Northeast - C&O Canal

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porter

07-09-07, 09:00 PM

Anyone got any good ideas on how I can get myself (and my loaded bike) from DC to Cumberland.

This looks like a wonderful ride and my plan is to ride down hill from Cumberland and finish at home in DC over three days. Seems that Amtrak which has a direct service from DC to Cumberland is not interested in allowing me to take my bike with me. Is a one way car hire my only alternative??? Any suggestions welcome.

cc_rider

07-10-07, 01:34 PM

Amatrak is a problem. You can put your bike on the train in DC, but they won't let you take it off because they don't have a baggage handler at Cumberland.

If you wanted to extend your trip, take the train to Pittsburgh and ride both trails to DC.

I've heard of people doing a one-way van or pickup rental. Cumberland's big enough to have a Budget or U-Haul.

I heard about one person who rode from DC to Cumberland and arranged to ship his bike back to himself.

Also check with the NPS in Great Falls or Georgetown. A couple times each summer they run a bus up to Cumberland and do a 3 or 4 day ride back to DC. Maybe you could use them as your transport, then go at your own pace.

Have fun.

ks1g

07-16-07, 07:49 PM

I believe there are a couple of services and bike shops that offer transport services between DC and Cumberland. Check the coTowpaths group on Yahoo (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/coTowpath) for current info and trail conditions. It's a great ride! There are basic campsites (pump water and porta-john) at about every 10 miles and opportunities at several towns for more civilized lodgings.

Good luck!