Vinesy from Melrose, MA on 9/23/2017 1:18:11 PM:
Over the Labor Day weekend, I rode from Pittsburgh to DC over 3 days. Yes, I agree this was aggressive, but only had a limited vacation. Here are my suggestions/advice.
Bike - Crossbike or adventure bike. I rode a Diamondback Haanjo Comp Carbon
Tires - 34c tires at a minimum with tread. I rode Kenda Flintridge Pro 35c tubeless and carried extra tubes just in case of an issue with tubeless setup. (I had no flats over the 3 days)
Water - Camelback bladder and 3 water bottles - you can never have too much water.
Pedals - Clipless mtn bike shoes/pedals. I rode TIME pedals
Lights - front and back. Lights you can actually use to see as well as if you are out riding later than planned. Some of the tunnels are pretty dark.
Rack and bags - I rode with Topeak rear rack and Ortlieb Back Roller Classics
Food - carried plenty of bike food. On the GAP, there are plenty of places in the towns and pretty close to the trail. On C&O - most towns were off the trail. So my advice is buy food and carry it with you vs waiting to find a place off the trail. Better to have food when you want it vs not having it.
I will post more info about each day and suggestions.