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Bike Locks?


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Joanne from NH on 4/18/2019 8:37:46 AM:
We are planning a trip in late May/early June to bike the GAP and C&O staying in B&Bs, inns and hotels along the way. Any suggestions as to bike locks? I’m wondering how safe our bikes will be locked outside restaurants and at the inns and hotels that have outside bike racks. Any thoughts?

Thank you,
Joanne

 
Rivnuts from Homsstead, PA on 4/18/2019 7:05:14 PM:
Nearly all the B&B's I've stayed at along the GAP and the C&O have an indoor location to store your hikes overnight. I've actually taken my bike indoor at those few hotels I've stayed, particularly in Cumberland and Leesburg. I admit to not locking my bike at restaurants and inns away from the larger cities and have not had anything taken.

Howeve, I've finally conceded to take along a light cable lock when my bike is not within site when I leave it. It's just not worth, what I believe, is even a small risk. I have had a bike stolen at a coffee shop in downtown Pittsburgh and it's truly a sinking feeling but, at least, I wasn't far from home and not hundreds of mile down the trail.

 
John from Pittsburgh on 4/19/2019 3:07:24 PM:
If your staying in B&B’s, inns, and hotels, you will be able to bring your bike inside or to a secure area. I’ve only stayed at hotel/motels and always brought the bikes right into the room. Never stayed at a B&B but their main clients are likely bicycle tourists so they’ll help you out.

As for restaurants at lunch time, we leaned them against the building and sat next to windows so we could keep our eyes on them. Of course we brought all of our valuables (phone, wallet) inside with us.

Might be a good idea to bring one cable lock with you if it gives you an extra sense of security. When we completed the journey in DC, we spent the next day riding around to different things and needed our locks. Depends on your plans I suppose.

John