first time GAP ride at age 70

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pat from Westerville OH on 2/17/2014 11:29:47 PM:

We are planning a five day (more or less) ride on the GAP in May, and will be spending out nights in motels. We'll map our days such that we'll sleep, ride the trail in one direction and back, return to the motel, then ride the trail in the other direction and back before moving on to another town. Two of us are 70 years old, and we're trying to keep our daily mileage to 40 per day. We hope to start in Connellville. I'd like to hear from anybody who has ridden the trail in this manner; your thoughts, your high and low points, etc. Thanks

lenny on 2/20/2014 4:48:58 PM:

sounds great. and with no disrespect intended, for folks your age a safe way to ride the gap. please keep the ohiopyle area in your plans the most beautiful part of the gap. epecially 40 miles east. good luck

Anonymous on 2/20/2014 8:32:13 PM:

Thanks. No disrespect found in your response. We relish being able to do this at our age. Appreciate your comment re:Ohiopyle for the scenery, since I'll be doing a considerable amount of photography.

2da4est from Rockwood, Pa on 2/21/2014 7:23:48 PM:

Wow that is great. I would love to do that trip someday. I have been taking pictures at the Confluence dam and along that strip. Keep your eye out for Bald Eagles. I have gotten great shots of a Juvenile, a male and female mature and a 4 year old so far. Down at the dam we have had a variety of ducks including a rare Long-Tailed Duck and uncommon Red Breasted Merganser. If you decide to stay in Confluence check out River View Kitchenette, you won't be sorry. Have a great trip and stay safe.

pat from Westerville Ohio on 2/22/2014 7:45:38 AM:

This is great! Thank you! One of us specializes in bird photography. I'll be taking lots of notes and photographs. At the end of the journey I'll be attempting a book - "Three Old Farts on Bikes".

anonymous from Ohio on 2/22/2014 10:11:06 AM:

25 years ago on a backpack trip to Glacier Nat'l Park, my group (aged 26-34) decided not to do a particular route of 60 miles because it was too tough. 5 days into the trip we met a group of men, youngest was 61, who was doing the trip we decided against. Since that time, that meeting has been a motivation to keep in shape, watch diet, and keep "out there" in hope of being, well, like you and many others...enjoy!!!

pat from Westerville OHio on 2/23/2014 12:25:31 AM:

Glacier....ahhhhh. I wish I had known about it when I was much younger and stronger. This GAP trip will be a challenge for me, especially the one ride between Connellsville and West Newton, 50+ miles there and back. But we've got all day and aren't carrying overnight gear with us.

lenny on 2/23/2014 5:40:16 AM:

The connellsvlle to west newton ride is as level as the gap gets,except for a short incline out of connellsville. And alot of places to rest and get a snack.

Dr Skeep from Tucson, AZ on 3/13/2014 12:46:38 PM:

Hey, Pat. I'll be 70 in a couple of weeks and I'm planning to do GAP - C&O, P'burgh to DC, starting May 1. Planning on c. 45 - 50 miles a day, camping. And my training has just been set back a bit, so if you see an old guy twitching on the ground during your ride, please stop and offer assistance, eh.

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