Riding the GAP in January on a hybrid?

Hello all- I am new to the forums here and to the area. I am considering riding the C an O/GAP from DC to Pittsburgh once the school semester ends. Do you think this is possible,barring heavy snow before I leave, or during? I realize it will be a more difficult trip this time of year, and that there is a major detour at Big Savage. How well is the trail maintained during the winter months after snowfall. Any other general information or advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Neil

The Big Savage Tunnel wont reopen until April 2017. If you've found a detour please feel free to share it with the forums! :-)
While the GAP could be in better condition than the C&O, the C&O would be more muddy and wet because it doesn't drain or dry out as well (tree canopy). No one maintains it or plows any of it. I can't imagine trying for to do it all 335 miles. Best wishes and good luck on your trip!

Here is a URL for a detour around Big Savage tunnel.
http://linkup.shaw-weil.com/detoursavage.htm
Keep in mind that there are a number of steep climbs along the road ways and the shoulder is not in great condition in places.

Detour is appx. 15 miles and there is some bit of climbing. Runs from Deal parking area to Frostburg. It's a major "go around". The Passage would be fine to ride in winter apart from cold, and possible rain/snow. Bare in mind that a lot of businesses are seasonal. The C&O might be tougher if there has been weather beforehand. Main thing is layers and probably a bail out option.

I think it would be an awesome adventure. As noted - many services will be closed so I would plan to be VERY self-sufficient or have some form of support. In summertime, I normally ride 60-65 mile days on the C&O and slightly longer (65-80 mile) days on the GAP. I would plan to shorten those days CONSIDERABLY if I was to do it in winter. I'd probably think about days HALF that length or shorter depending on weather.
Again as noted - I would be especially interested in the weather as it relates to the C&O....honestly it might best be ridden on a fatbike in winter.

I do hotel/motel so I travel light. I'd have to rethink my stops each night and see where the best options would be for the shorter distances.

All that said - it sounds like an AWESOME adventure to me. Best wishes. Post if you go for you. I'd love to hear your stories.

There are lots of motel/B&B options along the Passage. Many stay open due to winter skiing in Pa. If you were planning to camp (which it sounds like you aren't) there are several nice spots including the free Adirondack shelters just west of Connelsville along the trail. I've always wanted to stay there but always too early in the day. I own a Fat Bike and have done several multiday back country rides so that would be a great option. Your right...it would be an awesome adventure. I might have to start planning a ride along the route for next Dec.

Hey,
I just finished the C&O and GAP (between Dec 22 and Dec 26). I did it in full autonomy (camping every night, carrying my own food). It was done with a race bike, but equipped with 35mm tires.

Some remarks:
- Water is hard to find. The pumps are down, and you obviously don't want to carry 5 days of drinking water. So this requiers a lot of planning (or accepting to drink river water, which I ended up doing). You can find water in the cities, but they are not always on your path. I would suggest to carry Micropure with you, just in case.
- Some parts of the trail can become a nightmare in case of rain/snow/ice. I would recommend checking very carefully the weather conditions before going. I lost half a day because of mud blocking my bike...
- They are a lot of tree trunks blocking the road, especially on miles 57-58-59 of the GAP. If you can, pack light, because you will have to lift your bike many times.
- Most private camping sites are closed. So, especially on the GAP, you will have at least one long stretch (or a night in a B&B) if you don't want to sleep illegally on a private camping site.
- Yes, Big Savage Tunnel is closed, but if you accept to ride 25 miles on a big road (Road 160), you can fill the gap very easily. Just ride from Cumberland to Deal on a normal road.
- I ended up doing around 60-70 miles a day, which made me ride very fast (because days are short) and hurt myself (my knee is not in great shape, I'm afraid). I would suggest to do it in 6 or 7 days.

Best of luck !
Eric.

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Please note: English is not my first language (I'm French): sorry for the language mistakes !