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The C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage

Non-stop from Cumberland to Harper's Ferry?


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C-Bass from CT on 5/3/2012 8:02:30 AM:
I'm planning a solo credit-card tour from Pitsburgh to DC along the GAP/C&O at the end of June. My plan includes a non-stop 125-mile ride from Cumberland to Harper's Ferry on day 3. Is it possible to maintain a 12-mph pace along this section of the trail? Can anyone ofer any advice on riding this section non-stop? Thanks.

 
Anonymous on 5/3/2012 3:01:06 PM:
It would really depend.

Are you the type to stop for photos? How often do you stop for food/bathroom stops etc. How old are you? How many miles do you ride in an average week?

End of June it will likely be fairly hot and humid, so I would say trying that kind of distance is best done at a cooler time of year. Plenty of hydration will be key and to cover that distance you'll have to be riding through the worst of the heat in the mid-afternoon.

What I would say is get through Day 1 & 2 and then reassess where things stand, how trying of a time the ride has been on the first couple days, whether you're dealing with a case of major saddle sore, flats, broke spokes or general bad luck or bike troubles. If this is the case, I'm guessing aborting your plan would be your best option, unless you're fond of tempting fate.

It certainly ambitious. Doable, not so sure..

The only way to really find out is to go out there and give it a shot.

 
lenny on 5/3/2012 8:34:08 PM:
Very doable if weather and machine cooperate. when entering the towpath from the detour be aware of the sandy track. I have dumped there twice as I came flying in off of the hill. I have friends riding that week you maY meet them they are a ballistic gang.

 
Stu from Whitney, PA on 5/23/2012 10:28:01 AM:
My brother and I just finished the Deal, PA to DC run, approx. 220 mi. So, OK, I'll be the stick-in-the-mud. But first, a question: are you out there to have fun or to beat the crap out of yourself? If you're there to have fun make that stretch a 2-day affair. If you're there for the latter reason go for the non-stop. Bear in mind you will have at least 2 slow-downs: Paw Paw Tunnel (for which you WILL need a headlamp) and the 5 mi. road detour at Big Slackwater. For that distance a sustainable pace would be 9-10 mph. Good luck!