Touring - DC to Chester County, PA

Any suggestions for possible routes for a DC to my home in Chester County, PA, route? I'm toying with the idea of taking another week off after the Pittsburgh to DC trip Spinnaker is leading and riding home from DC. Here's my proposed itinerary:

Day one - DC to north of Baltimore
Day two - North of 'Balmer' to York, PA, using the NCR Trail.
Day three - York to Lancaster using the PA "S" Route
Day four - Lancaster to home using the PA "S" Route

I'll be pulling a trailer with my camping gear. By then I would have a week of solid riding under my belt, so I should be better prepared for the hills I'll face.

Once I get to the NCR Trail I should be fine for directions, but heading out of DC and navigating Baltimore is a little disconcerting. Any suggestions?

I take it you're looking for something fairly direct? I'll ponder this one a bit, but definitely stay off of Rt 1. I don't want to read about you in the paper.

Rumor has it though that hitchhiking is an acceptable alternative these days :P

-R

Any suggestions for possible routes for a DC to my home in Chester County, PA, route? I'm toying with the idea of taking another week off after the Pittsburgh to DC trip Spinnaker is leading and riding home from DC. Here's my proposed itinerary:

Day one - DC to north of Baltimore
Day two - North of 'Balmer' to York, PA, using the NCR Trail.
Day three - York to Lancaster using the PA "S" Route
Day four - Lancaster to home using the PA "S" Route



Historian

How are you crossing Baltimore. I have family in York and have thought about riding up the way, but I don't have aclue how to navigate that mess.



Doug

I take it you're looking for something fairly direct? I'll ponder this one a bit, but definitely stay off of Rt 1. I don't want to read about you in the paper.

Rumor has it though that hitchhiking is an acceptable alternative these days :P

-R

Would seeing me on Fox News or CNN be OK? :) If you do see me there, you'd know I'd be dead, since that's the only way I'd ever appear on television.

Obviously I haven't put a lot of work into plotting routes. Isn't there a bike path that runs north from DC to Baltimore?

Historian

How are you crossing Baltimore. I have family in York and have thought about riding up the way, but I don't have aclue how to navigate that mess.



Doug

I have no idea. I'm not even sure I can get the additional time off from work yet. :(

These routes look promising:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Hampden-NCR-Hypothetical-2

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Interstate-Cycling-System-Southbound-BALTIMORE-to-D-C-Alternate-

Obviously I haven't put a lot of work into plotting routes. Isn't there a bike path that runs north from DC to Baltimore?

There's a fairly long one near BWI, but it doesn't go to DC. http://www.traillink.com/ViewTrail.aspx?AcctID=6016034

Not sure, but I think that was ultimately designed to tie to this one: http://www.traillink.com/ViewTrail.aspx?AcctID=6032309

This one's part of the way through Baltimore, but areas can be "interesting". It's where a lot of the bodies get dumped... http://www.traillink.com/ViewTrail.aspx?AcctID=6032502

Just some ideas..

-R

Where are you entering baltimore?
I've ridden from the north side of baltimore to annapolis before, but not the other way around.
I would suggest looking into the BWI-Annapolis trail, as it is a nice long stretch of paved trail that only allows bikes and pedestrians, although it is a bit out of your way. To get through baltimore itself I would suggest something along the lines of the link below. Biking from the harbor north always sucks, as it is mostly uphill on badly maintained roads. That being said, I've used N. Charles St. several times, and provided you aren't too nervous about riding with busses it isn't too bad. I would suggest using Falls road to get north of the 695, as York Rd. has really high traffic and no accommodation for bikes.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=S+Camp+Meade+Rd%2FMD-170&daddr=S+Hanover+St%2FMD-2+to:S+Charles+St+to:39.303288,-76.615992+to:Falls+Rd%2FMD-25+to:Shawan+Rd+to:Ashland+Rd%2FMD-145&hl=en&geocode=FV7-VQId1jhu-w%3BFSbnVgIddfhu-w%3BFd5-VwIdU_Ju-w%3B%3BFUZfWAId5oxu-w%3BFVWoWgIdmJxt-w%3BFYWdWgIdOH1u-w&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=3&sz=14&via=1,2,3,5&dirflg=h&sll=39.300233,-76.615906&sspn=0.033542,0.077248&ie=UTF8&ll=39.26253,-76.617365&spn=0.01678,0.038624&z=15

Let me know what route you choose, I have family in Chester County (Downingtown) and as I live in baltimore i really want to make the ride up later this semester.

Hey This is "THE" route DC to Balto
http://bikewashington.org/routes/dc2balt/index.htm
Once in downtown Bmore head north on Charles st. or Calvert(eventually head over towards Charles), over to Falls/Roland out of the city. You will snake your way through Lutherville 'hoods' until you get to the NCR trail towards York PA. If you want to skirt the main downtown area of Baltimore you can head towards the 'burb' of Catonsville(my hood) as you near BWI airport, then snake you way to the trail through the NW corridor of Balto. I ride this route often. Fairly easy, don't like parts of it during rush hour tho'. You can also camp at Patapsco state park. I will get more detailed info as you get closer to departure. I believe I have a Bikely route from my home to the NCR trail. Let me know if you are fairly certain of your ride and I will get you there. Best, Charlie

Provided I can swing the time off from work, and arrive in DC in one piece, my trip will be:

Friday, June 19 - arrive in DC with Spinnaker's group on the C & O.
Saturday, June 20 - sightseeing and rest from riding.
Sunday, June 21 - DC to Baltimore - 45-50 miles.
Monday, June 22 - Baltimore to York, PA, via the NCR Trail - 50 miles.
Tuesday, June 23 - York to Lancaster - 40 some miles.
Wednesday, June 24 - Lancaster to Kimberton - 40 some miles.

If I'm really tired, I could add rest days once I get out of Baltimore. I'd love to explore the city, (one of my heroes, Frederick Douglass, grew up in Balmer), but I don't want to pay for a hotel downtown. I don't trust the hostel to store my gear safely for a day or so.

Keep the suggestions coming, folks!

I must concur with Balto Charlie with the route out of Baltimore, I lived in Baltimore for many years myself.

That's a long cue sheet from bikewashington coming in from the south. There are two other alternatives, one is via the American Discovery Route which will take you through Annapolis, then up the B&A trail toward Baltimore. The airport area would be an excellent place for a hotel compared to downtown Baltimore. Then you wake up in the morning, visit downtown Baltimore, then proceed north. Adventure cycling also has a route from Washington to Baltimore and that involves going North along Rock Creek Park, then through a more northern route until you meet up with 144 (Frederick Rd) which will pretty much take you right into Baltimore from the west. The climbs on that route though are really steep. I spent my early childhood days right on Frederick Avenue. Baltimore is not an easy area to bicycle around and it quite a climb going to the north from downtown.

One other thing is in case of a pinch, the Baltimore Light Rail will accept bicycles most of the times, expect around football/baseball games and you could take that within a mile or so of the NCR trailhead. If you need a cheaper hotel but are stuck in Baltimore late, get in the light rail, go south to the North Lithicum station where there is a nice clean hotel (I think it's Days Inn now but not sure) and you'll save $50 or more from a downtown Baltimore hotel.

And do avoid the hostel in Baltimore.

Any suggestions for possible routes for a DC to my home in Chester County, PA, route? I'm toying with the idea of taking another week off after the Pittsburgh to DC trip Spinnaker is leading and riding home from DC. Here's my proposed itinerary:

Day one - DC to north of Baltimore
Day two - North of 'Balmer' to York, PA, using the NCR Trail.
Day three - York to Lancaster using the PA "S" Route
Day four - Lancaster to home using the PA "S" Route

I'll be pulling a trailer with my camping gear. By then I would have a week of solid riding under my belt, so I should be better prepared for the hills I'll face.

Once I get to the NCR Trail I should be fine for directions, but heading out of DC and navigating Baltimore is a little disconcerting. Any suggestions?
Is Lancaster a set destination or would a slightly more direct route be OK? There are some great roads that head north from Baltimore towards a crossing of the Susquehanna at either Connowingo or near Holtwood. Some of the possible choices are the same roads we rode on when you visited here.

As you know you will be passing by my area at least somewhat closely. Let me know if I can assist in any way.

I have no idea. I'm not even sure I can get the additional time off from work yet. :(

These routes look promising:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Hampden-NCR-Hypothetical-2

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Interstate-Cycling-System-Southbound-BALTIMORE-to-D-C-Alternate-

The first route is one that I take, there is a short bit of sidewalk riding required to go the wrong way on a way way street.

The second one is a good route FROM Baltimore but is problematic on the return. Take Annapolis Rd to the Gwynns Falls Trail for a better route into the city.

If I were riding from DC to Chester County, I'd want to get as far from the I-95 corridor as possible. I'd think about taking Rock Creek as far as possible before heading up through Damascus, Mount Airy, maybe even as far up as Westminster, before swinging east to Conowingo. But I haven't ridden all of those roads, indeed none of them in over 25 years.

Is Lancaster a set destination or would a slightly more direct route be OK? There are some great roads that head north from Baltimore towards a crossing of the Susquehanna at either Connowingo or near Holtwood. Some of the possible choices are the same roads we rode on when you visited here.

As you know you will be passing by my area at least somewhat closely. Let me know if I can assist in any way.

I wanted to ride the NCR trail if possible. As you recall when you rode with me in March of last year, I have a wee bit of trouble with hills.

You could fix me a crabcake. :)

THe PA touring routes are absolutely great. I rode the entire length of the "g" route and some of the S I believe.

I must concur with Balto Charlie with the route out of Baltimore, I lived in Baltimore for many years myself.

That's a long cue sheet from bikewashington coming in from the south. There are two other alternatives, one is via the American Discovery Route which will take you through Annapolis, then up the B&A trail toward Baltimore. The airport area would be an excellent place for a hotel compared to downtown Baltimore. Then you wake up in the morning, visit downtown Baltimore, then proceed north. Adventure cycling also has a route from Washington to Baltimore and that involves going North along Rock Creek Park, then through a more northern route until you meet up with 144 (Frederick Rd) which will pretty much take you right into Baltimore from the west. The climbs on that route though are really steep. I spent my early childhood days right on Frederick Avenue. Baltimore is not an easy area to bicycle around and it quite a climb going to the north from downtown.

One other thing is in case of a pinch, the Baltimore Light Rail will accept bicycles most of the times, expect around football/baseball games and you could take that within a mile or so of the NCR trailhead. If you need a cheaper hotel but are stuck in Baltimore late, get in the light rail, go south to the North Lithicum station where there is a nice clean hotel (I think it's Days Inn now but not sure) and you'll save $50 or more from a downtown Baltimore hotel.

And do avoid the hostel in Baltimore.

Thanks for the detailed advice, GPSBlake and others. The only matter I'd correct you on is using Baltimore Light Rail. I don't think they will let me on with a bike trailer.

THe PA touring routes are absolutely great. I rode the entire length of the "g" route and some of the S I believe.

I've ridden the S and G routes to French Creek State Park, and driven the S route to Lancaster, and I agree with you it's a very nice trip. I'm looking forward to riding the S from York.

Thanks for the detailed advice, GPSBlake and others. The only matter I'd correct you on is using Baltimore Light Rail. I don't think they will let me on with a bike trailer.

Good point, didn't think of the trailer you were pulling. I've put a bike with panniers on the Light Rail before. Love the NCR by the way but it was only built as north as New Freedom, PA when I was on it.

I wanted to ride the NCR trail if possible. As you recall when you rode with me in March of last year, I have a wee bit of trouble with hills.


I have mapped out on Bikely a route from BWI airport through Patapsco river valley, up a trolley rail trail, onto the Gwynn Falls trail to downtown B-more.. It ain't going to get any flatter and very few roads. A lot longer than biking straight N from BWI though. You also have the possibility of a nice B&B on Thistle rd(Patapsco River Valley area). At night you can bike down into ellicott City and try out some excellent food and microbrews. You can also camp in Patapsco SP.
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/maryland-catonsville-the-wilderness.html
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/patapscovalley.html
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/BWI-Baltimore-FLAT-rail-trails
The route might need some fine tuning but it is pretty close. Should you decide to ride drop me a PM for finer details.

I have mapped out on Bikely a route from BWI airport through Patapsco river valley, up a trolley rail trail, onto the Gwynn Falls trail to downtown B-more.. It ain't going to get any flatter and very few roads. A lot longer than biking straight N from BWI though. You also have the possibility of a nice B&B on Thistle rd(Patapsco River Valley area). At night you can bike down into ellicott City and try out some excellent food and microbrews. You can also camp in Patapsco SP.
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/maryland-catonsville-the-wilderness.html
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/patapscovalley.html
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/BWI-Baltimore-FLAT-rail-trails
The route might need some fine tuning but it is pretty close. Should you decide to ride drop me a PM for finer details.

Thanks, will do.

And folks, the game's afoot! I got the time off. So I'll be riding back from DC in June.

I have mapped out on Bikely a route from BWI airport through Patapsco river valley, up a trolley rail trail, onto the Gwynn Falls trail to downtown B-more.. It ain't going to get any flatter and very few roads. A lot longer than biking straight N from BWI though. You also have the possibility of a nice B&B on Thistle rd(Patapsco River Valley area). At night you can bike down into ellicott City and try out some excellent food and microbrews. You can also camp in Patapsco SP.
http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/maryland-catonsville-the-wilderness.html
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/patapscovalley.html
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/BWI-Baltimore-FLAT-rail-trails
The route might need some fine tuning but it is pretty close. Should you decide to ride drop me a PM for finer details.

I love the idea of the additional miles into the State Park. I could camp there, then head into Bmore the next day. I'd still like to find a place to stay in or around Bmore so I can spend a day seeing the city and so I don't have a death-march up to York. (I've ridden with a poster around Lock Raven, and I have enormous respect for Maryland's hills. BTW, the poster I rode with used the famous Windsor Tourist. I even got to touch it!)

Some comments I received in email - suggestions for the trip:

"BTW, there is a hostel in Baltimore that has recently been spruced up. It's very conveniently located -- you might try to get a room there. I've ridden through Baltimore a lot, including the so-called dicey areas (southwest), and never had any problems. I wasn't fully loaded, but still ... Coming in from the south is industrial, and not scenic, but again, I've had no problems.

"Also, in DC, there's a guest house (Kalorama Guest House?) that, last time I looked, was pretty reasonably priced if you want to try an alternative to the hostel. The hostel in DC is in a neighborhood that, until recently, was quite dicey, but the neighborhood had been improving with the opening of the DC Convention Center a few years ago.

"[The route posted] takes you up and down unnecessary hills, but would be quite scenic. Its only advantage is the scenery, except for when it goes smack dab through West Baltimore on its way to the Jones Falls trailhead (near the end of I-70).. Take a look at BikeWashington. They have the "standard" route from Washington to Baltimore. And some site has a Monument-to-Monument ride, that goes from downtown Baltimore to downtown DC. So if your primary goal is to do extra miles in slightly better scenery, schlepping the trailer up and down some pretty steep hills (it's the Patapsco River Valley), feel free. Last time I rode into Baltimore, I headed roughly north-north-east from the airport, intercepting the Jones Falls Trail just north of 95, shown on your map. The only "bad" neighborhoods this eliminates are those in the immediate vicinity of the airport, which are ugly or at best non-descript but safe. (The route has you doing the entire Jones Falls Trail, from west to east.)"

OK, folks, I have two other possible routes back from DC:

1. follow the Bay from Baltimore to Harve, cross the river, and ride to Wilmington, DE, then home. This basically follows Frederick Douglass' ride to freedom - Douglass took the train to Harve, crossed, then traveled to Wilmington, Philadelphia, and New York.

2. ride to Annapolis, cross the Bay somehow, and ride north through the Delmarva region to Wilmington.

There are a few reasons why I might want an alternate to my original idea of Baltimore - NCR Trail - York-Lancaster - Chester County route. One is that route is hillier. Another is that it's potentially more expensive if I stay in Balmer. But the big reason is that I live in a rural area that looks pretty much like the PA Dutch country I'd spend days riding through. Why ride in my back yard when there are places I haven't been?

Any suggestions on the two routes above?

one of my heroes, Frederick Douglass, grew up in Balmer


By the way, it's Bawlamer, Hon :):):)

Wife and I both originally from there...

OK, folks, I have two other possible routes back from DC:

1. follow the Bay from Baltimore to Harve, cross the river,

Bikes are not allowed on the US 40 bridge at Harve De Grace to cross the Susquehanna. The nearest way to cross on bicycle the Susquehanna River is US 1 across the dam.

I'm from Bawl-mer.... like Bal-mer Orioles..... 2 syllables, not 3..... :D
Now get me a Natty Boh

Bikes are not allowed on the US 40 bridge at Harve De Grace to cross the Susquehanna. The nearest way to cross on bicycle the Susquehanna River is US 1 across the dam.

I'm from Bawl-mer.... like Bal-mer Orioles..... 2 syllables, not 3..... :D
Now get me a Natty Boh

The bike shop in Harve de Grace will take me across the bridge for 10 bucks.

The bike shop in Harve de Grace will take me across the bridge for 10 bucks.

Good deal and go fer it!!!

I'm assuming you're taking US 40 out of Baltimore to Harve De Grace? At least you will have a wide shoulder for the entire ride along a divided four lane or more highway.

Have fun

Good deal and go fer it!!!

I'm assuming you're taking US 40 out of Baltimore to Harve De Grace? At least you will have a wide shoulder for the entire ride along a divided four lane or more highway.

Have fun

Any camping areas along that projected route?

Elk Neck State Park maybe?

Elk Neck State Park maybe?

Thanks, I'll consider that. Susquahanna State Park is also an option. Anything else between Patpasco and Elk Neck?

Thanks, I'll consider that. Susquahanna State Park is also an option. Anything else between Patpasco and Elk Neck?

As it stands, the proposed alternate itinerary is:

DC to Patpasco (48 miles), Patpasco to Susquanhanna State Park (53 miles), and I'm working on the rest. this has the advantage of skipping Baltimore and being flat the second day until I reach Havre de Grace.

As it stands, the proposed alternate itinerary is:

DC to Patpasco (48 miles), Patpasco to Susquanhanna State Park (53 miles), and I'm working on the rest. this has the advantage of skipping Baltimore and being flat the second day until I reach Havre de Grace.
You have mentioned a desire to avoid hills... With that in mind pick the route to Susquehanna State Park carefully or try to find a place to stay nearer to RT 40. I am pretty sure I remember some very steep hills in that area.

OK folks, I've had a complete change of plans. Instead of riding from DC north to Baltimore, I'm skipping Bmore, and riding to Annapolis, crossing the bridge, traveling to Cape Henlopen, and then up along the Delaware Bay to Wilmington. From there it's a long day's ride home. The new itinerary means I'll be riding in an area I've never been to; I've visited Baltimore several times, and the PA Dutch country is too much like my home.

My specific questions:

1. I understand I can pay a shuttle to cross the bridge at Annapolis. "Foamy" in another thread suggested soliciting a ride at a gas station. Is "Foamy"'s suggestion practical and safe?

2. State campgrounds in Delaware are very pricey. 30 bucks is a bit much for a tent spot, IMHO. Any suggestions on where to stay around Cape Henlopen and places along the bay?

3. I'm having a hard time resisting a pilgrimage of sorts. Shady Side, MD, is about 35 miles from DC and about 20 miles from Annapolis. It was also the home of Norman Tweed Whitaker, chessmaster and criminal. My friend John Hilbert titled his biography of Whitaker Shady Side, and I've written about old Norman Tweed myself: http://www.correspondencechess.com/campbell/articles/a040802.htm . I wonder, however, how difficult it is to get to Shady Side, and then reach Annapolis in a single day. There doesn't appear to be any camping in the Shady Side area, and I'm not going to live in a rundown shack was Norman Tweed did.

As always, any general advice and suggestions are welcomed.

About a year ago i rode right up 29 from DC to Ellicott City. I think technically it is a state road and you can ride it, I was passed by cops and never stopped. It is like an interstate and recently i did notice a sign on an entering cloverleaf that said 'no bikes.'

i'd still try to ride it if i needed to get up that way, just hang a right thru old Ellicott City and ride into b'more into downtown. These neighborhoods are a little sketchy but not too bad.

Well, I've finally decided on a route. I'd post a map but Bikely is down for some reason. The itinerary:

June 12 - Ostello Spinnaker
Via the Montour Trail and Great Allegheny Passage:
June 13 - Boston, PA
June 14 - Adelaide
June 15 - Rockwood
June 16 - Cumberland, MD
Via the C & O Canal Towpath:
June 17 - Hancock
June 18 - Harper's Ferry
Via the Washington and Old Dominion Trail:
June 19 - Northern VA (hosted by a BF poster)
June 20 - NOVA (hosted by a BF poster) - rest day touring DC
June 21 - Annapolis, MD
June 22 - Tuckahoe State Park
June 23 - Southern Delaware
June 24 - near Cape May, NJ
June 25 - near Lewes, DE
June 26 - Killian's Pond Park, DE
June 27 - Lum's Pond Park, DE (near Wilmington)
June 28 - home

I've given up visiting Shady Side, MD. Too much work to fit in it. But other than that, I love this itinerary. I split off from the BF group ride Spinnaker is running and cross to the W & OD trail at White's Ferry. I get to see Annapolis and Cape Henlopen, and take another ferry to Cape May. And the ride home from near Wilmington will follow one of the routes used by 'passengers' a century and a half ago on the Underground Railroad. I'll let a contemporary letter explain:

"KIMBERTON, October 28th, 1855.

ESTEEMED FRIEND:-This evening a company of eleven friends reached here, having left their homes on the night of the 26th inst. They came into Wilmington, about, ten o'clock on the morning of the 27th, and left there, in the town, their two carriages, drawn by two horses. They went to Thomas Garrett's by open day-light and from thence were sent hastily onward for fear of pursuit. They reached Longwood meetinghouse in the evening, at which place a Fair Circle had convened, and stayed a while in the meeting, then, after remaining all night with one of the Kennet friends, they were brought to Downingtown early in the morning, and from thence, by daylight, to within a short distance of this place...."

Longwood is today's Kennett Square, about 12 miles from Wilmington. I should be able to travel in one day the distance the 'friends' needed three to complete.

Well, I've finally decided on a route. I'd post a map but Bikely is down for some reason. The itinerary:

June 12 - Ostello Spinnaker
Via the Montour Trail and Great Allegheny Passage:
June 13 - Boston, PA
June 14 - Adelaide
June 15 - Rockwood
June 16 - Cumberland, MD
Via the C & O Canal Towpath:
June 17 - Hancock
June 18 - Harper's Ferry
Via the Washington and Old Dominion Trail:
June 19 - Northern VA (hosted by a BF poster)
June 20 - NOVA (hosted by a BF poster) - rest day touring DC
June 21 - Annapolis, MD
June 22 - Tuckahoe State Park
June 23 - Southern Delaware
June 24 - near Cape May, NJ
June 25 - near Lewes, DE
June 26 - Killian's Pond Park, DE
June 27 - Lum's Pond Park, DE (near Wilmington)
June 28 - home

I've given up visiting Shady Side, MD. Too much work to fit in it. But other than that, I love this itinerary. I split off from the BF group ride Spinnaker is running and cross to the W & OD trail at White's Ferry. I get to see Annapolis and Cape Henlopen, and take another ferry to Cape May. And the ride home from near Wilmington will follow one of the routes used by 'passengers' a century and a half ago on the Underground Railroad. I'll let a contemporary letter explain:

"KIMBERTON, October 28th, 1855.

ESTEEMED FRIEND:-This evening a company of eleven friends reached here, having left their homes on the night of the 26th inst. They came into Wilmington, about, ten o'clock on the morning of the 27th, and left there, in the town, their two carriages, drawn by two horses. They went to Thomas Garrett's by open day-light and from thence were sent hastily onward for fear of pursuit. They reached Longwood meetinghouse in the evening, at which place a Fair Circle had convened, and stayed a while in the meeting, then, after remaining all night with one of the Kennet friends, they were brought to Downingtown early in the morning, and from thence, by daylight, to within a short distance of this place...."

Longwood is today's Kennett Square, about 12 miles from Wilmington. I should be able to travel in one day the distance the 'friends' needed three to complete.

Bikely is back up. Here's the rough map of the route. Obviously I need to refine it:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/274764

Any particular roads I should avoid?

My gear list:

Bike:
lighting system
two Polar insulated water bottles

Trailer
bunjie straps and cargo net

Clothing:
Two pairs bib shorts
two jerseys
two compression shirts
three pairs socks
jacket (doubles as rain jacket)
helmet with light
headsweat
swimsuit
running shorts
1 cotton T shirt
1 synthetic T shirt
2 pairs synthetic boxer shorts
1 pair Crocs
1 pair water shoes
1 pair cycling shoes
arch supports

Last time I brought three pairs of shorts, which were one pair too many. Also, I was using gel shorts; with the Brooks saddle I probably won't need gel.

Bringing both Crocs and water shoes is an extravagance, but I want to get some swimming in on the tour, and I don't trust my Crocs to remain on my feet in, say, the Potomac. The water shoes are OK when I'm being supported by water, but they aren't comfortable to walk around camp in.

I brought cotton boxers last time, but the synthetic will wick better. And I need two pairs because I'm so very fastidious. That explains the three pairs of socks as well.

Camping stuff:
tent
sleeping bag
sleeping pad
travel pillow
bug spray
stove
pot
plastic spork
plastic mug

Eating out every day gets expensive quickly, so I'm planning on cooking in camp more often this trip. I have a simple stove and simple tastes. Probably first breakfast each morning will be trail mix or oatmeal, and in camp at dinner I'll have noodles or rice with tuna or chicken. Second breakfast and lunch will be on the road.

Revised, and more or less final, itinerary:

June 12 - Ostello 'Spinnaker'
Via the Montour Trail and Great Allegheny Passage:
June 13 - Boston, PA
June 14 - Adelaide
June 15 - Rockwood
June 16 - Cumberland, MD
Via the C & O Canal Towpath:
June 17 - Hancock
June 18 - Harper's Ferry
Via the Washington and Old Dominion Trail:
June 19 - Northern VA (hosted by a BF poster)
June 20 - NOVA (hosted by a BF poster) - rest day touring DC
June 21 - Annapolis, MD
June 22 - Trappe, MD
June 23 - Laurel, Delaware
June 24 - Harbeson, DE
June 25 - Lewes, DE, after swinging down to Fenwick Island and riding up the coast.
June 26 - Killian's Pond Park, DE
June 27 - Lum's Pond Park, DE (near Wilmington)
June 28 - home

The big drawback is camping. DE camping is expensive, and I'm likely to be surrounded by RVs at a place like Cape Henlopen. I'm tempted to simply ask local churches if I can camp in their yard. Suggestions, ideas, folks?

This is coming up soon, right? Or has the schedule changed?

The following should be considered as "food for thought" and not criticism. I realize that what works for one is not the same that works for someone else, but since you posted the list I am assuming you are welcoming suggestions.

The gear list looks well thought out. Some things I personally would carry less of, some things I would make do more "double duty", and at least one item I would add, but that is all a matter of personal preference.

I don't see any non bike pants on your list except running shorts, so I am curious why the boxer shorts? To sleep in maybe? Personally I'd just use the running shorts.

Six different shirts sounds like a lot of shirts and jerseys. Do you usually wear a compression shirt under your jersey?

I do typically carry some lightweight zip off leg pants with a built in mesh brief for buggy evenings. They are also a bit more presentable if I want to go somewhere that shorts may not be appropriate.

All of that is a judgment call though and each we take what we find works for us. I know that on my last tour, on hindsight, I could have carried about half as much as i did, since I never touched many of the items I carried.

Have a great trip and keep the reports coming.

This is coming up soon, right? Or has the schedule changed?

The following should be considered as "food for thought" and not criticism. I realize that what works for one is not the same that works for someone else, but since you posted the list I am assuming you are welcoming suggestions.

The gear list looks well thought out. Some things I personally would carry less of, some things I would make do more "double duty", and at least one item I would add, but that is all a matter of personal preference.

I don't see any non bike pants on your list except running shorts, so I am curious why the boxer shorts? To sleep in maybe? Personally I'd just use the running shorts.

Six different shirts sounds like a lot of shirts and jerseys. Do you usually wear a compression shirt under your jersey?

I do typically carry some lightweight zip off leg pants with a built in mesh brief for buggy evenings. They are also a bit more presentable if I want to go somewhere that shorts may not be appropriate.

All of that is a judgment call though and each we take what we find works for us. I know that on my last tour, on hindsight, I could have carried about half as much as i did, since I never touched many of the items I carried.

Have a great trip and keep the reports coming.

Oh please, criticize the list. I think anyone posting anything on Bike Forums should expect to receive criticism on their posts. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with me on that point, as the moderators could tell you. ;)

I wear a compression shirt almost always under my jersey. Having lost over a hundred pounds, I have a lot of loose skin. Unfortunately not as much loose skin as I did last time I toured, for I've regained some weight and filled it out a little. :) The compression shirts act as a base layer and keep me from getting a black eye if I ride over a bump. However, the compression shirts aren't suitable for wearing on their own.

I'd rather not wear the running shorts to bed, so the boxers come in handy then.

I'm rethinking the water shoes. A young man drowned swimming in the Yough two weeks ago. And after reading about the fecal count in the Potomac, I no longer have a desire to swim in it. Also, the darn things are heavy! I'll still bring the swimsuit, since the beach in Delaware and the campgrounds have pools.

The big drawback is camping. DE camping is expensive, and I'm likely to be surrounded by RVs at a place like Cape Henlopen. I'm tempted to simply ask local churches if I can camp in their yard. Suggestions, ideas, folks?
I have not done it in Delaware, but I have generally been able to find a place to pitch a tent for free in most small towns elsewhere. If open the public library often has a librarian who knows everyone in town. Asking at the local mini-mart has worked often either by them pointing to a place to stay or directing me to someone else to ask. Police or fire departments are also places to ask. In one case we even called the Mayor and he pointed us to a church that put us up. A Baptist day camp let us stay once.

In the western and central small towns the city parks seemed to be fair game, but I usually talked to some locals first anyway. I am not sure how well any of that translates to Delaware though.

If you are near campgrounds like KOA or whatever it gets tougher since everyone tends to point you to them. In Kansas they really were a poor choice because they were almost as much as the motels (which are cheap there).

Oh please, criticize the list. I think anyone posting anything on Bike Forums should expect to receive criticism on their posts. Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with me on that point, as the moderators could tell you. ;) <snip>

I'm rethinking the water shoes. A young man drowned swimming in the Yough two weeks ago. And after reading about the fecal count in the Potomac, I no longer have a desire to swim in it. Also, the darn things are heavy! I'll still bring the swimsuit, since the beach in Delaware and the campgrounds have pools.

It's helpful to have some sort of water shoes for campground shower stalls. Some of the ones I've used have been a little grungy. I hope I didn't put you off on swimming in the Potomac by my post.... there are still places I'd swim in, and some I'd swim in and take a good wash after.:)

Authorities believe that a boat's wake may have taken the 13 year-old boy under the water. Birdy's Landing is in the area between McKeesport and Versailles/Boston.

Judy

It's helpful to have some sort of water shoes for campground shower stalls. Some of the ones I've used have been a little grungy. I hope I didn't put you off on swimming in the Potomac by my post.... there are still places I'd swim in, and some I'd swim in and take a good wash after.:)

Authorities believe that a boat's wake may have taken the 13 year-old boy under the water. Birdy's Landing is in the area between McKeesport and Versailles/Boston.

Judy

Yes, River's Edge is a bit grimy. I'm bringing Crocs. "Swimming" in the Potomac means wading in my case, since I don't swim in any normal sense of the word. I'm better off not attempting it.

This is coming up soon, right? Or has the schedule changed?


Starts Friday. I'm with the Bike Forums group headed to DC from Pittsburgh.

I have not done it in Delaware, but I have generally been able to find a place to pitch a tent for free in most small towns elsewhere. If open the public library often has a librarian who knows everyone in town. Asking at the local mini-mart has worked often either by them pointing to a place to stay or directing me to someone else to ask. Police or fire departments are also places to ask. In one case we even called the Mayor and he pointed us to a church that put us up. A Baptist day camp let us stay once.

In the western and central small towns the city parks seemed to be fair game, but I usually talked to some locals first anyway. I am not sure how well any of that translates to Delaware though.

If you are near campgrounds like KOA or whatever it gets tougher since everyone tends to point you to them. In Kansas they really were a poor choice because they were almost as much as the motels (which are cheap there).

I've snared one place already - I won't disclose it until after I've stayed there. Since Delaware is at the end of my tour, the days are relatively short mileage, which gives me a bit of time each day to find a place to lay my head, so to speak.