Tour Companies

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Tampabiker from Tampa on 5/29/2017 12:47:52 AM:

I am trying to decide if I need one of the tour companies help set up the bike trip from Pittsburgh to Washington. They all charge about the same, about $250 per day for two people which just includes the itinerary and lodging (no bike rental, luggage transfer, etc). We are looking at a leisurely 8 day trip giving us plenty of time for sight seeing so it would cost about $2,000. A typical b&b along the trail seems to be about $125 per day which is $1,000. I am not sure what service I am getting for the extra $1,000 over me just booking the rooms myself. What am I missing here? Is there a good reason to go through a tour company?

leeny on 5/29/2017 6:17:33 AM:

Everything you need to plan your trip can be found on this sight. Ive done five complete Pgh. to DC rides and found everything I needed here.

sergio from oc, ca on 5/29/2017 10:28:36 AM:

I had the same reaction and saw no value in having someone else just book lodging and give me a map. This and other websites are free and have so much information on what to see and where you can stay. The guide book was about $15 and the latest edition is updated and even more thorough than earlier versions. Start with the guidebook and you’ll be able to choose your own itinerary. Even if you have them do it for you, you’d want to check it all out to make sure it is what you really want. It was easy to make online, easily refundable reservations for almost every night that I’ve changed over the course of planning and can even change while on the trail. We leave in a week and I feel more confident having made the arrangements myself.

Rick Hancock on 5/30/2017 7:19:29 AM:

It isn't difficult at all to put together a trip. Plus for me that is part of the fun. Need to give yourself a bit of slack in case of really bad weather. I'd make all of the reservations myself and save the bucks. Plan early some sites sell out fast depending on the time of the year. I've done 5 Passage thru rides and 2 Passage/C&O thru's.

Tampa from Tampa on 6/3/2017 11:18:55 PM:

We booked all of our rooms in a combination of Air BnB's, Motels, and B&Bs for an 8-day, 7-night trip. Total cost for lodging is $625. I'll post after the ride (6/21 to 6/28).

Gary from Lake Frederick on 6/5/2017 8:21:22 AM:

Question from a "lurker" - Hello friends of the C&O.. A quick question for you. I have been "lurking" on this site for a few years, and I am about to retire. I am considering starting a charter service to provide shuttles between DC and Pittsburg and various spots on the C&O/GAP. Is there any interest out there for such a service? I can currently handle at 2-3 bikes, Passangers, and some gear.

Rick Hancock on 6/6/2017 3:21:19 PM:

Be aware that with the roll-on bike service many people will be using that option. From Dc to Pittsburg I paid $61. $41 for passenger and $20 for bike. The rate would adjust according to where you board train. Also, in my opinion you should provide the option to carry up to 6 bikes. While there are plenty of solo and couples riding there are even more who travel in groups of 4-6. There is a need for shuttle services no doubt.

Jim F from PGH on 6/6/2017 5:00:57 PM:

Gary- After just having done the trip one way I really see the need for shuttle service. My daughter and son in law paid big bucks to have their bikes shipped. Arranging the hotel etc is fine but not that hard. Getting the bikes in the right place at the right time is the logistical problem for most people. I'd say go for it.

Gary R Blevins from Lake Frederick on 6/7/2017 9:43:21 AM:

Thanks for the feedback. I am aware of the Roll on/Roll off service from Amtrack, but I have not yet used it. If I make the plunge I will be buying a truck that will be able to handle 4-5 folks.

Rick Hancock on 6/7/2017 3:33:37 PM:

Gary, the roll on service was very user friendly. We parked at Great Falls and rode to mile 0 then appx 3 miles along National Mall. total of 17 miles. I've used shuttles services for several years and have had good success with them. As I mentioned there are just as many solo people as those who travel with 3 or more. 1 thing I haven't seen yet it the capacity to carry bikes with Fat Tires...I love to bring mine. If you provide a good service people will use and reuse it.

Charles from Pittsburgh on 6/23/2017 2:15:36 AM:

Gary I have been hauling people and gear between Pittsburgh and DC for a while now and I can say there is only a small percentage of people that are willing to pay what you need to cover your Livery Insurance - last year I didn't cover it. Which is why the companies are charging $250/day for support services.

Train is $44 -$50 cumberland to Pittsburgh.
Round trip driving is about 1 tank of gas when your loaded with bikes = $65 in gas plus wear and tear on vehicle plus the liability. DC is 10 hours round trip and rush hour sucks.

I think there would be more money in a Hostel in Pittsburgh and in DC. In fact I'm considering putting one in Pittsburgh.

FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!

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