John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 1/27/2017 6:45:03 PM:
Nothing to worry about really. If your going PIT to DC you average 10 mph going gradually uphill until the continental divide of which you be going down hill to Cumberland and you can expect 15-18 mph but it's only 24 miles. Cumberland to DC is flat except for the small plunges at the locks. You'll likely be going around 10-11 the whole way to DC. The dodging of rocks and tree roots and puddles on the C&O slows you down a bit. The GAP is an easier ride in terms of paying attention to the ground beneath you.
If your going DC to PIT, the C&O is the same expect for the little uphills at the locks. Cumberland to the Continental Divide is a slower grind, likely 8-10 mph. Continental Divide to PIT is slighty downhill but you wont coast! Maybe 10-12 mph.
There no one enforcing speed on the GAP or C&O.