C&O/GAP Logistics Question
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Near Pottstown, PA: 30 miles NW of Philadelphia
Posts: 2,186
Bikes: 2 Trek Mtn, Cannondale R600 road, 6 vintage road bikes
Mentioned: 83 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 472 Post(s)
Liked 1,028 Times
in
404 Posts
FYI, I pondered all these issues last year and decided that riding the GAP was good enough for one trip. And I just wanted to ride, not spend half my energy on logistics. So I drove to Cumberland, MD and parked in the free lot under the freeway. Loaded my Voyageur and rode a short hop to the trail. Then rode 150 miles to the point, took a photo and rode back to the car. Four nights camping, one day (the last day) of rain. 300 mile round trip. I enjoyed it very much. Ellova workout.
My car was just fine. On the first morning, as I approached that parking lot, a city police car was finishing its pass thru and turning out of the lot. "OK, this could be fine." Parked my old Toyota next to a nice car and just got on with my ride.
An alternative to consider. No trains, no late nights, no interminable gazing out train or bus windows, no rentals nor airports. Hassle free.
My car was just fine. On the first morning, as I approached that parking lot, a city police car was finishing its pass thru and turning out of the lot. "OK, this could be fine." Parked my old Toyota next to a nice car and just got on with my ride.
An alternative to consider. No trains, no late nights, no interminable gazing out train or bus windows, no rentals nor airports. Hassle free.
#28
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,094
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1034 Post(s)
Liked 1,290 Times
in
743 Posts
I'm probable doing this at the end of the month or beginning September. My van has a high clearance so I studied the PPA site and they list clearances! I added an exclamation point because hardly any city does this and I've even called to inquire (Asheville) and never received a return call (pre-COVID so they can't use that as an excuse).
I'll look at the airport parking option (and the bicycle route too the trail head), as I was concerned about crime leaving it in one spot for a week or more. Airport parking seems to be better than a lot of garages in downtown areas.
Edit - looks like a mix of MUP and two lane roads from the airport for a little over 20 miles. Maybe not so bad, depending on the time day (and day).
I'll look at the airport parking option (and the bicycle route too the trail head), as I was concerned about crime leaving it in one spot for a week or more. Airport parking seems to be better than a lot of garages in downtown areas.
Edit - looks like a mix of MUP and two lane roads from the airport for a little over 20 miles. Maybe not so bad, depending on the time day (and day).
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,232
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18409 Post(s)
Liked 15,525 Times
in
7,325 Posts
FYI, I pondered all these issues last year and decided that riding the GAP was good enough for one trip. And I just wanted to ride, not spend half my energy on logistics. So I drove to Cumberland, MD and parked in the free lot under the freeway. Loaded my Voyageur and rode a short hop to the trail. Then rode 150 miles to the point, took a photo and rode back to the car. Four nights camping, one day (the last day) of rain. 300 mile round trip. I enjoyed it very much. Ellova workout.
My car was just fine. On the first morning, as I approached that parking lot, a city police car was finishing its pass thru and turning out of the lot. "OK, this could be fine." Parked my old Toyota next to a nice car and just got on with my ride.
An alternative to consider. No trains, no late nights, no interminable gazing out train or bus windows, no rentals nor airports. Hassle free.
My car was just fine. On the first morning, as I approached that parking lot, a city police car was finishing its pass thru and turning out of the lot. "OK, this could be fine." Parked my old Toyota next to a nice car and just got on with my ride.
An alternative to consider. No trains, no late nights, no interminable gazing out train or bus windows, no rentals nor airports. Hassle free.
Never felt like I was doing the same ride out and back. Camped at Rockwood and Connellsville on the way out. Stayed in a pretty inexpensive Holiday Inn Express on the South Side of Pittsburgh, just off a trail that connects with the GAP. On the way back I camped at W. Newton, Confluence and Frostburg.
I was cold, tired and wet at the end. Walked around Cumberland, found a nice place for lunch using the map the NPS people at the visitor center gave me, drove to a cheap motel in Bedford, spent the night and drove home to Philadelphia the next morning.
Like you mention, far fewer logistical hurdles, including counting on the train being on time.
Last edited by indyfabz; 08-20-20 at 06:28 PM.
Likes For indyfabz:
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Near Pottstown, PA: 30 miles NW of Philadelphia
Posts: 2,186
Bikes: 2 Trek Mtn, Cannondale R600 road, 6 vintage road bikes
Mentioned: 83 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 472 Post(s)
Liked 1,028 Times
in
404 Posts
^^^^^^ I also camped at Confluence, Rockwood and Connellsville. All good but Connellsville was my favorite. Great location and facilities. Now that was at the end of an 85 mile day so I was a bit weary. And the weather was perfect. Pitched my tent inside a shelter. Despite having "city" near by, a grocery store just down the hill, it was quiet as a cemeraty that night. Great rest.
Had my bowl of granola for breakfast with naught but birds chirping in the cool sunrise. Promises of a fine day to come. And the promise of a warm shower at Rockwood. Aaaah........
Had my bowl of granola for breakfast with naught but birds chirping in the cool sunrise. Promises of a fine day to come. And the promise of a warm shower at Rockwood. Aaaah........
#31
Senior Member
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,232
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18409 Post(s)
Liked 15,525 Times
in
7,325 Posts
What time were you in Connellsville last year? I went in September. In a couple of the shelters (but not all of them) there were flyers advertising hot showers at the new hotel along the trail just south of the campsite. $10, and you get a large towel, soap and shampoo. They even let me bring my bike in the lobby. Really nice at the end of a warm and humid day.
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Near Pottstown, PA: 30 miles NW of Philadelphia
Posts: 2,186
Bikes: 2 Trek Mtn, Cannondale R600 road, 6 vintage road bikes
Mentioned: 83 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 472 Post(s)
Liked 1,028 Times
in
404 Posts
^^^^^^ I was there in mid August. Yes, hot and humid. I also saw the hotel fliers. The hot showers sounded good but, after 85 miles (Dravo to the point then to C'ville) I was too tired. Also, I'd unpacked all my stuff and set up camp before I saw the shower offer. I did not feel like leaving all that lying around while I was away.
#34
Senior Member
WendyWorld campground in Confluence has a locking enclosed 4 person bunk house with a patio/deck/picnic table and electric for $20/person a night. With that you get access on the property to a shower that takes quarters. Need your own towel, soap, sheets, mattress etc. An option if you don't want to pitch your tent for the night. The one time I stayed there was a massive storm that blew through so it worked out pretty good.
Last edited by u235; 08-23-20 at 01:30 PM.
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,232
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18409 Post(s)
Liked 15,525 Times
in
7,325 Posts
WendyWorld campground in Confluence has a locking enclosed 4 person bunk house with a patio/deck/picnic table and electric for $20/person a night. With that you get access on the property to a shower that takes quarters. Need your own towel, soap, sheets, mattress etc. An option if you don't want to pitch your tent for the night. The one time I stayed there was a massive storm that blew through so it worked out pretty good.
#36
Senior Member
I'm sure I had more to eat than just that for dinner, probably peanut butter and cheese crackers.
I believe I stopped at Valley Dairy restaurant in Connellsville for lunch that day, great diner.
Last edited by u235; 08-24-20 at 09:41 AM.
#38
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Western Florida
Posts: 1,581
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2016 Bike Friday Haul-A-Day, 2015 Bike Friday New World Tourist (for sale), 2011 Mezzo D9, 2004 Marin Mount Vision Pro - for now :)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
FYI, I pondered all these issues last year and decided that riding the GAP was good enough for one trip. And I just wanted to ride, not spend half my energy on logistics. So I drove to Cumberland, MD and parked in the free lot under the freeway. Loaded my Voyageur and rode a short hop to the trail. Then rode 150 miles to the point, took a photo and rode back to the car. Four nights camping, one day (the last day) of rain. 300 mile round trip. I enjoyed it very much. Ellova workout.
My car was just fine. On the first morning, as I approached that parking lot, a city police car was finishing its pass thru and turning out of the lot. "OK, this could be fine." Parked my old Toyota next to a nice car and just got on with my ride.
An alternative to consider. No trains, no late nights, no interminable gazing out train or bus windows, no rentals nor airports. Hassle free.
My car was just fine. On the first morning, as I approached that parking lot, a city police car was finishing its pass thru and turning out of the lot. "OK, this could be fine." Parked my old Toyota next to a nice car and just got on with my ride.
An alternative to consider. No trains, no late nights, no interminable gazing out train or bus windows, no rentals nor airports. Hassle free.
#39
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Western Florida
Posts: 1,581
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2016 Bike Friday Haul-A-Day, 2015 Bike Friday New World Tourist (for sale), 2011 Mezzo D9, 2004 Marin Mount Vision Pro - for now :)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Thank you Phughes. I'm in VA now and still poking/riding around the areas south of you. If I come up that way for this ride it will likely be after or close to this next weekend and I'd get back with you if it fell into the first week. Nice to have some local assistance and knowledge.
Last edited by Ridefreemc; 08-26-20 at 03:35 PM.
Likes For Ridefreemc:
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,232
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18409 Post(s)
Liked 15,525 Times
in
7,325 Posts
FYI... I am now looking at PGH to PHL, arriving from the latter by train. Priced at room at the Hampton close to the station for 9/11. Rate was $118+ tax. Not bad at all.
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,094
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1034 Post(s)
Liked 1,290 Times
in
743 Posts
Thank you Phughes. I'm in VA now and still poking/riding around the areas south of you. If I come up that way for this ride it will likely be after or close to this next weekend and I'd get back with you if it fell into the first week. Nice to have some local assistance and knowledge.
#42
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,468
Bikes: Co-Motion Cappuccino Tandem,'88 Bob Jackson Touring, Co-Motion Cascadia Touring, Open U.P., Ritchie Titanium Breakaway, Frances Cycles SmallHaul cargo bike. Those are the permanent ones; others wander in and out of the stable occasionally as well.
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 427 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 339 Times
in
229 Posts
The first time we did this we took Amtrak from Pgh to DC and rode back. You can check bags and bikes in 24 hours before departure so the evening before we dropped everything off at the station and checked it in to have an easy departure in the early AM. We tool a cab to the AMtrak stayion 30 min before departure the next AM and already had our tickets so just got there, sat for a few minutes and boarded the train. It could not have been easier. Got to DC on time and started our trip We bought tickets over a month in advance and they were really cheap. 4 of us and two tandems for that trip.
I would not want to be checking in all of our stuff in the wee hours of the AM before departure.
If you go to the station a week before you can get used bike boxes free if they have them (they often do). Then pack your bike at home at your leisure. I put a lot of luggage on with the bike even thoug they say not to.
I would not want to be checking in all of our stuff in the wee hours of the AM before departure.
If you go to the station a week before you can get used bike boxes free if they have them (they often do). Then pack your bike at home at your leisure. I put a lot of luggage on with the bike even thoug they say not to.
Last edited by dwmckee; 08-27-20 at 07:07 PM.
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,232
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18409 Post(s)
Liked 15,525 Times
in
7,325 Posts
Bike boxes are no longer required for the Capitol Limited. They are also not required for the Pennsylvanian. Both assuming you reserve one of the bike spots. There are 8 on the former and 6 on the latter.
#44
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,468
Bikes: Co-Motion Cappuccino Tandem,'88 Bob Jackson Touring, Co-Motion Cascadia Touring, Open U.P., Ritchie Titanium Breakaway, Frances Cycles SmallHaul cargo bike. Those are the permanent ones; others wander in and out of the stable occasionally as well.
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 427 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 339 Times
in
229 Posts
Yes, but if you box it (which is just remove pedals and turn handlebars), you do not have to worry about limited bike space on the roll-on roll-off cars. And yoyu can check everything in the dy before and just take a cab to the airpot, not worry about parking or carrying bikes to the station or checking in the AM of departure. It is just a simpler option for some.
#45
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Western Florida
Posts: 1,581
Bikes: 2017 Kona TI, 2016 Bike Friday Haul-A-Day, 2015 Bike Friday New World Tourist (for sale), 2011 Mezzo D9, 2004 Marin Mount Vision Pro - for now :)
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 103 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Finished riding in VA and with rain coming + weekend (campsites fill up) I decided to head back south to ride at Mulberry Gap. Thank you for the offer of assistance.
#47
Senior Member
Not directly related to this thread but..
This weekend was my first time on the C&O since last September. I usually do it one or twice a year and portions of the southern half at least once a month but not this year.. I guess when you don't see it for a while you notice big changes? I'm not a total fan of the new crushed limestone. It was on the southern end as far north as Sheperdstown. I guess it makes for a nice smooth trail since while it is relatively new but maybe I'm the crumpy old man who likes the randomness it had before. Oh well, I wonder if it is as resilient to washout like the prior was. One thing is the new solid wide crushed trail (without the grass in the center) seemed to open it up to a lot more walkers and battery assisted recumbents, even some really wide ones. I saw more this trip than I have in the last few years combined. I did not get to see a situation where two were approaching each other from opposite directions but one of them would have to stop and/or significantly get off the trail in the narrower areas. It wasn't a problem for me to get around, just an observation. I did not get a request to be passed by one but I think that would get a little tricky. I would slow or stop and hug the edge the whole time while they passed. Great to see the new surface is welcomed by someone if even I don't like it
I've even seen in the local news occasionally small groups of people pushing or raising awareness for sections to be paved. I hope that never happens.
Another note, it's getting close to end of year anyway but 75% of the pumps I passed were disabled with the handles removed. If you are using those as a source, fill up when you see one that works!
This weekend was my first time on the C&O since last September. I usually do it one or twice a year and portions of the southern half at least once a month but not this year.. I guess when you don't see it for a while you notice big changes? I'm not a total fan of the new crushed limestone. It was on the southern end as far north as Sheperdstown. I guess it makes for a nice smooth trail since while it is relatively new but maybe I'm the crumpy old man who likes the randomness it had before. Oh well, I wonder if it is as resilient to washout like the prior was. One thing is the new solid wide crushed trail (without the grass in the center) seemed to open it up to a lot more walkers and battery assisted recumbents, even some really wide ones. I saw more this trip than I have in the last few years combined. I did not get to see a situation where two were approaching each other from opposite directions but one of them would have to stop and/or significantly get off the trail in the narrower areas. It wasn't a problem for me to get around, just an observation. I did not get a request to be passed by one but I think that would get a little tricky. I would slow or stop and hug the edge the whole time while they passed. Great to see the new surface is welcomed by someone if even I don't like it
I've even seen in the local news occasionally small groups of people pushing or raising awareness for sections to be paved. I hope that never happens.
Another note, it's getting close to end of year anyway but 75% of the pumps I passed were disabled with the handles removed. If you are using those as a source, fill up when you see one that works!
Last edited by u235; 09-24-20 at 10:48 AM.
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 147
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 56 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 14 Times
in
12 Posts
Not directly related to this thread but..
This weekend was my first time on the C&O since last September. I usually do it one or twice a year and portions of the southern half at least once a month but not this year.. I guess when you don't see it for a while you notice big changes? I'm not a total fan of the new crushed limestone. It was on the southern end as far north as Sheperdstown. I guess it makes for a nice smooth trail since while it is relatively new but maybe I'm the crumpy old man who likes the randomness it had before. Oh well, I wonder if it is as resilient to washout like the prior was. One thing is the new solid wide crushed trail (without the grass in the center) seemed to open it up to a lot more walkers and battery assisted recumbents, even some really wide ones. I saw more this trip than I have in the last few years combined. I did not get to see a situation where two were approaching each other from opposite directions but one of them would have to stop and/or significantly get off the trail in the narrower areas. It wasn't a problem for me to get around, just an observation. I did not get a request to be passed by one but I think that would get a little tricky. I would slow or stop and hug the edge the whole time while they passed. Great to see the new surface is welcomed by someone if even I don't like it
This weekend was my first time on the C&O since last September. I usually do it one or twice a year and portions of the southern half at least once a month but not this year.. I guess when you don't see it for a while you notice big changes? I'm not a total fan of the new crushed limestone. It was on the southern end as far north as Sheperdstown. I guess it makes for a nice smooth trail since while it is relatively new but maybe I'm the crumpy old man who likes the randomness it had before. Oh well, I wonder if it is as resilient to washout like the prior was. One thing is the new solid wide crushed trail (without the grass in the center) seemed to open it up to a lot more walkers and battery assisted recumbents, even some really wide ones. I saw more this trip than I have in the last few years combined. I did not get to see a situation where two were approaching each other from opposite directions but one of them would have to stop and/or significantly get off the trail in the narrower areas. It wasn't a problem for me to get around, just an observation. I did not get a request to be passed by one but I think that would get a little tricky. I would slow or stop and hug the edge the whole time while they passed. Great to see the new surface is welcomed by someone if even I don't like it
https://www.canaltrust.org/support/o...acing-project/
I have not yet done the entire C&O but my father-in-law does the full Pittsburgh to DC ride almost every year (but not this year due to Covid) and the only part he doesn't like is the half of the C&O closest to DC due to the uneven surface and the mud so these changes will probably make him quite happy.
I've even seen in the local news occasionally small groups of people pushing or raising awareness for sections to be paved. I hope that never happens.
Another note, it's getting close to end of year anyway but 75% of the pumps I passed were disabled with the handles removed. If you are using those as a source, fill up when you see one that works!
Another note, it's getting close to end of year anyway but 75% of the pumps I passed were disabled with the handles removed. If you are using those as a source, fill up when you see one that works!
#49
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,232
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18409 Post(s)
Liked 15,525 Times
in
7,325 Posts
BTW...During my recent tour across PA that included the GAP I ended up getting a room at the Fairfield Inn in Cumberland to dry out and clean up. You can literally ride your bike off the very beginning of the C&O to the front door. Very bike friendly, and they have a washer and dryer. $1.50 each, and the front desk gave me free soap. Booked the room the same morning while in Meyersdale. Was less than $110.l not including tax, which wasn’t that much. Maybe $17.
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 3,094
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1034 Post(s)
Liked 1,290 Times
in
743 Posts
BTW...During my recent tour across PA that included the GAP I ended up getting a room at the Fairfield Inn in Cumberland to dry out and clean up. You can literally ride your bike off the very beginning of the C&O to the front door. Very bike friendly, and they have a washer and dryer. $1.50 each, and the front desk gave me free soap. Booked the room the same morning while in Meyersdale. Was less than $110.l not including tax, which wasn’t that much. Maybe $17.