Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - First Tour This year?

Considering going on my first tour this year. Nothing long and nothing far and will have to motel it since I have a CPAP.

I know there are a few tourists (not sure thats the right name) people here so suggestions on where to go are more then welcome.

I know NOTHING AT ALL about touring. But as I am reading "Over the Hills" I am dying to try a short tour.

Look at the C&O Canal Towpath and the Greater Allegheny Passage, which combine to connect DC to Pittsburgh. Combined they give you about 500 miles with no automobile traffic. The towpath is dirt and will be muddy a few days after a rain. The GAP is crushed limestone, so pretty decent. Quite a few people on BF have ridden this; you'll find a variety of advice regarding appropriate bike/tires.

This website has nice info on the towpath, including lodging: http://bikewashington.org/canal

on the GAP, have you ridden it? Is the limestone bumpy?

on the GAP, have you ridden it? Is the limestone bumpy?

The GAP is pretty easy peasy. The limestone is pretty fine, fairly smooth, and drains pretty well. The C&O is a whole other story.

chef - there's a group going down the GAP starting June 1. PeterC is one of the initiators I believe, and I'm working on the details of dragging my self up for the trip as well. Most of the guys are riding trikes and pulling trailers, so it's definitely a "slow down and smell the roses" trip, not for the hammerheads at heart. The invitation was open, so I don't think anyone would mind me extending an invitation your way!

OOPS! Here's a link to the bent riders forum discussing the ride:http://www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/showthread.php?t=79486

I kinda looked at the Florida trip to the Withlacooche Trail to be "touring" I got a motel room 100' from the trail and did several 20 ish mile rides a day. Not an epic journey but I'm easily entertained. I liked doing this as I had a confortable base, no support problems and didn't have to ride a preplanned distance.

chef - there's a group going down the GAP starting June 1. PeterC is one of the initiators I believe, and I'm working on the details of dragging my self up for the trip as well. Most of the guys are riding trikes and pulling trailers, so it's definitely a "slow down and smell the roses" trip, not for the hammerheads at heart. The invitation was open, so I don't think anyone would mind me extending an invitation your way!

OOPS! Here's a link to the bent riders forum discussing the ride:http://www.bentrideronline.com/messageboard/showthread.php?t=79486

I think Iron Chef would fit in. They need someone to cook anyway.

Have someone drop you off in Philly or take Patco. Ride to New Hope, PA on a Friday. There is a Best Western on U.S. 202 up the hill from the center of town. Saturday, ride into town, cross the bridge into NJ and ride up the trail along the river to Frenchtown/Milford and back. There is also a trail on the PA side, but it's in bad shape in places. Ride home Sunday. Don't know what you consider long. Philly to New Hope is maybe 50 or so miles IIRC. Bikely deleted all my routes when they "improved" the site.

on the GAP, have you ridden it? Is the limestone bumpy?

The GAP's surface is like that of the trail you rode with Sayre in July:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250280_2129092959367_1607271639_2086972_70652_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/34410_1540795572300_1607271639_1271476_8314739_n.jpg

Iron Chef on the Schuylkill River Trail north of Hamburg, Sayre Kulp on the GAP south of Confluence.

As stated earlier in the thread, I am doing my first tour this year, and a group is doing the GAP from Homestead to Cumberland (I am doing the round-trip). The group is planning to take about 3.5 days to do one-way, and I'm thinking 4 days or so to do the return leg. While most of us will be on trikes (with trailers), all are welcome to join. It will be a smell-the-flowers kind of ride.

While we are planning to camp (I use a BI-PAP, and am going to do without, but will be bringing it in case we get power somewhere), you could easily motel it and just ride with us as you like (might be more comfortable to do your first 'tour' with others around?). For example, I will probably be cruising around 5-7mph at a guess.

Another look at the trail surface:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/190306_1795042968326_1607271639_1724384_6254108_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/196364_1795043208332_1607271639_1724385_1696718_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/188962_1795041568291_1607271639_1724377_6215151_n.jpg

The GAP and the C&O are a great ride, it's nice to ride for days without having to deal with cars. The C&O can get a little bumpy but it's no biggie...I did it solo in 2010 with 26x1.6 tires. There are lots of great low price and or free camping spots along the way. I highly recommend Husky Haven and also suggest buying this book if you are considering http://www.atatrail.org/store/proddetail.cfm?ItemID=61&CategoryID=3

I am also doing it with a small group starting in Pitt the Fri. before Memorial Day. So far two solid riders and a 3 more on the fence, open invitation here also.

Another look at the trail surface:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/190306_1795042968326_1607271639_1724384_6254108_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/196364_1795043208332_1607271639_1724385_1696718_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/188962_1795041568291_1607271639_1724377_6215151_n.jpg
Your pics are making me want to hit the GAP Neil.

Here is a slideshow from my 2010 trip.I didn't have the best or lightest equipment but had a great time.
http://vimeo.com/19038392

Maryland Eastern shore. Flat, scenic, and mostly bikeable. And the crab is great!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/183137_1730014582657_1607271639_1620891_761120_n.jpg

Your pics are making me want to hit the GAP Neil.


How do you think I feel? I haven't been on it since 2010. And I'll be out of commission much of 2012. :-(

The Pine Creek Gorge Rail Trail in PA. Park in one of the trailhead lots, ride up to Wellsboro Junction, ride the few miles into Wellsboro, spend the night at a motel or B & B, ride back to the car. The trail runs 64 miles from Wellsboro Junction in the north to Jersey Shore in the south. The trail follows Pine Creek, allegedly the largest "creek" in the US, and passes 17 miles through Pine Creek Gorge, which is nicknamed "Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon."

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/169008_1713139560792_1607271639_1591243_843464_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/179863_1713141480840_1607271639_1591256_7250515_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/180298_1713143120881_1607271639_1591266_6450656_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/179845_1713143800898_1607271639_1591271_7724524_n.jpg

Then when you are done riding, drive to one of the overlooks at the edge of the canyon. Here's a photo with some guy I met up there.... I can't remember his name. If you look closely at the creek you can see the trail next to it.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/317705_2194276508915_1607271639_2170877_453151_n.jpg

Your place to the shore. 75 miles or so one way.

Neil: Would love to talk with you more about some options. I think I would like to try my first one solo so I do not slow down the group or anything so perhaps the GAP or???? I dont know. I am very clueless when it comes to this.

Lehigh Valley Rail Trail. Park at White Haven, ride the 26 miles down to Jim Thorpe, stay at a motel or B & B, ride back. Spend the morning of the return day walking around Jim Thorpe, a beautiful little town on the mountainside. When you get back to the truck, drive to nearby Hickory Run State Park and see Boulder Field.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/31176_1375046068666_1607271639_871814_3229750_n.jpg

Are you ready to ROCK!?! Boulder Field.....

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/31176_1374618177969_1607271639_870340_6410704_n.jpg

Neil: Would love to talk with you more about some options. I think I would like to try my first one solo so I do not slow down the group or anything so perhaps the GAP or???? I dont know. I am very clueless when it comes to this.

Touring isn't like the sort of riding you do, Iron Chef. The fact you are concerned about "slowing down the group" shows you have to change your thinking a bit. Touring isn't about the destination, but the journey. If you think it's about going as fast as you can from point A to Point B, or C, or Z, you won't like it.

I suggest you do an overnight first, to see if you like touring by bike, and so you get a handle on packing and become used to carrying extra weight. Solo or with others is your call. My first tour was an overnight from Neilfein's home to Red Bank, NJ, and back. 90 miles round trip. It was an adventure if only because we hadn't done something like it before.

Make your trip an adventure too. Pick a place a day's ride away, ride there, stay, ride home. Make your night stop a motel, hotel, B & B, or a friend's house. Keep the distance shorter so you can spend time at your destination and in case you have a problem.

Thanks Neil. I know I need to make a mind shift and I would like to work on that. It will take some time for me to do that but touring, after reading Over the Hills, is something I would love to try. Basically because it doesnt have to be about getting on a plane and taking a vacation. It can be just what you said, about the journey. I am trying not to get wrapped up on the speed or distance and I will continue to work on that.

The group I am going with will do the GAPCO in about a week...definitely smelling the roses.

Neil: Would love to talk with you more about some options. I think I would like to try my first one solo so I do not slow down the group or anything so perhaps the GAP or???? I dont know. I am very clueless when it comes to this.

I hear you about solo. But honestly, it would be more likely that *I* would slow you down Sir. My suggestion (if timing works for you) is simply to do yours at the same time as I am - that way you can split off or ride with us as you like. Just an idea - as a real city boy, I am more comfortable not being 'really alone' on my first try. But no worries either way, but I do think the GAP is a great first tour - either one way, or round-trip.

peter: are you starting in Pitt?

I hear you about solo. But honestly, it would be more likely that *I* would slow you down Sir. My suggestion (if timing works for you) is simply to do yours at the same time as I am - that way you can split off or ride with us as you like. Just an idea - as a real city boy, I am more comfortable not being 'really alone' on my first try. But no worries either way, but I do think the GAP is a great first tour - either one way, or round-trip.

I suggest an overnight somewhere, and especially if you are camping. Having gear you can trust, and knowing what to do, is a big plus. For instance, it took Neilfein and I three hours to break camp on our first camping trip. I was down to 30 minutes or less on the GAP.

As for 'city folk' like you and the Iron Chef, stretches of the GAP will blow your mind. On the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath, most of the time you are near Ohio's largest cities - Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and their suburbs. The 21 miles between Confluence and Rockwood is without cell phone service, water, food, and runs through heavily forested areas. The 28 miles between Connellsville and Confluence passes through a forested state park. Some of the places marked on the GAP maps are road crossings, and that's it - Deal, for instance. The selling point of the GAP is Nature; if you aren't into it, this ride isn't for you.

Iron Chef, recall the trail ride we did with Sayre Kulp in July of last year? That was twelve miles long. Well, the GAP is that ride multiplied by 11.

peter: are you starting in Pitt?

Strikingly enough, they are starting in Homestead. The trail isn't complete to Pittsburgh yet. There's a mile long gap in the GAP.

So that GAP started in Homestead? Sorry for the dumb questions. New to all this and need to do much more research (in due time).

peter: are you starting in Pitt?

Not quite, at Homestead. See and read the thread linked above for all the current info on our plans so far.

Strikingly enough, they are starting in Homestead. The trail isn't complete to Pittsburgh yet. There's a mile long gap in the GAP.
Better than when I did it...there was closer to a 30 mile gap in the GAP

Your place to the shore. 75 miles or so one way.

Chef,

I am willing to help out...

I have been thinking along the same lines as you...

planning and brain effing the heck out of these tours...

Better than when I did it...there was closer to a 30 mile gap in the GAP

I started in Pittsburgh with Neilfein and Spinnaker in May 2008. Nearly met Jesus on Rt. 837 when I hit 36 MPH and the trailer began to take over the bike. Neilfein refused to ride on the road and instead got a detour. My second and third trips (August 2008 and June 2009) started on the Montour Trail and joined the GAP at McKeesport.

Chef,

I am willing to help out...

I have been thinking along the same lines as you...

planning and brain effing the heck out of these tours...

Could you host the Iron Chef?

BTW, Ocean County to Cape May might be fun. Add in the ferry ride to Lewes and then stay at a motel there?

So that GAP started in Homestead? Sorry for the dumb questions. New to all this and need to do much more research (in due time).

The Passage, when completed, will run from Point State Park in Pittsburgh, at the start of the Ohio River, to Cumberland, MD. Currently there is a stretch of about a mile that is being planned, running through the parking lot of a water park. Homestead, strikingly enough, is the current preferred starting point.

rec: You planning on doing it this year?

Could you host the Iron Chef?

BTW, Ocean County to Cape May might be fun. Add in the ferry ride to Lewes and then stay at a motel there?

Sure!


I am riding now as training for the Bike MS Coast the Coast which is a 2 day ride(weekend before Memorial Day) from Monmouth University to Pinelands HS in Little Egg Harbor, camp out or get hotel on LBI, then the second day ride down to Cape May for the Finish.... completely supported with sag vehicles and rest stops! looking for sponsors by the way...

rec: You planning on doing it this year?

I want to do something this year...:rolleyes: I wanna do an over night to start off with, but am thinking I need to go someplace with electric for my CPAP or I will keep the entire camp ground or neighborhood awake with my snoring.:lol:

been looking at tents ,but kinda steering away from those as the cpap thing...

any ideas?

I want to do something this year...:rolleyes: I wanna do an over night to start off with, but am thinking I need to go someplace with electric for my CPAP or I will keep the entire camp ground or neighborhood awake with my snoring.:lol:

been looking at tents ,but kinda steering away from those as the cpap thing...

any ideas?

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&doc_id=3045&v=2j

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&doc_id=3271&v=4K

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&doc_id=3045&v=2j

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&doc_id=3271&v=4K

thanks... good ideas....

I want to do something this year...:rolleyes: I wanna do an over night to start off with, but am thinking I need to go someplace with electric for my CPAP or I will keep the entire camp ground or neighborhood awake with my snoring.:lol:

been looking at tents ,but kinda steering away from those as the cpap thing...

any ideas?


rec: have you seen this article ??? It looks like a fairly workable solution if you need to cart a CPAP machine around with you.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?page_id=171469

For a first tour, I did the motel / hostel route. It took one more thing that could go badly out of the equation. If I had still been on a CPAP, it would have been a deal breaker for sure.

thanks... good ideas....

The second one, with the ride to the home of one of Neil F.'s friends, is the model I suggest. It adds the sense of adventure to meeting friends you know.

For a first tour, I did the motel / hostel route. It took one more thing that could go badly out of the equation. If I had still been on a CPAP, it would have been a deal breaker for sure.

Hmm. You still might have pulled it off. Wasn't there electric outlets at every place you stayed?

Hmm. You still might have pulled it off. Wasn't there electric outlets at every place you stayed?

That's what I meant. If I had still been on the CPAP, I DEFINITELY would have gone the way that I did.

That's what I meant. If I had still been on the CPAP, I DEFINITELY would have gone the way that I did.

Understood. Stoutdog didn't tell me he used CPAP when we attempted to ride to the PA border. Had I known I'd have aimed for a hotel the nights he was with me. Now you know why he's my hero.... :-)

BTW, I understand Peter C is attempting his GAP tour with a battery powered unit.

been looking at tents ,but kinda steering away from those as the cpap thing...

any ideas?

Could you not get a camp site that has electricity (as many do, especially at commerical campgrounds) and run a cord into the tent?

rec: Is the MS ride flat? How much do you have to come up with for donations?

rec: Is the MS ride flat? How much do you have to come up with for donations?

Doesn't your employer have a large team in the MS City-to-Shore in late September? It's a fun time if you don't mind riding with close to 7,000 other people. This will be my 21st consecutive year. Get 10 people to donate $30 each and you've made the minimum. I raised about $7,500 last year. My company has a great matching program. 100% for employee donations.

rec: Is the MS ride flat? How much do you have to come up with for donations?

for the most part yes it is flat, minimum amount is 300 plus registration fee... the bridges are the killers ... I like the fully supported aspect too... just have to get bike "inspected" to get roadside assistance (flat repairs etc)

My company, I hear, used to have teams but I am not sure anymore. I need to investigate.

I have my own Team and am always looking for more team members! L.C.N.L.E. Ridge Riders, for the City to Shore in September, and am registering my team name for the Coast the Coast as soon as I get the coin.