Bike security along C&O

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Greg Watkins from Anne Arundel County MD on 3/4/2015 5:46:35 PM:

Ok guys I am planning on going from Cumberland to Georgetown. I will be doing it over July 3,4,5th. We are planning on camping the entire time and possibly the last night at a campground with shower. What are people using for securing the bikes while in towns eating, and overnight? I would assume a basic cable lock, but they aren't the best.

Has anyone had any issues leaving the bikes cable locked while in a restaurant along the trail or overnight at the camp? Do you remove your bags from the bikes while going into various establishments. I am new to the bike packing/touring thing. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Rick from Grafton on 3/5/2015 8:21:18 PM:

I sometimes carry a light weight cable lock that came with my Yakima rack. Most times I don't use it but my bike/panniers are where I can see them while eating,etc. I seldom remove my panniers from my bike. They are waterproof Arkel's so they need less protection. I do remove my food bag and hang it or place in my tent depending on where I am. I do tend to keep a close eye on my stuff and generally act according to my surroundings. My bike is usually pretty close to my tent overnight. Hope this helps.

JJB from Fairmont, WV on 3/5/2015 9:20:04 PM:

My wife and I do credit card camping, so I can't answer the overnight portion of your question....lol. We had the same concerns as you regarding eating, going into businesses, etc. In all of our riding, and not just the C&O/GAP, we have never had a problem. Our bikes are fully loaded on our trips. We will even leave our gloves and helmets on our bikes when we go inside. We do take our wallets & phones with us, however. Whenever possible we leave our bikes where we can see them or where they are out in the open. The way our paniers and bike bags are mounted to the racks would make it fairly hard to take them. I wish you the best on your ride. Let us know how it is goes.

JJB from Fairmont, WV on 3/5/2015 9:23:58 PM:

I should have added this to my post above. When we stop for the night we do lock our bikes up with a cable lock. Many of the places we stay have a little barn or garage to keep the bikes. Even then, we run the cables through the wheels and frames and at least lock them together.

John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 3/8/2015 4:06:25 PM:

When I did venture into town (like Tony's Pizza Time Cafe in Williamsport, MD) and there was no bike rack, I just rested it against the outside of the restaurant. I always took my valuables inside with me and left the panniers on the bike. I sat right next to the window where the bike was resting to keep an eye on it. I usually tried to stop at places with bike racks or places I could securely lock up. At the hiker/biker sites I only locked at places where there was car parking. If it was a remote H/B site I did not lock at all.

Anonymous on 3/9/2015 10:49:47 AM:

I'll add one suggestion. When I put the panniers on my bike I always add two nylon ties to each one. The heaver ones that will need cut off. I also carry long ones for the wheels to frame. They are liter then carrying a lock for the entire trip and will stop a hit and run. If a pro wants your stuff, nothing is going to stop them. Just do what other people say, keep it close. The good news is, I have not heard or had any bad news regarding this issue. Take precautions then just don't worry it and enjoy your trip.

John Aulbach on 3/14/2015 7:07:36 PM:

I agree, a lightweight cable plus a lock are what you need and always take your valuables off the bike when it will be out of sight. I simply stash my stuff in my handlebar bag. Beware of the drive in camping areas along the C & O. They are crowded on weekends but may be even less safe during the week when unoccupied.

Jim Simm from Hagerstown, MD on 4/5/2015 9:43:34 AM:

Greg, just for your information there is a showerhead at the public restrooms in the Joseph Hancock City Park in Hancock, MD just off the WMRT. You can soak yourself good there but don’t recommend stripping down since there are no barriers or stalls, just wide open spaces. If you’re on the cheep you can get a shower at the C&O Bicycle shop right on the towpath and WMRT also in Hancock. I don’t recall how much it is but I am sure it can’t be more than say $5 per person. I believe you can also get a shower at the Harper’s Ferry Hostel in Knoxville, MD and do your laundry there also but best call ahead to find out for sure. Have a great adventure and enjoy the ride.

Anonymous on 4/17/2015 7:00:01 PM:

Lock it, lock it good, especially around Tourist Towns like Harpers Ferry.
Don't make things easy for a lowlife thief.

Keith from Hagerstown on 5/10/2015 8:37:13 PM:

I stayed at Little Orleans campground for a night. The people where very nice and the showers were clean and the water hot. I walked down to Bill`s place for a hot dinner and a couple of beers. Since i was by myself they let me stay at the main campground and not where all the tents mainly are.
Also,,call ahead and make sure bike week isn`t going on. Hundreds of Harleys and people. Hope you have a great ride

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