The Great Ride Video
03-29-19, 07:26 AM
#26
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@alan_S more thinking about the bugs. Mosquitos love me. I would like to ride it sometime and hammock camp along the way. Tree options out there along the C&O to camp at?
do you think that wtb byways would be enough tire for the C&O or should i get something with more tread?
do you think that wtb byways would be enough tire for the C&O or should i get something with more tread?
Last edited by RidingMatthew; 03-29-19 at 07:35 AM.
03-29-19, 02:37 PM
#27
Senior Member
@alan_S more thinking about the bugs. Mosquitos love me. I would like to ride it sometime and hammock camp along the way. Tree options out there along the C&O to camp at?
do you think that wtb byways would be enough tire for the C&O or should i get something with more tread?
do you think that wtb byways would be enough tire for the C&O or should i get something with more tread?
03-29-19, 02:42 PM
#28
Senior Member
03-29-19, 04:34 PM
#30
Every day a winding road
Thread Starter
03-29-19, 07:49 PM
#32
Senior Member
grew up canoe camping in Canada eh, but so far on all the bike trips I've done, have been pretty lucky, not terrible bugs, but then one person's ok is another person's nightmare.....
trains close would still be pretty bad I reckon, would depend on when and how often.
I'm an old guy who really appreciates a good sleep
trains close would still be pretty bad I reckon, would depend on when and how often.
I'm an old guy who really appreciates a good sleep
03-29-19, 07:57 PM
#33
Junior Member
Being murdered hadn’t even really entered my mind so much as robbed, assaulted, or found by a less than friendly animal. Just doesn’t seem smart at all to turn off your senses completely when out exposed like that.
03-29-19, 08:00 PM
#34
Senior Member
https://youtu.be/O52jAYa4Pm8
03-30-19, 01:17 AM
#36
Senior Member
Here are some pictures from my commute home today. Not sure why, but they are restoring the area around Lock 11. Kind of neat to see what the canal probably used to look like when new.
03-30-19, 04:18 AM
#37
Senior Member
I like it and I am going to offer this version from the Stop Making Sense video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM9SHDNAbPw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM9SHDNAbPw
03-30-19, 05:51 AM
#38
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Thanks
Plenty of trees at probably all hiker/biker sites for hammocks. I usually ride with 2.35” or 60mm Big Apples, which have minimal tread, but lots of shock absorbing volume. The towpath is completely flat, other than the small elevation changes at the locks, so traction is not needed, and any kind of tread will only create more rolling resistance. If you do happen to encounter mud puddles, just ride straight through the center in the deepest part. You’ll find it’s only a couple inches deep, but there is good traction and your tires will remain relatively mud free. As far as bugs are concerned, depending on the time of year, you’ll get clouds of some kind of harmless bugs, tons of mosquitos and spiders. Mostly daddy long legs, but I got a nasty bite on the arm once. Never even saw the spider. A good bug repellent will keep the mosquitoes at bay, and glasses will keep most of the swarming bugs out of your eyes. You’ll probably inhale one or two until you learn to keep your mouth shut.
“The how to get back to the beginning question. “
Train 🚊 or 🚘car or shuttle or something.
03-30-19, 07:16 AM
#39
Every day a winding road
Thread Starter
You need to stay home then where is is safe. Wearing or not wearing earplugs while sleeping is not going to change any of that.
And I don't see how having someone along is going to change anything unless you share standing guard all night.
Aside from an animal you don't have anything to worry about. Even then you have nothing to worry about unless you are dumb enough to leave food in your tent or where they can get at it.
To avoid animals then just get a room.
Last edited by spinnaker; 03-30-19 at 07:41 AM.
03-30-19, 07:55 AM
#40
Every day a winding road
Thread Starter
But if you are just doing the GAP, the best way might be from Cumberland to Pittsburgh. You can park in Cumberland for free and the train leaves Pittsburgh at a reasonable hour. The problem there would be getting to the station on time. You could leave Dravo REALLY early and meet it or stay in the hostel in Mckeesport or get an expensive room downtown. I don't usually recommend riding the trail at night, due to drug/gang activity in Mckeesport and Duquense but I think that early in the morning you should be OK.You can also leave your car at a police station. Mckeesport allows it and I think Robinson does too. I am sure others would allow it, if they have he space and if you call.
If you are doing the whole thing, one option would be to rent a car at both ends. You can drop the rental car at the Pittsburgh airport and ride the Montour Trail from the airport to the GAP.
Trains are a PITA with schedule but I think it still beats driving or a shuttle.
P.M. me if you need help at the Pittsburgh end.
03-30-19, 10:08 AM
#41
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I prefer riding from Pittsburgh toward DC. Though I have never done it the other way. But if you are just doing the GAP, the best way might be from Cumberland to Pittsburgh. You can park in Cumberland for free and the train leaves Pittsburgh at a reasonable hour. The problem there would be getting to the station on time. You could leave Dravo REALLY early and meet it or stay in the hostel in Mckeesport or get an expensive room downtown. I don't usually recommend riding the trail at night, due to drug/gang activity in Mckeesport and Duquense but I think that early in the morning you should be OK.
You can also leave your car at a police station. Mckeesport allows it and I think Robinson does too. I am sure others would allow it, if they have he space and if you call.
If you are doing the whole thing, one option would be to rent a car at both ends. You can drop the rental car at the Pittsburgh airport and ride the Montour Trail from the airport to the GAP.
Trains are a PITA with schedule but I think it still beats driving or a shuttle.
P.M. me if you need help at the Pittsburgh end.
But if you are just doing the GAP, the best way might be from Cumberland to Pittsburgh. You can park in Cumberland for free and the train leaves Pittsburgh at a reasonable hour. The problem there would be getting to the station on time. You could leave Dravo REALLY early and meet it or stay in the hostel in Mckeesport or get an expensive room downtown. I don't usually recommend riding the trail at night, due to drug/gang activity in Mckeesport and Duquense but I think that early in the morning you should be OK.You can also leave your car at a police station. Mckeesport allows it and I think Robinson does too. I am sure others would allow it, if they have he space and if you call.
If you are doing the whole thing, one option would be to rent a car at both ends. You can drop the rental car at the Pittsburgh airport and ride the Montour Trail from the airport to the GAP.
Trains are a PITA with schedule but I think it still beats driving or a shuttle.
P.M. me if you need help at the Pittsburgh end.
03-30-19, 12:22 PM
#42
Every day a winding road
Thread Starter
That's easy then. Drive to Cumberland and park. Take the train back. It will get to Cumberland at a decent hour for the drive back home. Do you research on parking in Cumberland but there are free places.
03-30-19, 01:36 PM
#43
Senior Member
There is free parking under the highway bridge at the start of the towpath in Cumberland. I think it is monitored by the people who operate the train station (the tourist one, not Amtrak), so you may want to give them a call for the latest info.
03-30-19, 03:48 PM
#44
Junior Member
Oh good grief, whatever Einstein. I bow to your superiority in all things cycling and safety.
All I did was suggest maybe earplugs weren’t the smartest thing in such situations. Get a grip.
All I did was suggest maybe earplugs weren’t the smartest thing in such situations. Get a grip.
You need to stay home then where is is safe. Wearing or not wearing earplugs while sleeping is not going to change any of that.
And I don't see how having someone along is going to change anything unless you share standing guard all night.
Aside from an animal you don't have anything to worry about. Even then you have nothing to worry about unless you are dumb enough to leave food in your tent or where they can get at it.
To avoid animals then just get a room.
And I don't see how having someone along is going to change anything unless you share standing guard all night.
Aside from an animal you don't have anything to worry about. Even then you have nothing to worry about unless you are dumb enough to leave food in your tent or where they can get at it.
To avoid animals then just get a room.
03-30-19, 09:41 PM
#45
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Thanks for posting the video link. We watched it last night..very well done. This trail has been on my list for a while.
I'm guessing late summer or early fall (drier, maybe fewer bugs) is the best time to ride GAP/C&O complete? My first thought is after Labor Day..first couple weeks in September sometime. (We'd be mixing camping with motels..) How would October be? I'm in Wisconsin..I think you have milder weather and a longer fall than we do.
Following up on the transportation logistics.. I'm doing my research but any suggestions would be appreciated..
Plan 1) Drive to Pittsburgh, drop off bikes and gear someplace, then drive to DC(end of C&O) and park the car. Are there any places somewhat close to the C&O end(or uptrail close to the end) where I could park? What are the transportation options back to Pittsburgh? Amtrak? Do shuttles exist? One way rental car is an option..($$) Are there any bike-friendly lodging options near the end of the C&O, or uptrail from the end?
Plan 2) A split option.. Drive to Pittsburgh, drop off bikes and gear someplace, then drive to Cumberland and park (as you've mentioned). Get transportation back to Pittsburgh and start riding. When we reach Cumberland, get transport with bikes&gear to DC/end of C&O. Visit DC a bit & then ride back to Cumberland. Any ideas on transport from Cumberland to Pittsburgh(no bikes or gear)? Transport from Cumberland to DC(with bikes/ear)?
Is there a "typical way" people do both trails (with respect to transportation)?
thx..
(If anyone needs any info about the 4-trails tour Bike 4 Trails I can help..send a PM. It's just 100 miles, but very scenic)
I'm guessing late summer or early fall (drier, maybe fewer bugs) is the best time to ride GAP/C&O complete? My first thought is after Labor Day..first couple weeks in September sometime. (We'd be mixing camping with motels..) How would October be? I'm in Wisconsin..I think you have milder weather and a longer fall than we do.
Following up on the transportation logistics.. I'm doing my research but any suggestions would be appreciated..
Plan 1) Drive to Pittsburgh, drop off bikes and gear someplace, then drive to DC(end of C&O) and park the car. Are there any places somewhat close to the C&O end(or uptrail close to the end) where I could park? What are the transportation options back to Pittsburgh? Amtrak? Do shuttles exist? One way rental car is an option..($$) Are there any bike-friendly lodging options near the end of the C&O, or uptrail from the end?
Plan 2) A split option.. Drive to Pittsburgh, drop off bikes and gear someplace, then drive to Cumberland and park (as you've mentioned). Get transportation back to Pittsburgh and start riding. When we reach Cumberland, get transport with bikes&gear to DC/end of C&O. Visit DC a bit & then ride back to Cumberland. Any ideas on transport from Cumberland to Pittsburgh(no bikes or gear)? Transport from Cumberland to DC(with bikes/ear)?
Is there a "typical way" people do both trails (with respect to transportation)?
thx..
(If anyone needs any info about the 4-trails tour Bike 4 Trails I can help..send a PM. It's just 100 miles, but very scenic)
03-31-19, 10:29 AM
#46
Every day a winding road
Thread Starter
You would be welcome to store your gear in my shed or my garage. If you did not want to risk me not being home then you could probably just lock it up under my deck, under a tarp and doubtful anyone would touch it.
One option is to just park in downtown Pittsburgh and take Amtrak one way or the other. It would be expensive but cheaper than getting a room downtown. Thought some people get a room at the Spring Hill Suites on the southside and they give them a deal on parking. There is a new hotel Hotel Indigo that is in the same area just across the river that might give the same deal.
Or you could just drive to South Bend and use the Capital Limited to and from. You could take the Hiawatha from Milwaukee to Chicago but probably a lot simpler to drive to South Bend. You would likely have a better chance of finding cheap or free parking there too.
If you decide to take an overnight train consider springing for at least a roomette.
Regardless what you do, you should consider staying a night in Pittsburgh. There is a lot to see here, including our bicycle museum which is supposed to be the largest in the world.
One option is to just park in downtown Pittsburgh and take Amtrak one way or the other. It would be expensive but cheaper than getting a room downtown. Thought some people get a room at the Spring Hill Suites on the southside and they give them a deal on parking. There is a new hotel Hotel Indigo that is in the same area just across the river that might give the same deal.
Or you could just drive to South Bend and use the Capital Limited to and from. You could take the Hiawatha from Milwaukee to Chicago but probably a lot simpler to drive to South Bend. You would likely have a better chance of finding cheap or free parking there too.
If you decide to take an overnight train consider springing for at least a roomette.
Regardless what you do, you should consider staying a night in Pittsburgh. There is a lot to see here, including our bicycle museum which is supposed to be the largest in the world.
04-01-19, 10:20 AM
#47
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Spin..thank you for the storage offer and suggestions..I'll add them into the mix of options. I did some additional research over the weekend..I figured BF would have some historical info, but I didn't realize the volume of info available here on the GAP/CO. ..and thx for your patience with my questions as I now realize there are many, many, many ways to go about riding these trails. As we get closer I may be in touch with specific questions.
04-01-19, 10:33 PM
#49
Senior Member
04-02-19, 12:04 PM
#50
Every day a winding road
Thread Starter
And why are you quoting me out of context? Why don't you post the full quote?
The trail goes right through Mckeesport and Duquense. Mckeesport and Duquense have very high crime rates. I believe that Mckeesport has been given a higher crime rate than Detroit recently. It is not advisable to ride that section of trail at night. I would not ride any of the trail at night that is in the city.
Last edited by spinnaker; 04-02-19 at 12:09 PM.