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

Please keep an eye on this post. It may be updated from time to time along with the attachment below.



Please read before posting to this thread.


All posts to this thread should be directly related to the Bike Forums Great Allegheny Passage / C&O Canal Tour 2009.

Please post general touring questions to your own thread.

Please post general questions of the trails to your own thread.

If you want to participate in the tour please PM me, do not post that interest to this thread. Please include your lodging choice (camping or motel or a little of both).

Please do not post any “find a roommate or car pool” threads to this thread (see below).

If you have information on the trail you would like to share then please PM me and I will add it to this post.

Please do not create kudos or praise posts to me for putting this trip together. You can PM me if or simply have a monument erected in my honor. :)

Basically, lets just try to keep the thread as clean as possible for others looking for information on the tour.


Announcing Bike Forums Great Allegheny Passage / C&O Canal Tour 2009 !!!


A Bike Forums tour of the Montour Trail, Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal trails have been scheduled for June 13 to June 20 2009.

For those not familiar, these three bicycle trails link Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C. totaling approximately 475 miles.

More information on the trials can be found here:


Montour Trail (http://www.montourtrail.org)

Great Allegheny Passage (http://www.atatrail.org)

C & O Canal (http://www.bikecando.com)

You can also search this forum for GAP, C&O or Great Allegheny Passage for tips on everything from what tire size to use on your bike to what equipment to bring.

This is a low stress and easy tour. There are no hills on the trail that will exceed 3% with most of the hills under 2%. Our longest day will be 60 miles. There are a few missing links to the trail but the segments are linked by mainly low to no traffic country roads. It is an excellent tour for those that have no experience at touring and for those that have been touring for many years. There will be plenty of options for side trips for those that might want to add a few extra miles to their day.

In case your are wondering why we are not starting on Sunday and ending the tour on Saturday, this was at the suggestion of the Historian. He said that Saturday can be very busy along the trail. Our group could have a difficult time navigating around all of the other trail users.


Related threads

Old Tour thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=7733178#post7733178), some useful information.

Arrange lodging for the tour (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=491090)

Arrange transportation for the tour. (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=7947512#post7947512)



Participating

Any one that wants to participate in this tour can do so by sending a PM to me (do not post to this thread). There is nothing that says you need to join us for the whole tour. You are welcome to join us for just a couple of days to just a few hours. We will need to contact those not joining us for the whole tour to give them an estimated time of arrival on the days they plan to join us. If I get enough “part timers”, I will ask someone to act as a Communications Officer to keep these folks updated on our progress.




Departure

The tour will depart from my home on the morning of Saturday June 13, 2009. I live in Robinson Township, PA, approximately two miles from a Montour trail head. It is an easy low traffic road to the trail head.


Out of town tourers will probably want to arrive in Pittsburgh on Friday June 12, 2009. I can provide sleeping quarters for four to five people. It will be first come first serve except for the Historian who has legacy guest status. :). You will need to provide a sleeping bag and possibly a sleeping pad. Please let me know if you plan to spend the first night, last night or both (for those coming back to Pittsburgh). I can provide a list of nearby hotels for those not lucky enough to make the cut at Ostello Spinnaker. :)


Once we get closer to the date I will provide my phone number and address to all of the participants.



Transportation

You are responsible for your own transportation to the starting point and from the ending point. You may want to carpool with other tour members. You can make transportation arrangements in the transportation thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=7947512#post7947512).

Please PM the Historian (http://www.bikeforums.net/private.php?do=newpm&u=82612) if you are East of Pittsburgh. He will arrange for a van pool starting in Philadelphia. If you are somewhere on or near the PA turnpike then I'm sure he will not have any objection to picking you up along the way.

Please PM me for anyone that will be returning to Pittsburgh after the tour (leaving their car here or flying in). You should be able to leave you car in my parking lot for your trip back home. If we get an overwhelming response then I will look into options for overflow.

Please let me know if you intend to arrive by your own car, a rental car or flying in. You can do so by PMing me or in the transportation thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=7947512#post7947512).



Lodging

You will be responsible for arranging your own lodging. There are a number of options for lodging along the trail. There is camping and motels. Camping must be done in designated areas. More information can be found in the links above.

Someone might want to arrange for lodging for the whole group. The advantage is that we could probably arrange for group discounts and have everyone in one or two places each night. But arranging for deposits could be problematic. If anyone wants to take on this task please contact me.


More information

More information on the itinerary, participants etc. can be found in the attachment below. Please keep an eye on the attachment. I will update it from time to time with tips, packing list etc. If you have something to offer, please PM me and I will add it to the documentation.

Here is an old thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=7733178#post7733178) that has some information.


Hopefully I have covered most of your questions. If you have any questions or comments that directly relate to this tour please post it here. Please stay on topic.

Well I didn't not mean to scare people off from posting here. Just as long as we stay on topic. :)

So maybe I will get things started.

I was thinking that maybe we should raise some money for something. One worthy cause is the trails themselves. How do people feel about donating say $5-$10 per trail (3 trails) to each of the trails? We could present it in 3 lump sum checks to each of the trails. I know I could get at least one trail manager to show up and we could present the check to him with our appreciation. He might be able to put us in touch with representatives of the other trails. Or we could simply make donations on our own.

What does everyone think?

Better yet, why don't we try and solicit donations from other Bike Forums Touring members, request (x) amount of money per mile to go towards the National Rails to Trails Organization and then spend it all on fast women and fast cars when we get to D.C. ;)

Spin, although your idea wouldn't be as much fun, it does seem a more honorable cause. :thumb:

I'm a volunteer Bike Ranger for the Maryland Park Service whose patrol area is the Western Maryland Rail Trail which runs adjacent to the C&O for a little over 22 miles from the Big Pool area to about 11 miles west of Hancock, MD. If you haven't already done so I'd like to suggest you consider this section as part of your route.

Every day during the summer months we have groups of tourists riding the C&O who "jump off" to our trail for the 22 miles of smooth, traffic-free pavement which everyone says is a welcome break from the rough surface of the C&O while still allowing the riders to look down on the structures of the Canal from above.

Depending on how large the group gets to be and should you decide to use this route, it would be a courtesy to contact Lt. Hummer at Ft. Frederick (Trail Administrator at 301-842-2156) who might be able to help you with facilities, rest stops, coordinating with officials in Hancock for use of the park there for lunch/rest facilities, etc.

In any case, best of luck on your ride and (if they let me out of the house long enough) I might try and join you.

Mike A.

All those in favor of Spinnaker riding this bike below on the entire trail so that the group can grill out every night.........

http://non.primate.net/chopper/grillbike03.jpg
Please raise their hands

http://blog.wired.com/music/coachella/coachella_sunday_46_Living_Legends_crowd.jpg

Well I guess that settles that :)

I'm a volunteer Bike Ranger for the Maryland Park Service whose patrol area is the Western Maryland Rail Trail which runs adjacent to the C&O for a little over 22 miles from the Big Pool area to about 11 miles west of Hancock, MD. If you haven't already done so I'd like to suggest you consider this section as part of your route.

Every day during the summer months we have groups of tourists riding the C&O who "jump off" to our trail for the 22 miles of smooth, traffic-free pavement which everyone says is a welcome break from the rough surface of the C&O while still allowing the riders to look down on the structures of the Canal from above.

Depending on how large the group gets to be and should you decide to use this route, it would be a courtesy to contact Lt. Hummer at Ft. Frederick (Trail Administrator at 301-842-2156) who might be able to help you with facilities, rest stops, coordinating with officials in Hancock for use of the park there for lunch/rest facilities, etc.

In any case, best of luck on your ride and (if they let me out of the house long enough) I might try and join you.

Mike A.

An excellent suggestion. Thank you.

Has there been any change to the signage pointing to the WMRT from the C & O? Currently there is none. Just a gate and a dirt road leading up a few hundred feet to the WMRT gate near Pearre.

Here's a photo of the C & O taken from the WMRT, just about a mile from Pearre.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2802023702_4a0f57db0b.jpg

And the WMRT:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/2802015900_be714e5a77.jpg

An excellent suggestion. Thank you.

Has there been any change to the signage pointing to the WMRT from the C & O? Currently there is none. Just a gate and a dirt road leading up a few hundred feet to the WMRT gate near Pearre.



Unfortunately, no, though there is a sign (if you are coming from the east) that directs you to the WMRT just a short way past Big Pool.

http://blog.wired.com/music/coachella/coachella_sunday_46_Living_Legends_crowd.jpg


You know, I have always wondered what the general populace of this touring forum was like. And now I know you are all the kind of people found at a Living Legends (http://www.myspace.com/livinglegends) concert and highly into the Underground Hip Hop Scene.

Every day during the summer months we have groups of tourists riding the C&O who "jump off" to our trail for the 22 miles of smooth, traffic-free pavement which everyone says is a welcome break from the rough surface of the C&O while still allowing the riders to look down on the structures of the Canal from above.



Agreed on that bypass, but a shame to miss Devils Eyebrow now that it's been cleared. Can't reach that unfortunately from the WMRT.

http://www.pbase.com/garys/image/99426732

Agreed on that bypass, but a shame to miss Devils Eyebrow now that it's been cleared. Can't reach that unfortunately from the WMRT.

http://www.pbase.com/garys/image/99426732

There is, however, a second Eyebrow formation that can viewed from the WMRT - it's not as impressive but can be seen (as you approach from the east) off the right of the trail just before you go through the first large rock cut under Round Top.

I have made several changes to the documentation in the first post of this thread. I updated the participant list, the itinerary with our Saturday departure date as opposed to Sunday. I also made a few typo corrections.

Please take special note of the participant list. If you need to be added or removed just PM me.

The * means you have confirmed you want to go. That status of course can be changed, just PM me.

No * means you have expressed and interest in going but have not yet confirmed. I have yet to hear from BigBlueToe, bigbadwimp and Aeneas on confirmation. If you would just like to be removed from the list then PM me.

I live in Washington, PA. about 40 miles from the trail head (45 min. drive) and am willing to offer 2 vacant bedrooms for 2 to 4 people who are willing to sleep on the floor the night before you leave. I am not participating in the ride, but I know where the trail head is, having participated in the last 2 Montour Trail ride fundraisers. PM me if you are interested.

Spinnaker, looking at this, had a couple questions. Mainly involving food :) MMM, I like my food :)

Are you thinking that food stops will be at given localities along the trail or are you figuring that the attendees will be charting their own meals/carrying with while touring?

Thanks!
Roger

Spinnaker, looking at this, had a couple questions. Mainly involving food :) MMM, I like my food :)

Are you thinking that food stops will be at given localities along the trail or are you figuring that the attendees will be charting their own meals/carrying with while touring?

Thanks!
Roger

I'm not sure if I fully understand your question but you will be responsible for your own food. That is not to say people can't have an organized meal, like sharing a pizza or maybe having a cookout.

If someone wanted to arrange a catered picnic one night, feel free to look into it but I imagine that would be expensive .

Naa, I wasn't asking if food was being supplied, I didn't figure that at all.. More of what I was asking was that does the itinerary figure interim meal stops, or is the thought more that you'd leave out in the mornings with your food for the day. Sorry for not being clearer.

-Roger

Hey Crew,

Not sure what others are planning, but I figure on having first breakfast at camp (most likely oatmeal). Then stopping along the way if a town comes along for second breakfast. Likewise, if a town is available having lunch along the way. Then dinner in camp, but I could quickly be convinced to go into a town for pizzia. I plan for carrying and also restocking along the way for granola bars, fruit, and other snacks. I hopefully will be riding with someone from the group who cycles at my speed, so I would hope there would be many, if not most meals shared with fellow tourers.

Brian

Hey Crew,

Not sure what others are planning, but I figure on having first breakfast at camp (most likely oatmeal). Then stopping along the way if a town comes along for second breakfast. Likewise, if a town is available having lunch along the way. Then dinner in camp, but I could quickly be convinced to go into a town for pizzia. I plan for carrying and also restocking along the way for granola bars, fruit, and other snacks. I hopefully will be riding with someone from the group who cycles at my speed, so I would hope there would be many, if not most meals shared with fellow tourers.

Brian

There are usually "towns" of some size or another every 20 miles or so along the trails. The size of the "town" might vary - Little Orleans is four buildings, for instance. (One of them is a bar and store.) Also, some places are located off the trail. For example, Oldtown is about halfway between Cumberland and Paw-Paw, but the only place to eat in town, the Schoolhouse Cafe, is a mile from the trail. Paw-Paw has a small market and a diner, but little else, and then it's 30 miles to Hancock, the end stop for the day.

I found it best to bring trail mix and lots of bottled beverages for stops on the trail, and then eat like a horse - a Clydesdale - in town. I lost weight despite all the calories I took in.

You will always find me at the back of the pack, Brian. :thumb:

Thanks guys. I'm very familiar with the route, just wondering if it was built into the itinerary *where* meal breaks were going to be. Or if you were just stopping as the mood struck :)

You will always find me at the back of the pack, Brian. :thumb:

Not if I beat you to it ;-) Looking forward to meeting you Historian, see you in June.

Brian

I think we are planning on attending but am still trying to completely convince my wife. We plan to spend up to three weeks touring out there with at least several days with a friend who lives in DC.

I think we are planning on attending but am still trying to completely convince my wife. We plan to spend up to three weeks touring out there with at least several days with a friend who lives in DC.

Wow that is a long way to come for our ride! I hope you can make it.

The wife may not be able to take off that early into the summer so what might happen is that I ride with you "guy" for that week then return to the starting point (train or bus) meeting the wife in PA then we'll ride back to DC. I could stay out there all summer while school is out (very tempting) if I really wanted.

I started a thread here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=7947512#post7947512) to discuss transportation.

I have started a topic on getting back to Pittsburgh. Please comment there. So far no other Burghers have weighed in.

Back on the subject of food. Anyone care to share resources? I'll pack some extra food, coffee, whatever, in exchange for use of someone's stove for a quick camp breakfast. Can't see buying and hauling one if there are several around.

Back on the subject of food. Anyone care to share resources? I'll pack some extra food, coffee, whatever, in exchange for use of someone's stove for a quick camp breakfast. Can't see buying and hauling one if there are several around.

Maybe we should also talk about who will NOT be cooking. I for one will not be cooking. I will eat at restaurants.

Back on the subject of food. Anyone care to share resources? I'll pack some extra food, coffee, whatever, in exchange for use of someone's stove for a quick camp breakfast. Can't see buying and hauling one if there are several around.

I have a MSR Pocket Rocket stove I'm bringing. I'm happy to share it.

I too would be willing to pack some food or other items for the use of a stove. I don't have any of that camping gear and only plan to camp on some of the days. I will need to buy or borrow a tent and sleeping bag at a minimum.

Maybe we should also talk about who will NOT be cooking. I for one will not be cooking. I will eat at restaurants.

I'm not cooking per se, just thinking of getting rolling in the morning. Little oatmeal and a coffee just to get these pampered eyes open. After that it's all buffets and carry out for this guy.

I have a MSR Pocket Rocket stove I'm bringing. I'm happy to share it.

Thanks H. Give me an idea of your preferred camp cuisine and I'll make sure it's aboard.

Thanks H. Give me an idea of your preferred camp cuisine and I'll make sure it's aboard.

Bland. Stuff me full of spicy foods and I'll be exiled to the next campsite.

Seriously, oatmeal for breakfast and whatever you normally have for dinner is fine for me. Like Spinnaker, I'll probably eat out a lot.

I'm not cooking per se, just thinking of getting rolling in the morning. Little oatmeal and a coffee just to get these pampered eyes open. After that it's all buffets and carry out for this guy.

I generally consumed Clif Bars or trail mix for "first breakfast" in camp, and then had "second breakfast" when I reached a town. I'm bringing a stove and pot, but I'll probably follow the same routine this time.

I generally consumed Clif Bars or trail mix for "first breakfast" in camp, and then had "second breakfast" when I reached a town. I'm bringing a stove and pot, but I'll probably follow the same routine this time.

Sounds good, I'll pack some extra Clif's and whatever else sounds appealing. Not a coffee drinker then?

Sounds good, I'll pack some extra Clif's and whatever else sounds appealing. Not a coffee drinker then?

Tea, but carrying tea bags and keeping them dry has been problematic for me on tour.

Tea, but carrying tea bags and keeping them dry has been problematic for me on tour.

Ziploc bags always work for me.

I can cook but am no chef. That said I will probably eat out from time to time (stomach usually wins out when I get a hankering for something). At home I am a vegetarian (pescetarian - fish) but when I'm travelling I eat what my body says it needs, including meat, particularly if it's easy. As for coffee I usually need a cup in the morning but then I'm good after that and enjoy tea.

I probably won't bring much from home but will get some stuff to pack once I get to the area. As for stoves, if needed I could bring my MSR Dragonfly checked on the flight but not bottles if they've ever had fuel in them (I think).

What about camping? I prefer camping to keep costs down and I have all the camping equipment I need but might be able to do some hostels or shared hotels. I am also a member with both Warm Showers (http://www.warmshowers.org/) and Couch Surfing (http://www.couchsurfing.com/) so push come to shove could try and make connections there.

I can cook but am no chef. That said I will probably eat out from time to time (stomach usually wins out when I get a hankering for something). At home I am a vegetarian (pescetarian - fish) but when I'm travelling I eat what my body says it needs, including meat, particularly if it's easy. As for coffee I usually need a cup in the morning but then I'm good after that and enjoy tea.

I probably won't bring much from home but will get some stuff to pack once I get to the area. As for stoves, if needed I could bring my MSR Dragonfly checked on the flight but not bottles if they've ever had fuel in them (I think).

What about camping? I prefer camping to keep costs down and I have all the camping equipment I need but might be able to do some hostels or shared hotels. I am also a member with both Warm Showers (http://www.warmshowers.org/) and Couch Surfing (http://www.couchsurfing.com/) so push come to shove could try and make connections there.

I think most of the group has chosen to camp.

Excellent! I've got all the camping gear I need and some new stuff I am pining to try out.

Excellent! I've got all the camping gear I need and some new stuff I am pining to try out.

The only new thing I'll try out is the stitching in the tear in my sleeping bag. :-)

Everyone please PM me the following:

Your real email address. Trying to PM everyone 5 at a time is just too difficult on BF.

Where you are coming from. I can try and see if people match up for ride sharing.


Thanks

If things are going to turn out to be mostly camping, does anyone have any gear that I could borrow for the trip? I have only camped once in the past 25 years, and that was on a trip with a friend who had all the gear for both of us.

I expect that I am going to need to buy a number of items, but figured I would ask.

I am expecting to camp and cook the whole trip, but beds and restaurants will not be unwelcome.

I've done just about all kinds of camping, though I have never bike camped. I'll probably do a couple of short overnighters this Spring to sort out my gear.

If things are going to turn out to be mostly camping, does anyone have any gear that I could borrow for the trip? I have only camped once in the past 25 years, and that was on a trip with a friend who had all the gear for both of us.

I expect that I am going to need to buy a number of items, but figured I would ask.

I'm sure I could come up with extra gear - not necessarily the lightest, most modern (Former Girl Scout Leader). What do you already have, what do you need?

Judy

As of now you as I see things there is a group of 4? I would love to go, but $$ & work layoffs would prohibit me going. I would love to ride along for a day, from West Newton, Connellsville, Ohiopyle or Rockwood. I may be able to help with transport. I have an club cab truck, also cargo trailer. I could help transport bikes & riders in the area, pick up at Amtrack station.

As of now you as I see things there is a group of 4? I would love to go, but $$ & work layoffs would prohibit me going. I would love to ride along for a day, from West Newton, Connellsville, Ohiopyle or Rockwood. I may be able to help with transport. I have an club cab truck, also cargo trailer. I could help transport bikes & riders in the area, pick up at Amtrack station.

More like 9+ going so far.


Everyone is welcome to ride just as much as they want, Even if it is just a few hours, we would love to have all the BF members along that can make it.

To all interested riders that will only b joining us for a day. Please keep an eye out on the thread. PM me when we get closer in and I will give you my cell #. You can call me to get an ETA on our arrival at your location.


Local transport along the way is always welcome. You never know when an emergency might pop up.

A couple of the posters to the Clydesdale/Athena forum have said they want to join us for the last day's ride from Harper's Ferry.

I am expecting to camp and cook the whole trip, but beds and restaurants will not be unwelcome.

I've done just about all kinds of camping, though I have never bike camped. I'll probably do a couple of short overnighters this Spring to sort out my gear.

Never a bad idea. And overnights are fun in themselves.

I'm sure I could come up with extra gear - not necessarily the lightest, most modern (Former Girl Scout Leader). What do you already have, what do you need?

Judy

I have a neighbor who is a Boy Scout leader and I am going to consult with him and see what I may be able to borrow from him. Once I have a better idea, I might have some specific requests.

Has anyone made/used the kitty litter pail panniers and how did they work out? I am thinking about trying that as my rear 'bags' for the trip.

I'm not cooking per se, just thinking of getting rolling in the morning. Little oatmeal and a coffee just to get these pampered eyes open. After that it's all buffets and carry out for this guy.

Here's what I ate one day on tour last year. This was mid-August, on a hot day, and pulling a 30 pound trailer 66 miles on a bumpy canal towpath.

7:30 AM (campsite) - water bottle, handful of trail mix
8:15 AM - (Paw Paw, WV - Grandma's Kitchen) French toast, sausage, home fries, orange juice, tea, water.
9:30 AM - (just passed through Paw Paw tunnel) water.
10:15 to 1:00 PM - (traveling from Paw Paw to Hancock, MD) water, tea, sports beverage, soda, and a handful or two of trail mix every half-hour to 45 minutes.
1:00 PM - (Hancock - Weaver's) - Crabcake with green beans, fries, water, iced tea, and French apple pie with ice cream.
2:30 PM to 6:00 PM (traveling from Hancock to Williamsport, MD) water, tea, sports beverage, soda, and a handful or two of trail mix every half-hour to 45 minutes.
7:30 PM - sub sandwich and fries from local deli, soda, and water.

I ate like this every day, folks, and I lost weight. :) I was at least ten pounds lighter after the tour.

I would like to have a roll call. The people I have on my list so far are:


Spinnaker
sonatageek
VT_Speed_TR
Historian
alhanson
Robow
MIKEnDC
TwoDeadPoets


If you are not on the list and would like to be please PM me with your real name, your home city, your real email and your cell number you will be using on the trip.


If you are on the list and want to be off the list then PM me.

If you are on the list and want to go then all you need to do is show up. :)


Bruce

I am going to suggest that we try to keep together on the first day.

I have been riding the lower part of the Montour Trail and there are LOTS of detours. It took me a little while to figure things out and ask questions like "where's the trail?". :)

We will be cutting through a parking lot of all things, making it even more confusing. While most of the roads we need to take are back roads, there are a few where people travel at a high rate of speed plus we will need to cross a major highway. Sticking together would be a little safer.

A side benefit would be to get to know everyone. After the first day, I say we just ride at a speed and with the people that you feel most comfortable.