Originally Posted by
Rob_E
But, yeah, descending into Cumberland, my speeds were likely determined by how fast I felt was safe, not by any awareness of my current speed and the existing speed limits. Still probably didn't exceed 15 mph on a fully loaded bike, but I probably would have if travelling without gear.
I dialed it back after I hit a ballast stone that had rolled off the active rail line and nearly wiped out.
I am interested to feel what it's like to ascend to the divide from Cumberland. The ruling grade for the entire trail is only 1.5%, but the climb is a bit of distance. I did the 14.5 mile Route of the Hiawatha Trail fully loaded west to east back in June. That's the uphill direction. RWGPS showed grades in the 3% range. The surface is rougher than the GAP. Much rougher in places. Many (if not most) people ride it the other way and catch a shuttle back.