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Newbie from Tennessee on 10/19/2020 8:15:50 PM:
New to the bike trail riding, So I need some advice
We’re planning on doing parts of the C and O next week I have read it can be rather rough. We have hybrid bikes with 25 mm tires. It was suggested minimum 32 mm. never having been there can someone advise please Thanks in advance
 
Newbie from Tennessee on 10/19/2020 8:19:08 PM:
Planning on starting in Georgetown and working our way toward Sharpsburg
 
Richard from DC on 10/20/2020 3:36:51 PM:
The C&O Canal towpath has three different surfaces: crushed limestone; dirt; and hardpacked dirt, sand, and small stones. A hybrid would work on all except a few graveling and sandy areas if the towpath is dry. Unfortunately, the dirt areas take a long time (like two weeks) to dry out completely after rains. The crushed limestone runs from White's Ferry to past Shepherdstown. There is an old railroad line around Hancock that is asphalt, so a hybrid is definitely fine there. The worst dirt/mud is from White's Ferry to Violette's Lock. From Violette's Lock to Georgetown is the mixed surface of compacted dirt, stone, and sand. In some places there will be maybe a half mile of large stones embedded in the dirt. That makes for a rough ride and might cause a flat on a hybrid, but you can risk it. There are also a few graveling and sandy areas that a hybrid tire might sink into, but those are only ten or fifteen feet long, so if you stop in time, you can walk through them. Otherwise, they might throw you. in the dirt areas, if the dirt has turned to mud, you won't be able to get through.
 
LOA from Chevy Chase,MD on 10/21/2020 7:24:41 AM:
My 11 y/o and I just rode from DC-Harpers Ferry-DC. Me on a 29er. He on a 1986 Centurion road bike with Gatorskins. He was absolutely fine. Last year, a friend and I rode from DC to Pitt. Me on the same 29er, he on a 1970's era Bianchi racing bike with -- wait for it -- slicks. Yeah, we had to periodically stop and dig mud (it was really wet last year) out of his brake calipers, but he was fine.

The C&O/GAP trails are extraordinary. Amazing. And perfect for the newbie.

Heck, we even did a large, two family trip from DC-to-HF where an 8 y/o girl rode on a "My Little Pony" bike. Complete with coaster brakes. She didn't set any land-speed records, but she made it no problem! Enjoy, and keep the rubber side down!
 
John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 10/25/2020 11:53:40 PM:
I’ve ridden my Trek 7.3 FX hybrid at least 5 times from Pittsburgh to DC in all sorts of wet weather and been fine. I did switch from 32 to 38 tires after the first ride and that gave me better traction.
Hybrids are perfect for the GAP/C&O. Good luck!
 
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