Hey Everybody:
The reason I may need to take my folder is because I found a bus that leaves at night and gets to Pittsburgh in the morning for $ 15! However they only accept foldering bicycles as luggage. My concern is that with camping gear I am close to the weight maximum of my bike. If I was on a flat road surface I would not give it a second thought. However with a cheap folder I do not want to push it.

Thanks for all the great advice. Right now I am considering doing the Erie Canal or the GAP C&O. John