Anonymous from Hagerstown, Maryland on 12/28/2018 10:31:24 PM:
Kevin--I have the experience, and my advice would be... DO IT. I have done it in both directions, as well as part of a nonstop venture from Pittsburgh to DC. Was 55 years old at the time.
Please everyone, let's not debate the merits of "why would you do that...You'll miss all the scenery". I agree - - you will miss a lot of sights. But that is not the question that was asked.
It is very doable if you're in decent shape. You need not carry a lot of supplies. With proper planning, there are plenty of places to stop along the way to refuel, etc. I carried only a hydration backpack and two waterbottles. Food was stored in the backpack.
I rode it on a hard tail with a smoother tire, because... That's what I have. Your speed will probably only be about 2 mph slower than it would be on the road with the same bike.
If I had to choose the direction... I'd go from Cumberland to Pittsburgh. Yes the 24ish miles to begin the ride will be 20-30% slower than the rest of the ride. But, it's out of the way in the beginning. I found the 60+ mile grind coming the other way from Connellsville to the Eastern continental divide to be a grind.
If you choose to do this mid summer, you should be able to finish before dark. But if you find the need to be riding at night, a small headlamp like ultra runners use is adequate. I added a small handheld flashlight when I went from Pittsburgh to DC thru the night.
If you have any specific questions... Please ask and I'll try to respond.
More advice... Go back another time and explore the things you've missed. There is a lot to see.