Hosted Travelogs and Stories from the Road - Bike Forums Great Allegheny Passage / C&O Canal Tour 2009

I drove from VA to Pittsburgh, yesterday afternoon and it was drizzling all the way followed by tumultuos(sp) downpours here that were heading east. I was in a car and it was unpleasant. Lots of flooding here so my heart goes out to the guys.

Back from a great week on the trail!!!!! We had everything, sun, rain, mud, rocks, and great times. Absolutely the most fun was Weds (from Cumberland to Hancock), rain and a waterlog'd trail. Soaked thru after 5 minutes, covered in mud after 20 minutes. I've nevered laughted so much. Felt like a kid again - mud covered from head to toe. Rode with Rob & Joel thru that stuff, a real test.

Most of the group rode the entire route, though a few had to be shuttled thru on most days.

I'll be doing a CrazyGuy trip journal in a few days, till then

Thanx's guys for a great trip, you pushed me when I needed to be pushed and I knew you always had my back, and of course we had those post ride beer breaks!

Brian

I had a great time, too. Thanks guys. I'm looking forward to reading your crazyguy journal when I get back next week from GOBA.

Most of the group rode the entire route, though a few had to be shuttled thru on most days.

Most days? or moist days? I wish I did have some company riding those mountain roads along the Passage, especially the endless dirt ones. For the record -- I sagged gear, some most of the trip (mine especially). One rider injured his knee 6 miles from the day's end in Rockwood, I shuttled three riders from the PawPaw/Oldtown area on Wednesday to Hancock (and I had asked one of those if he would mind riding to help me out with gear), and two riders from Hancock to Harpers Ferry. Ah, I like captive audiences - they had to suffer through my tour of the area. A little bird told me that ALL of you made it to DC under your own power. HOORAY!!!

Guys, don't think too badly of those taking me up on a ride. Remember, "Those who fight and run away, live to fight another day". Sometimes it pays to come in outta the rain. :)

Judy

I would like to thank Bike Forums for the use of their forum on planning our tour.

A special HUGE thanks goes out to Jagraham! She was truly our trail angel. :love::thumb:

I suffered a broken rack and she help me out by off loading part of my gear and agreeing to ship back what I did not need. I was able to limp the rest of the way on a lightened load due to her help. I'm not sure if I would have made it with all of my gear on the rough trails of the C&O.

She also helped by hauling the gear of others and some of the riders themselves. There are a couple of people that just would not have made it without her.

Jagraham's cold drinks, words of encouragement and knowing she had our backs was very comforting.


She really went above and beyond, sacrificing some of her own riding time to make our trip a success.



The GAP was fantastic! The ride from Rockwood to Cumberland had to be the most awesome overall.

I am not so sure I would agree with VT_Speed_TR definition of fun on the C&O out of Cumberland. :) I have to admit that for the first hour or so it was a lot of fun slogging through all of the mud puddles but after that, it grew old very quickly.

The second day of the C&O portion (Hancock to Harpers Ferry), we took a break from the mud and took the roads. I guess it could hardly be called a "break" as the hills were very steep and of course they were in the last 10-15 miles. But the road was excellent and the views incredible.


The last day on the C&O was probably worse than the first. The mud was very thick and stuck to everything. We did 60 miles but it seemed more like 120.

The Great Falls area is just beautiful and has to be seen to be believed. It all of the hardship well worth seeing that area.

I am very happy I did the C&O. There was a couple of times where I felt like giving up and just taking the shuttle but I am glad I just sucked it up and continued the tour. The C&O was a real challenge but I am not sure if I would do it again.

It was a real pleasure riding with everyone and I look forward to the next tour. Perhaps the next time, we will just end the tour in Cumberland. :)

It was great to hear you made it all the way. As you well know Western Pa's weather you can't predict very well. It was eoither that or the baking heat of July. Did you break the front rack or the rear?

It was great to hear you made it all the way. As you well know Western Pa's weather you can't predict very well. It was eoither that or the baking heat of July. Did you break the front rack or the rear?

It was the rear rack that broke. I only broke the lower rails but did not trust the whole thing for a full load. Maybe someone like yourself with a little more knowledge of welds might take a look and let me know if the upper rails would be able to take a beating.

I might just go ahead and trash it and buy something decent or go back to my old rack. Aslo I need to trash that Trek saddle! Ouch! :cry:

thanks to all for a great time. it was difficult at times for all and everyone should be proud of want they have accomplished. keep me in mind for future rides. Ride On Joel

thanks judy you are my hero!!!!!!!!!

Hey, y'all! Look up at the top of the touring subforum here and you'll see the "Hosted Travelogues and Stories from the road" Secondary forum. It's open to new threads now, and I'd really love to have some or all of you write up the trip from your individual perspectives, and I'll create a new Travelogue for you for the great 2009 BF Allegheny/C&O Passage Tour for posterity and collate all your individual threads there................:D

I had a great time, too. Thanks guys. I'm looking forward to reading your crazyguy journal when I get back next week from GOBA.

Most of the group rode the entire route, though a few had to be shuttled thru on most days.

Most days? or moist days? I wish I did have some company riding those mountain roads along the Passage, especially the endless dirt ones. For the record -- I sagged gear, some most of the trip (mine especially). One rider injured his knee 6 miles from the day's end in Rockwood, I shuttled three riders from the PawPaw/Oldtown area on Wednesday to Hancock (and I had asked one of those if he would mind riding to help me out with gear), and two riders from Hancock to Harpers Ferry. Ah, I like captive audiences - they had to suffer through my tour of the area. A little bird told me that ALL of you made it to DC under your own power. HOORAY!!!

Guys, don't think too badly of those taking me up on a ride. Remember, "Those who fight and run away, live to fight another day". Sometimes it pays to come in outta the rain. :)

Judy

Thanks, Judy, for helping me with my stiff knee at Markleton.

The Bike Forums tour may be over, but mine is continuing. I'm in Annapolis tonight, heading over to Delmarva tomorrow.

Good times!

I think I will stay away from the C&O till it dries some and I most likely will not do the Montour trail again until there are some sort of signs or it is complete. Which ever happens first.

Judy was a rock star with the SAG wagon. Glad she was there to help when people needed it.

I currently have the bike down to the frame, cleaning and getting the grit out. You would not believe the amount of sand. Well maybe you would...

Good times!

I think I will stay away from the C&O till it dries some and I most likely will not do the Montour trail again until there are some sort of signs or it is complete. Which ever happens first.



Hey you had a resident tour guide! Can get much better than that? :)

Actually I am considering taking on a project to post some signs. Or maybe just tack up some maps of the detours at each of the end points. Even if I have make something myself.

Hey you had a resident tour guide! Can get much better than that? :)

Actually I am considering taking on a project to post some signs. Or maybe just tack up some maps of the detours at each of the end points. Even if I have make something myself.

Agreed, with out a local showing you the trail there is no way to know where to go. I don't mean to say one shouldn't ride the trail.

Some signs would make all the difference on that thing I think.

And welcome to "Stories from the Road"!

--

Great trip (very challenging at times). Stayed in DC for a couple of days to recover (still not there yet) and am in Ashland, OR now going to UBI (United Bicycle Institute) for their Pro Bike Mech class. I kept track while on the road of our trip on my blog which you can read and look at pictures and videos at www.bluesteelroads.com. Will post a post trip report and some more pictures and videos soon.
Cheers all and thanks for the memories. Special cudos to Judy and the SAG!
tdp

I've uploaded my pix's to this album, tour journal is being worked on and should be finished by week's end.

Brian

http://s18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/VT_Bent_Rider/GAP%20and%20C_O%20Trails/

Yea!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/VT_Bent_Rider/GAP%20and%20C_O%20Trails/IMG_0868.jpg

Yea!

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b106/VT_Bent_Rider/GAP%20and%20C_O%20Trails/IMG_0868.jpg

Is that some Greek God or a man with nipple burn applying a little petroleum jelly? :roflmao2:

I just wanted to thank all those that came along for the ride, what an outstanding time! I can only hope that we might meet again at another time and place. Though it would be a tough act to follow, if there's ever any interest for a tour in the Midwest, such as Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana or Kentucky, let me know and I'll be happy to organize. I need to edit photos and will eventually get them up although Brian, Carl, and Neil's photos make obvious my lack of photography skill. Take care and keep in touch.
Rob

Is that some Greek God or a man with nipple burn applying a little petroleum jelly? :roflmao2:

Both xD


I just wanted to thank all those that came along for the ride, what an outstanding time! I can only hope that we might meet again at another time and place. Though it would be a tough act to follow, if there's ever any interest for a tour in the Midwest, such as Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana or Kentucky, let me know and I'll be happy to organize. I need to edit photos and will eventually get them up although Brian, Carl, and Neil's photos make obvious my lack of photography skill. Take care and keep in touch.
Rob

How about the Ragbrai? I would be into that for sure!

I can only hope that we might meet again at another time and place. Though it would be a tough act to follow, if there's ever any interest for a tour in the Midwest, such as Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana or Kentucky, let me know and I'll be happy to organize.
Rob

I think Wisconsin would be fun to explore. Some long trails, nice back roads, great food (cheese, braut's, and beer).

My journal of our adventure is now complete, if you are bored and have some time, have a read,

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?doc_id=5496

Brian,
what an excellent journal. You did a fantastic job of covering the ride. :thumb:

Agreed.

Nice write up. Now for twodeadpoets disturbing pictures in a robe. If I didn't know about the glow in the dark banana guard and the fact that there were four of us in that room I wouldn't have been so disturbed by the self proclaimed Greek God.

Gees sounded enteresting till I read the rules/where is the ride anyway:crash:/K------

Excellent write up on CrazyGuy VT_Speed_TR and very entertaining too! If anyone's interested I also kept a journal (pictures and videos included!) of the trip at BlueSteelRoads (http://www.bluesteelroads.com) and even posting some while on the trip.

tdp

going to tour parts of minnesota for two weeks with a woman i have never met next month. i will let you how that goes. looks good for bikes. hope she hurts me in a different way than you guys did! i think i would be in on almost any ride if you all can still put up with me. ride on Joel

going to tour parts of minnesota for two weeks with a woman i have never met next month.

Way to go, Joel2old!

I posted some pics here (http://www.seehere.com/spinnaker/gap_co).

They are the full sized pictures so feel free to download.

I finally made it back this afternoon. I was picked up three miles shy of the PA/DE border. I'd arranged to get picked up at the border, but I didn't want my friend to wait around for me.

One of 631 photos going up on Flickr tonight. ALHanson and Joel2old race across McDonald Trestle:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2595/3670162590_867c7a3e86_b.jpg

I finally made it back this afternoon. I was picked up three miles shy of the PA/DE border. I'd arranged to get picked up at the border, but I didn't want my friend to wait around for me.

Congragts The Historian :thumb:

Congragts The Historian :thumb:

Starting from BWI my night stops were Annapolis and Trappe, MD, and Delmar, Harbeson, Lewes, Felton, and Bear, DE. Thanks again to ALHanson for hosting me two nights in VA.

I love Annapolis. Did you stay in town or find a place to camp (or did you camp in town :)).

Did you have ice cream at the ice cream shop near the docks and watch all of the big boats come into Ego Alley?

I love Annapolis. Did you stay in town or find a place to camp (or did you camp in town :)).

Did you have ice cream at the ice cream shop near the docks and watch all of the big boats come into Ego Alley?

Thanks to Warm Showers, I stayed with the most famous dog bike tourist of recent times, Sadie McCready, and her people. They took me on a sunset boat tour of the harbor, and we had ice cream at a store nearby.

I love Annapolis. Did you stay in town or find a place to camp (or did you camp in town :)).

Did you have ice cream at the ice cream shop near the docks and watch all of the big boats come into Ego Alley?



LOL you are too much sometimes. do you mean the ice cream place of the really cool gelato shop wedged between ego alley and the Academy?

Thanks again to ALHanson for hosting me two nights in VA.

No worried man. Promise the food will taste better next time. At least the pancakes will.

No worried man. Promise the food will taste better next time. At least the pancakes will.

The food and pancakes were great.

BTW, the first part of my journal is up. Look for "Every Day is a Winding Road."

Every Day is a Winding Road

The Sheryl Crow song?

LOL you are too much sometimes. do you mean the ice cream place of the really cool gelato shop wedged between ego alley and the Academy?

That's the place I go when I am in town. I love to get some ice cream then walk over and chuckle at the women on the bow with the high heels. OK maybe a little ogling is going on too. ;)

The food and pancakes were great.

BTW, the first part of my journal is up. Look for "Every Day is a Winding Road."

Where is it?


Weren't you banned from Crazy Guy???

Thanks to Warm Showers, I stayed with the most famous dog bike tourist of recent times, Sadie McCready, and her people. They took me on a sunset boat tour of the harbor, and we had ice cream at a store nearby.


Sounds like you got the grand tour! Was is a stink pot or a civilized vessel with sails? :)

Where is it?


Weren't you banned from Crazy Guy???

Yes, much like Denise Goldberg.

Where is it?


http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=557092

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=557092

The account of my ride home is now complete. Meanwhile, I've started a thread, "Alone in a crowd", about the trip down to DC.

Yes, much like Denise Goldberg.

I was wondering why I hadn't seen a journal from her in a while. I enjoyed following Rover and Denise on their adventures over the years.

I didn't know I was traveling in the company of a "banned" individual! Had I, I would have asked for your autograph. I've never known anyone who was exiled from a Web site, especially a site as benign as CrazyGuy. You posting "racy" trip journals?

I didn't know I was traveling in the company of a "banned" individual! Had I, I would have asked for your autograph. I've never known anyone who was exiled from a Web site, especially a site as benign as CrazyGuy. You posting "racy" trip journals?

I can't discuss it here, since any criticism of the site upsets some of the sheeple. I'll state that I hadn't posted anything to CGOAB that violated any rules of the site.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3583402053_177262a5ca_b.jpg

Sounds like you got the grand tour! Was is a stink pot or a civilized vessel with sails? :)

It had a motor.

Can you post the exact jump om and off points to get from thr C&O to the WMRT parallel route>?

Can you post the exact jump om and off points to get from thr C&O to the WMRT parallel route>?

Western end - milepost 136.3 of the C & O, at Lock 56, Pearre, MD.

Eastern end - milepost 114.5, at Big Pool. Or enter at Fort Frederick State Park, and take Rt. 56 about a mile to the WMRT trailhead. (The eastern end of the WMRT is a mile beyond the last exit to the towpath.) Even though it involves a climb and riding on Rt. 56, I think the side trip to see Fort Frederick is worth it.