendly and the locals eat there!

Baryy O on 04/23/2014 03:11 PM

When I travelled in the Northeast Corridor I used Amtrak quite a bit. I always found them to be professional, courteous and on time.
**
Not sure why Roy felt the need to drag politics into a discussuon about a restaurant. Maybe they didn't serve Tea. :)

Roy from Middletown, OH on 04/27/2014 01:46 PM

Sometimes a joke is a joke, however poor. Sorry Frank Burns that you took it so seriously.

Jim on 04/29/2014 01:23 PM

I've used Amtrak when I travelled and have never had any issues. What's with the poor service comment? Did you ever use Amtrak, Roy, or are you just spouting Tea bag rhetoric?

Mark on 04/29/2014 01:25 PM

Roy, please take your politics elsewhere. This website is about the C&O Canal.

Patti on 04/29/2014 01:28 PM

I agree. Roy, if you don't have anything positive to contribute to a discussion about the C&O Canal, then take it elsewhere.

Anonymous on 05/15/2014 11:08 AM

Does"take your politics elsewhere" apply to Jim as well?

K E from Middletown, MD on 05/18/2014 06:29 PM

I agree with the Weavers recommendation. The food and service are great.

As for Amtrak, no thanks. The bathrooms are filthier than your worst port a pot at the end if a fair day.

John from Owings on 05/21/2014 11:31 AM

I too have been treated well on Amtrak, and Roy I agree sometimes a joke is a joke, the rest of you need to get a life and leave Roy alone he is entitled to same rights under the 1st Amendment as the PC police atleast for today

Roy from Middletown, OH on 05/24/2014 06:45 PM

If one is narrow minded enough to limit the definition of service to how one is treated personally, then maybe my post was out of line. The employees aboard my train were great. However, I'm able to think beyond self and define service in a broader scope.
Thus, Amtrak unnecessarily limits choices to the customer, is federally funded (that makes the statement political? please don't show yourself so poor a thinker)and may therefore be considered in this instance to offer poor service. In private sector businesses similarly offering poor service may go out of business, bringing about my poor attempt at public humor in relating the one instance to the other.
I'll not choose to eat at Little Sandy's restaurant either BTW...pretty risky Frank. Hope you enjoy. And all related to the trail and one's ability to enjoy and how one may utilize the same, thus appropriate to the board.

Brett on 05/29/2014 03:23 PM

John Owings and Roy from Middletown drop it. 1st Amendment? Come on, lighten up.
***
It's Summer and vacation Season. Keep the discussions about the Trail. Plenty to discuss.

Paul from Quincy, IL on 06/01/2014 07:01 PM

"John Owings and Roy from Middletown drop it. 1st Amendment? Come on, lighten up."

What does the 1st amendment have to do with it. Roy exercised it and other disagreed with what he said. My take is that Roy hasn't said anything to indicate he actually knows anything about Amtrak, rather is only echoing what he has heard. If he would like to learn about Amtrak I suggest he go to

http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/forum/3-amtrak-rail-discussion/

Anonymous on 06/02/2014 10:43 AM

Lighten up Paul. Stop trying to pick fights on this forum. A-Hole!

lenny on 06/02/2014 07:43 PM

I've been watching this thread since Jan. WHY DONT YOU ALL GIVE IT UP. Second graders don't do this.

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Tagged: Hancock Truck Plaza

Harpers Ferry parking

Sam Steeley from Orrstown on 04/08/2014 05:58 AM

Can anyone suggest a safe place to park for 4 days at Harpers Ferry?

I plan on riding out from Harpers Ferry, two days out and two days back. Need to leave my truck somewhere in Harpers Ferry.

Thanks

Anonymous on 04/08/2014 03:54 PM

I went to the visitor center above downtown and asked them if I could leave my car in their lot. They said fine. I gave them my name,address,phone #, left it there for a week and it was fine when I got back..Just understand its left unattended and they are not responsible for anything.

Anonymous on 04/13/2014 05:38 AM

Thanks.

Anonymous on 04/23/2014 03:15 PM

The Rangers and Staff at Harpers Ferry (and the Visitors Center) are really good people and very helpful. Just make prior arrangements and it will be fine.

Paul from Quincy, IL on 06/01/2014 08:19 PM

It looks like the question has been answered. But I did notice that there are 120 long term parking spaces at the Amtrak station. There is no agent, so no one is to know you are biking.

I can't answer the "Is is safe?" question, but I routinely leave my van at Illinois and Iowa stations for a month at a time.

"Is is safe?" question usually get answered at

http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/forum/3-amtrak-rail-discussion/

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