Route to Antietam national Battlefield
- + We are camping near Brunswick, Md and biking the C and O towards Harper's Ferry. We would like to leave the canal and tour the battlefield. Anyone suggest best route, hills, traffic,etc. ?Some in our ...
Discussion started 07/05/2014 11:36 PM by Rob - 3 replies (last reply by John at 07/10/2014 10:10 PM)Rob from Mercer, pa on 07/05/2014 11:36 PM
We are camping near Brunswick, Md and biking the C and O towards Harper's Ferry. We would like to leave the canal and tour the battlefield. Anyone suggest best route, hills, traffic,etc. ?Some in our group are not avid riders.
Also like to know the distance off the trail to the Battlefield.
Thank you.
Paul A on 07/08/2014 11:27 PM
Ride the trail to Harper's Ferry.
Walk across the railroad bridge, there's a walkway on the south side, and you'll be in Harper's Ferry. There are tours of the historic part of town by park rangers.
John on 07/10/2014 10:07 PM
No no no - if you're coming from Brunswick and looking to go to Antietam Battlefield (in Sharpsburg, MD), you're going to have to ride about 12 miles north of Harpers Ferry on the canal towpath. When you get to the big Rumsey bridge (Route 34) over the towpath, there is a parking lot area with signage telling you to go to the right (it's uphill to the road). From there, you can ride on the road shoulder of Route 34 (Shepherdstown Pike) into Sharpsburg (about 3 miles into downtown). You'll take a left in downtown Sharpsburg onto Church street, and the Battlefield Visitor Center is another 3/4 mile up that road. It's all very well-signed, and should be extremely obvious when looking at a map.
John on 07/10/2014 10:10 PM
https://goo.gl/maps/YEQSt
Here is a Google map with directions from Harpers Ferry. It is a little ways off the towpath, and Route 34 is not a dangerous road, but it's a little uphill and there's not a dedicated trail. Also, seeing the Battlefield itself on bicycle is doable, but also has a number of hills (some quite steep). It's beautiful but you might want to explore your alternatives.
Biking Companion
- + Looking for a companion (female) to ride Cedar Creek(GAP) to DC. Leaving Thursday July 31 and arriving in DC on Tuesday August 5th.
Share lodging and lodging expenses. Transportation back to Pitts...
Discussion started 07/09/2014 11:57 AM by Elizabeth - 0 repliesElizabeth from Pittsburgh on 07/09/2014 11:57 AM
Looking for a companion (female) to ride Cedar Creek(GAP) to DC. Leaving Thursday July 31 and arriving in DC on Tuesday August 5th.
Share lodging and lodging expenses. Transportation back to Pittsburgh arranged.
Biking Buddy
- + Hi I'm looking for a biking buddy to bike with several times a week. I usually bike from Hancock to Williamsport area. I want to bike on several different parts of the C&O but would like a partner to ...
Discussion started 06/23/2014 12:14 AM by Kirk - 5 replies (last reply by anonymous at 07/02/2014 08:52 PM)Kirk on 06/23/2014 12:14 AM
Hi I'm looking for a biking buddy to bike with several times a week. I usually bike from Hancock to Williamsport area. I want to bike on several different parts of the C&O but would like a partner to bike with. I'm not looking for an endurance type ride but rather a leisurely sight seeing taking it in type of ride. I'm 38 and in decent shape and looking for somebody that is gay or gay friendly as I'm a masculine guy who lives an alternative lifestyle and very secure in it. I'm free most anytime to meet up and ride.
Lenny on 06/30/2014 03:38 PM
I'll try to hook up with you.
Anonymous on 06/30/2014 09:00 PM
Hi Lenny. Send me your contact info so we can connect. I appreciate it thx
John O on 07/02/2014 01:59 PM
I would be interested also. I have an alternative lifestyle.
Roy on 07/02/2014 02:04 PM
Count me in. I'm a gay, conservative republican.
Anonymous on 07/02/2014 08:52 PM
Text me 267-671-6078 for anybody who wants to ride with me. Thx. Kirk
Oct trip
- + Am planning a thru trip from Pittsburg to DC in Oct. Wanting to catch the fall colors, as I'm from CA and haven't been blessed with such beauty. Whens the best time and what will the trail conditions ...
Discussion started 06/12/2014 03:55 PM by Susan - 6 replies (last reply by Naismith at 06/29/2014 08:18 PM)Susan from Davis, Ca on 06/12/2014 03:55 PM
Am planning a thru trip from Pittsburg to DC in Oct. Wanting to catch the fall colors, as I'm from CA and haven't been blessed with such beauty. Whens the best time and what will the trail conditions be like? Thank you on advance!-
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 06/12/2014 05:34 PM
The timing and the amount of color you will see are influenced by the amount of rain, etc during the Summer. I think October is a good time but there can be quite a bit of difference between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31. I would suggest you Google some sort of "leaf peeper" type of website. We have used the Farmer's Almanac site and their "peak fall foliage" section. Also look at each state's Dept. of Forestry site.
If you hit it right you are in for one BEAUTIFUL trip! We have been fortunate enough to see some breath taking colors in the trees. Make sure you have fully charged batteries in your camera!
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 06/21/2014 09:09 PM
Predicting the timing of peak fall leaf season can be as tricky as predicting the cherry blossoms in DC. However, colors should be good from mid to late October
Anonymous on 06/25/2014 06:27 PM
Thank you for your suggestions! Have decided to leave Pittsburg the 15th of Oct ride 50-60 mi a day and enjoy the sights. Looking forward to October!!
Randy on 06/26/2014 02:14 PM
Another factor as far as leave color is the precipitation we get through the Summer. So if it becomes dry, the foliage will be dull and the leaves will drop earlier. Sometimes the leaves will just drop because the trees are stressed.
If you roll the dice, Mid-October is perhaps you're best shot, but it can vary +/- by 2 weeks.
I'll check some of the dates on some of my photographs and see if I can help you pinpoint a date.
Greg K from Chicago on 06/27/2014 11:40 AM
I went through last year starting October 8 and the trees between Pittsburgh and Cumberland were just starting to turn so I was just a bit early. Between Cumberland and Washington you wouldn't even know it was fall if the temperature wasn't so agreeable. Late October is going to be the best time, I think, but that's because I really don't like the heat.
Naismith from Florida on 06/29/2014 08:18 PM
I agree, mod-October should be lovely--it was beautiful last year, although raining.
One thing to be aware of is that services may start shutting down after Columbus Day, whenever that hits. When we were in Ohiopyle, there were like 3 bike shops open on the Saturday when we needed a new tire. On the following Monday, there was an issue with another bike, and we found that everyplace was "closed for the season."
Bagage cars with bike racks
- + Amtrack announced they would have new baggage cars equipped with bike racks in service by the end of this year!
Discussion started 06/25/2014 05:15 AM by Bob Palonder - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 06/25/2014 08:32 AM)Bob Palonder from Perryopolis ,Pa. on 06/25/2014 05:15 AM
Amtrack announced they would have new baggage cars equipped with bike racks in service by the end of this year!
Ray (webmaster) on 06/25/2014 08:32 AM
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Amtrak to welcome bicycling passengers by end of the year
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2014/06/25/Amtrak-to-welcome-bicycling-passengers-by-end-of-the-year/stories/201406250033#ixzz35epcUccz
C&O Flooding between Williamsport & Big Pool
- + Towpath reroute in effect just below Dam #5, Mile Marker 106. Maintenance Staff are heading there immediately to stabilize and start work. Please be aware that with the heavy rain this week, there may...
Discussion started 06/13/2014 02:11 PM by Ray (webmaster) - 3 replies (last reply by anonymous at 06/24/2014 09:39 AM)Ray (webmaster) on 06/13/2014 02:11 PM
Towpath reroute in effect just below Dam #5, Mile Marker 106. Maintenance Staff are heading there immediately to stabilize and start work. Please be aware that with the heavy rain this week, there may be hazards on the towpath. We will update you as more information becomes available.
Anonymous on 06/17/2014 02:22 PM
It sounds like this will be a big project. There was actually a breach in a section of the canal in this area. Plan accordingly.
Anonymous on 06/21/2014 09:05 PM
Heavy rains last week washed 2 or 3 sections but they have been repaired enough to ride thru. I road all the way from Pittsburgh to Georgetown this week with no problems.
Anonymous on 06/24/2014 09:39 AM
Glad to hear they have it fixed already. From the photos I had seen it looked pretty bad. Kudos to the Maint Crew and Rangers for their quick response in making the repair.
Tires vs fenders
- + What's more important for riding on the C&O trail -- tires with treads or fenders? I've been running Vittoria Rando Hyper 32s on my bike and they clear my fenders fine but have no treads. However, I f...
Discussion started 05/03/2014 08:19 PM by Tom M - 13 replies (last reply by Tom M at 06/23/2014 09:41 PM)Tom M from Raleigh NC on 05/03/2014 08:19 PM
What's more important for riding on the C&O trail -- tires with treads or fenders? I've been running Vittoria Rando Hyper 32s on my bike and they clear my fenders fine but have no treads. However, I felt more tread was important for the C&O, so picked up some Clement LAS 33s, but they are much wider than billed (36 mm) and won't clear my fenders, not even close. My fenders are 45mm Planet Bike Cascadias, but I also tried some SKS Raceblade 45s and they didn't fit either. So if you had to choose one tire or the other, which would you use, knowing that you could use fenders with Clements.
Anonymous on 05/03/2014 08:24 PM
BTW, we aren't planning to leave on our trip until June 15, riding from Pittsburgh to DC, so hopefully the trail will dry out by then.
Anonymous on 05/04/2014 06:09 AM
If its dry you wont miss fenders. If it rains you will wish you had them on the C&O. I didnt have them and it rained. The bike got pretty muddy but I managed ok.I have fenders for the next time.
lenny on 05/04/2014 09:03 AM
If it rains and you on the C&O it doesnt matter if you have fenders or not, you will be covered with mud.I've gone both ways and fenders are a waste of weight and trouble.
Anonymous on 05/05/2014 08:59 AM
I might just pick up some inexpensive clip-on fenders, in case it rains. They only cost about $20, so it's no big loss if they don't work as well as regular fenders.
Greg K from Chicago on 05/06/2014 01:38 PM
I had rain all three days on the C&O. Your bike will get muddy, your stuff will get muddy, but the important thing with fenders is you won't get muddy. You'll just be soaked.
Even on the C&O you won't need treads. There's nothing loose enough that treads will make a difference. If it does rain be very careful after passing through the Paw Paw tunnel. The other side is bare rock and slippy as ice when it's wet.
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 05/06/2014 03:55 PM
Just to add my two cents, on our last trip we were held up by an early morning rain storm. That day we had to stop and clean our cassettes because they were so packed with mud the chain started skipping! It is funny, when we start out each day, dry and clean, we try to miss all of the mud puddles but after a short time you end up hitting one or two. After that you miss what you can but just go through the rest...lol.
Anonymous on 05/06/2014 03:58 PM
Gear is always a very subjective topic whether its hiking,biking,rock climbing, etc. Nobody is totally right or wrong.Just take in the info and decide for yourself. Its all good.
Scott from Powhatan, Va on 05/07/2014 06:23 AM
Just finished the GAP Monday, I'm glad I had fenders and tread. The fenders more so. Personal opinion. Good luck.
Dave D from Chapel Hill, NC on 06/05/2014 07:35 PM
Tom - we're heading to Cumberland Tuesday (the 17th) to begin the Towpath to DC on Wednesday. 5 guys - first time on the Path. Wave as you ride by!
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 06/06/2014 08:09 AM
Dave - I'll be looking for you. There are 3 of us from Raleigh, all riding touring bikes with rear panniers. We are taking the Amtrak from DC to Pittsburgh, and leaving there on Sunday 6/15. We are planning to stay in Cumberland on Tuesday night as well, at the Inn on Decatur, and heading to Hancock on Wednesday.
Dave D from Chapel Hill on 06/06/2014 11:31 AM
We'd be very interested in your GAP experience. We were going to start there but couldn't work out the logistics. We're at the Fairfield Inn Tuesday night. Based on the Hancock stay I'm guessing you're going to finish Saturday. Have a great ride. If you get slowed down look for us at Bill's Place Wednesday night. My junk email is devojr at gmail dot com if you want to communicate off this forum.
DAP from Fairfax on 06/09/2014 07:21 AM
Some boy scouts are riding from White's Ferry to Brunswick June 21. Any advice is appreciated.
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 06/23/2014 09:41 PM
Well, I ended up using Panaracer Pasela PT 32s on my bike, and they worked just fine. They easily cleared my fenders, and I was glad my bike had them. We had nice weather all week with only one rainfall of any significance, but there was a lot of residual mud puddles from heavy rains the previous week. Wider, knobbier tires would have been better if they fit my bike with fenders, but that wasn't the case. So the Paselas were a reasonable compromise.
greyhound
- + Does anyone have any experience using greyhound on the C&O? My girlfriend and I plan on going July 4 weekend. She is a relatively inexperienced rider and I would like the option to get back to DC with...
Discussion started 06/19/2014 10:51 AM by steve d - 0 repliessteve d from alexandria, VA on 06/19/2014 10:51 AM
Does anyone have any experience using greyhound on the C&O? My girlfriend and I plan on going July 4 weekend. She is a relatively inexperienced rider and I would like the option to get back to DC without needing to make an emergency call. Looking through google maps most of the large towns along the route have a greyhound stop and their website says they allow bikes if disassembled and packed.
GAP
- + There will be resurfacing on the GAP this week. Please watch for heavy vehicles.
Discussion started 06/17/2014 09:43 AM by Rockwood Mill Shoppes - 0 repliesRockwood Mill Shoppes from Rockwood on 06/17/2014 09:43 AM
There will be resurfacing on the GAP this week. Please watch for heavy vehicles.
post to Facebook
or share this link to just this thread:
GAP
https://bikecando.com/talk.aspx?tid=633&tonly=1
June 17th shuttle from DC to Cumberland
- + Anyone heading from DC to Cumberland on Tuesday, June 17th, that might have room for one rider and a bike? We're have logistical issues getting one of our members to our starting spot.
Discussion started 06/15/2014 03:26 PM by Dave - 0 repliesDave from Chapel Hill on 06/15/2014 03:26 PM
Anyone heading from DC to Cumberland on Tuesday, June 17th, that might have room for one rider and a bike? We're have logistical issues getting one of our members to our starting spot.
Rockwood Mill Shoppes in Rockwood
- + Not only are we a pizza shop that offers delicious handmade dough, subs, salads, specialty coffees and homemade goodies but we also offer unique entertainment in I our historic Opera House.
Discussion started 06/05/2014 10:08 AM - 2 replies (last reply by Brad at 06/10/2014 01:08 PM)Anonymous on 06/05/2014 10:08 AM
Not only are we a pizza shop that offers delicious handmade dough, subs, salads, specialty coffees and homemade goodies but we also offer unique entertainment in I our historic Opera House.
Anonymous on 06/05/2014 11:26 AM
I ate there last week. One of the best Pizzas I have ever had. Love that place. My favorite on the entire GAP/TOWPATH.
Brad on 06/10/2014 01:08 PM
Sounds like a commercial. :)
Great eats
- + Rockwood mill shoppes has amazing pizza and let's be frank their baked goods are unresistable. Stop in when riding through on the GAP. They also have a Hostel so no need to camp or try to make it...
Discussion started 06/07/2014 01:47 PM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 06/07/2014 01:47 PM
Rockwood mill shoppes has amazing pizza and let's be frank their baked goods are unresistable. Stop in when riding through on the GAP. They also have a Hostel so no need to camp or try to make it those extra couple miles. Only $25 a night.
C & O trail.
- + I am thinking about taking Amtrak to Cumberland and scheduled to arrive mid morning on a Thursday How far can a reasonably fit person get on the by the end of Friday assuming an overnight stay somewh...
Discussion started 04/25/2014 01:33 PM by S. MacDougle - 5 replies (last reply by getoutandoit at 06/07/2014 11:37 AM)S. MacDougle from Hoosier, IN on 04/25/2014 01:33 PM
I am thinking about taking Amtrak to Cumberland and scheduled to arrive mid morning on a Thursday How far can a reasonably fit person get on the by the end of Friday assuming an overnight stay somewhere on Thursday night? Is it all down hill? Will be renting equipment. Where ever I land my son will come meet me on Saturday and we will be on toward Georgetown where he lives. Or is there an Amtrak station closer to Georgetown??
lenny on 04/25/2014 05:12 PM
Assuming 60 or so miles per day, Harpers Ferry, which has a RR Station.
Greg K from Chicago on 05/02/2014 10:26 AM
Cumberland to Harpers Ferry took me two full days with a stop in Hancock for the night, 60-65 miles a day as Lenny says. Coming from Indiana - I'm guessing on the Capitol Limited - you get to Pittsburgh around 5AM (which is where I started), but by the time you get to Cumberland you'll really need to hoof it to get 65 miles and still have any light on your first day.
Paul from Quincy, IL on 06/01/2014 08:08 PM
I hope you realize you can't take a regular bike to Cumberland via Amtrak since it doesn't have baggage service. A folding bike will work.
If you can surmount this obstacle, you might check whether there are still overnight accommodations in Paw Paw. Unless the train is grossly late, you should be able to make it that far.
Rugger from Arlington, VA on 06/03/2014 12:27 PM
Consider DRIVING your bike and equipment to Cumberland, then driving back to DC, leaving your car at the airport, taking the subway to Union Station, and then taking the train to Cumberland. I did this, only just went as far as Harper's Ferry, spent day/night there, then rode back to DC/the airport over a three day period, stopping along the way, camping on the C&O. As to how much you can travel each day, a loaded bike is a LOT slower than a casual weekend ride, and the bike trail west of Great Falls gets more and more rough, and 20 miles west of Georgetown is overgrown with roots, grass, rutted. I did well making thirty miles a day.
getoutandoit from linthicum md on 06/07/2014 11:37 AM
C&o bicycle offers a shuttle service. that i have used several times. Prices are very reasonable.They will take and pick you up any where along the trail.It is well worth it.
C&O BICYCLE SHOP 9 PENNSYLVANIA AVE HANCOCK MD
1 301 678 6665
- + Meeting Jay Boyle of Toms River N.J.tomorrow am at the Point. He is riding to DC. I agreed to ride 2 days with him to Cumberland as I must be back at work on Monday. I have never met the man but got t...
Discussion started 06/06/2014 04:28 AM by lenny - 0 replieslenny on 06/06/2014 04:28 AM
Meeting Jay Boyle of Toms River N.J.tomorrow am at the Point. He is riding to DC. I agreed to ride 2 days with him to Cumberland as I must be back at work on Monday. I have never met the man but got to know of his plan threw this site and an entry he made last January. What a great tool we have here. I you are out this weekend say hello.