The C&O Canal Towpath Trail and Great Allegheny Passage

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frank from pittsburgh on 8/27/2012 8:45:21 PM:

Has anyone ridden the c and o trail from Cumberland to DC alone? And how safe is it ? I myself don't see a problem but I'm open to any suggestions, comments.... By the way I'm 48 yrs old
Thanks
Frank

lenny on 8/28/2012 4:16:23 AM:

I have met many people over the years that ride the entire length solo, including women. If you are careful and have well maintained equipment. you will be ok. There is usually someone coming along every so often that can assist in other waysif you would have an accident. Are you in good bike shape, and are you confident in your skills?

FRANK, from PITT on 8/28/2012 7:39:32 AM:

Thanks Lenny,...Three of us just rode the entire GAP last month in route to DC, but had to cut it short due to bad weather, time and a few other set backs. I'm confident I'm in good enough shape to do it. I'll just pace myself...also, I wont have to worry about anyone to hold me back to get on the trail as early as I want. Now, I am an amature rider and will have my work cut out but really feel I can get it done based on last month's GAP ride.

Hondo on 8/28/2012 8:41:14 AM:

Frank,Im 56 and did both GAP and C&O this year.I got flooded out, lost in Pittsburgh, broke my chain, and attacked by geese and loved every minute of it. Im even giving thought to an out and back next year. You will really enjoy the freedom of solo riding and you are never really alone on the trail. All kinds of fun people to meet along the way. I find people let you know right away if they want your company or not and you the same. good luck.

JJB from Fairmont, WV on 8/28/2012 7:56:59 PM:

Frank, on our last ride my wife got a flat tire and we were "broke down" on the trail. A perfect stranger stopped and offered us his only tire tube. Anytime we stopped we would almost always strike up a conversation with other bikers. We also, almost 100% of the time, ask people who are stopped on the side of the trail if they are O.K. I guess what I am saying is our experiences on the trail have been positive. We have never felt threatened or unsafe. I like to think that us cyclists are like minded and look out for each other. I suppose there are bad apples out there but we have never met them.

lenny on 8/29/2012 4:13:05 AM:

Frank, I agree with all of the posters and regularly ride consecutive 60 to 70 mile days. I've done the Ride twice and will be doing it for the third time Sept. 9 thru 13. By the way I am 58.

Hondo on 8/29/2012 9:52:15 AM:

Frank, if you have time for some mindless entertainment you can look at my ride on the gap/towpath I videotaped. Just go into Hondo Smith youtube. I cut it up into 9 videos.

vabiker23518 from williamsburg va on 8/29/2012 10:36:27 AM:

I've been biking the C&O for 10 years and only had one bad experience...camped at a public campground just east of Cumberland that had vehicle access. Noisy drunks camped next door and were screaming and making threats to each other all night...was very happy to get away the next morning. Most hiker/biker campsites don't have vehicle access and thats where I stay!

FRANK from PITT on 8/30/2012 10:04:07 AM:

First of all, Thank You All for you're imput; Greatly appreciated!!!....@ JJB--thanks, my recent experience on the trail has certaintly been positive. I myself felt pretty safe. It's just trying to convince my wife who's just worried sick....@ VIABIKER--thank you, I dont plan to camp this go round...1st night-Hancock(bunk house), 2nd Harper's Ferry (hostel) so I should be good....lastly Hondo---I actually watched your video before you even posted the link...the GEESE scene was FUNNY AS EVER!!! Glad to see you overcame all those obsticles. Curious how a chain can break. I think I may be tempted to carry a apare. THANKS AGAIN ALL!!!

lenny on 8/30/2012 7:13:27 PM:

Don't buy a chain. Get a link repair kit for your size chain and a multi bike tool with a chain tool included. You will find it indispensable. Good Luck and Good Ride

FRANK,PITT on 8/30/2012 7:54:04 PM:

Thank you much Lenny....will do!

Paul on 9/7/2012 1:34:59 PM:

So far the folks I've met on the C&O have been pretty good. Know how to change a Flat. Don't camp near a road juncture. If you camp at the 15 Mile Camp Ground be aware Bill's Place tends to get rowdy on the weekends. Some boaters tend to get rowdy, but they are on Boats, but you can hear their music blasting on the WV shore. But all in all it seems fairly safe.
Best advice I can give, don't camp near a road juncture.

FRANK,PITT from PITT on 9/11/2012 6:54:27 AM:

THANKS Paul for your imput. I plan to do this trip early Oct. I really didnt plan on truly camping--Hancocok(bunk house), Harpers Ferry(Hostel)--so the roudy boater dudes shouldnt be a problem...:) def. keep that in mind though. Thanks Paul

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