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Biking the GAP version 2015


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Mr Purple Paul from Allentown, PA on 6/8/2015 9:52:27 PM:
Now that the trail is finished all the way into Pittsburgh I'm going to do a full trail ride this summer. four days from Cumberland MD to Pittsburgh... the ride is during the week this time does anyone know if I will have problems with shops and restaurants being open mid week . . I sort of assumed that in the summer they will be open 7 days a week but I've been reading trail reports from Katy and other trails that talk a lot about smaller towns not having anything open . . .
 
lenny on 6/9/2015 4:18:36 AM:
From Cumberland I will name the towns in order that.I know have what you are looking for. Also use this site towns and services. Frostburg, Myersdale, Rockwood, Confluence,Ohiopyle, Connellsville, West Newton , Sutersville , Boston. McKeesport, Homestead. And Pittsburgh.
 
Tom M from Raleigh NC on 6/9/2015 2:58:24 PM:
A lot of small towns seem to "close up" on Tuesday or Wednesdays. However, that doesn't mean that everything closes. We stayed in Confluence on a Tuesday while passing through in May, and most of the restaurants were closed for dinner but we found one place open -- Sweeties, and it was very good. Likewise, Firefly's in Ohiopyle was closed, but other restaurants were open. Last year in Meyerdale, Morguen foods was closed when we went through on Tuesday but GI Day Room was open.
 
Anonymous on 6/10/2015 8:04:02 AM:
I'm planning on doing the exact trip in late September, also during the week. So some of these towns close up during the week? Well that puts a new wrinkle in my planning. Please let me know what you experience. Maybe I need to change my midweek strategy.

Also, please let me know how the Cumberland to PB direction works for you. I like the idea of one day of uphill and 3 days of downhill, but so many go the other way.
 
Bob P. from Perryopolis,Pa. on 6/11/2015 4:33:51 AM:
Perryopolis has a nice inn about 1 mile off the trail. It has a restaurant that requires a reservation.
 
Mr Purple Paul from Allentown, PA on 6/18/2015 2:24:23 PM:
Thanks for the advice everyone ... I've made some tentative plans but will mostly be "winging it" ... except for lodging which I've already set up (and paid for)...

my main concern was bike shops on the trail and eating... so I'll be packing a few extra snacks just to be sure ... there were some restaurants that I liked in 2012 so hopefully they'll be open this year when I pass through...

as for the bike shops... hopefully I won't need them... I can change a flat and do most adjustments . .. but I recently broke a spoke and if that happens on the trail it'll be a major hassle ...

"Anonymous", contact me off forum if you want to trade notes .. or watch for my trip report and blog updates ...

less than seven weeks to go . . .
 
JJB from Fairmont, WV on 6/25/2015 1:55:57 PM:
We like to ride this trail, as well as others, during the week for the very simple reason that there are far less riders on the trail than on the weekends. We have never had a problem with not being able to find somewhere to eat. Bike stores can be a problem, maybe. Just check out their stores ahead of time. Our problem has been getting into a town late and having stores closed for the day. Program their phone number into your phone. If you have trouble on the trail, they may stay open or even come back to help you out(?)
 
Tom from Chapel Hill, NC on 6/29/2015 9:24:18 AM:
One way to proactively troubleshoot bike issues before hitting the trail is to ride your bike with a full load on a gravel surface before arriving at the GAP/C&O. The best time to fix your bike is before it breaks.
 
Mr Purple Paul on 7/7/2015 2:05:35 PM:
Tom .. thanks for the tip .. of course the nature of break-downs are that that are unplanned... that being said I do plan on two full mileage road test trips before the real trip (4 weeks away)... I'm planning on trying to ride on a day where the weather isn't ideal too .. just so I know what to expect... since my biggest fear is breaking another spoke I will buy a few extra and hope I don't have to use them...
 
Mr Purple Paul from Allentown, PA on 9/30/2015 10:08:42 PM:
My August trip was a success ... Here is a link to my trip report ... Already thinking about next years ride ...

http://gonewiththeschwinn.blogspot.com
 
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