Originally Posted by
briwasson
This has to be one of the most-asked questions on the touring forum! :-)
I've ridden both the GAP and C&O on 26x1.25 tires, and indeed was just on a section of it last weekend on those same tires for a day ride. I'd recommend wider, though. The GAP is a good surface of crushed stone, but if it it gets wet it can be a bit soft, especially if you are carrying a load. The C&O can have tree roots, rocks, and lots of puddles if after a rain (like last Sunday, we were dodging puddles a lot). Wider is definitely better for both of these trails.
Oh, and be sure to ride the Western Maryland Rail Trail when you get to it, to bypass part of the C&O, which is about 20 miles of glorious asphalt, split on both sides of Hancock.
I see you're from Philly... How hard is it to get from the Philly Amtrak station to Ocean City, NJ? I'm thinking of riding to DC then hopping a train to Philly then riding to NJ to spend a couple of days on the beach with the family. I thought about PA route S but am not sure I can do PGH to OC in 5 days.
Originally Posted by
phughes
On the C&O you might have to ride a little farther off the trail to get food, but there are towns and grocery stores. I didn't find it difficult at all. You may have to plan a little, but it isn't hard. I ride the GAP often since I live near it, and honestly, it isn't difficult to find food. Once again, a little advance planning helps, but it wasn't hard.
The GAP is really easy to find food, I believe a there's a grocery store in West Newton, I can't remember, I eat at the Trailside Inn or turn around at the rail car if I'm joy riding. There's Martin's Grocery next to the Adirondacks in Connellsville. My only advice and Alan S may be able to chime in on this is avoid the Ohiopyle House Cafe. Told me it would be a couple of hours to be served breakfast. Falls Market in Ohiopyle has an excellent brunch on Sunday, I'm not sure about Saturday and breakfast comes up very quick on weekdays. I always say I'm going to hit the Smokehouse BBQ in Confluence but either arrive too early to see a closed sign or am not hungry, but the BBQ smells great. In Rockwood I go to the Opera House.
Originally Posted by
biknbrian
Edthesped
We are riding the week before you. 2 days to Ohiopyle, a layover day in Ohiopyle to hangout and maybe go rafting, and 2 more days to Cumberland. We are trying to keep things fun and easy going for the kids. We don't want to make them hate cycling.
....
Scoop, shake, chugg, rinse, go... 25 morning miles later, "Hey you getting hungry? How about some brunch or lunch? We are all set up for an easy afternoon."
Yep, wieght gainer. I wouldn't tour without it.
Definitely got to make it fun with kids. My daughter loves to ride and my son would rather hike. My thing is that I tend to eat healthy but when I'm doing bigger rides I rationalize that it's okay to eat less than healthy fare so I take full advantage of the restaurants along the trail.