Reply to Using a BOB trailer on the GAP/C&O

Riding Adventure Cyclings Chicago to NYC route and would like to take the alternate route using the GAP/C&O. I will be pulling my BOB trailer that I have toured extensively with but generally using paved roads. I have 700x32 tires on my Trek 520 and will try to hold the weight to a minimum in the BOB (camping gear etc). Does this sound like an enjoyable good ole time option or just “do-able”? More concerned with the C&O portion and the Paw Paw detour. Are there road options or shuttles around the detour?
Thanks

Chas:

It is generally a good option with 32mm tires although wider might be somewhat better, especially on the C&O. A single-wheel trailer would perhaps be better suited than a two-wheeled trailer since there is some single track at the northern end of the C&O. However, you could likely get through those sections with a two-wheeled trailer with some focus and patience. You may encounter a few downed trees as well if a storm has passed through recently that could require you uncouple your trailer from the bike to over or around them.

As you are aware the biggest obstacle for bikes and especially those towing a trailer is the Paw Paw Tunnel bypass detour up and over the tunnel. It would be an arduous task getting a loaded bike with trailer to traverse that detour and you certainly couldn't ride it but I'll stop short of saying you absolutely couldn't push up and over.

A recent transam rider towing a BOB trailer plotted his own rode detour option around the tunnel from 15-Mile Creek to north of Paw Paw. Below is his description of his alternate route.

"The ride started with about a mile on the flat and then we started climbing. None of the hills were particularly long but, several had some serious steep parts. The first one had a 16% grade section. Another one later had a 17% section. These are really steep. Stupid steep. Roughly half of the detour was on dirt roads. The last part was on highway. Not particularly busy but, the speed limit was 50. If the speed limit was 50 and you were driving in the middle of nowhere how fast would you drive? Also, at one point we are climbing up a long sweeping curve to the right, which makes it blind all the way. With the trailer I can’t up my effort and get it over with. I just plod along as best I can and it turned out alright for everyone."

In short, his alternate and likely any others was not very good.


There are shuttles available. The closest and likely with the least cost is offered by Dan who runs the Bikepath Bed and Bath (B&B) in Paw Paw, WV. You can reach him to arrange a shuttle at 304-671-5153.

You'll find other shuttle operators in Cumberland, Shepherdstown, et.al.

Are you planning to connect to the GAP from the Montour Trail, from downtown Pittsburgh or another route.

Appreciate your response- the BOB trailer uses a single wheel and even on paved surfaces that is the way to go in order to avoid pot-holes or other hazards. Sounds like I will need to just “suck it up” and and no shame in pushing the bike to get over the Paw Paw detour. Sounds like it is less than a couple miles and about 750 ft gain? Good to know that 32x700 tires will be adequate since I will be getting off the C&O near Hancock and on paved surfaces. Outside of Philly I will get on the Atlantic Coast route north to near the Delaware Water Gap where I will pick up the main Chicago to NYC route west bound following rural roads along I 80 and eventually south back to Pitt where I use the North Shore trail to Point State Park.
Piece of cake - ha

Chas:

Let us know how it goes.

Best wishes and be safe.

If I can be of any help or provide additional info, especially regarding the western Pennsylvania portion of your trip, just drop a note.

Hey any suggestions for long term parking?

Chas:

I'm a little confused about your inquiry about long-term parking since you are riding from Chicago to NYC. If you are inquiring about parking in Chicago, I have nothing to offer other than be careful. :-)

If you are inquiring about long-term parking in Pittsburgh, there are a number of parking garages downtown albeit at a cost. If you are looking for free parking downtown and are planning to stay one or more nights in a hotel, some of them will allow you to park in their lots for a few days. I'm sure some of the other Yinzers have their secret free parking spots around the downtown area but I'd be wary of recommending them to those not familiar with the area.

If you are not committed to parking in downtown Pittsburgh, there are some free parking options along the GAP trail not far from town. For example there is a large shopping center in Homestead, PA about 9 miles from downtown where you could park for a few days. There are a couple of hotels there as well along with many other large commercial businesses with large parking areas and lots of foot traffic

I'm not sure that I understood or have answered your question but if I've struck a nerve with any of these thoughts and want more details, just let me know.

Driving from Colorado and originally was going to get a rental car but pretty much priced out of that option. Since I am making a loop out of this ride (could be three weeks) I can start anywhere along the first part of the GAP. Believe I have found some good options to leave the car at one of the private campgrounds in the area.
Thanks

Chas:

With that additional information, i.e. starting anywhere along the first part of the GAP, here are some additional options using the safety of your car as the first priority:

1. The McKeesport police/firemen's parking lot. This is the lot where the McKeesport officers and firemen park while on duty. It also contains a number of police vehicles themselves.
2. The West Newton trailhead parking lot. West Newton is a quiet little town and the trailhead parking lot is immediately adjacent to the trail visitors station and across the trail and within eyesight of several B&B's there.

These along with shopping center parking lot in Homestead that I mentioned are some options along the first part of the GAP. I don't know which private campground you are referring to but I would think any of those would be good options as well. The first private camping area down the GAP trail from Pittsburgh is the GAP Trail Campground in West Newton. The KOA near Connellsville might be another option but it is nearly 60 miles from Pittsburgh.