Originally Posted by
travbikeman
They have extended the new stone from Whites Ferry to past Nolands Ferry. Currently working on re-stoning from Nolands Ferry to Brunswick. Brunswick all the way to Shepherdstown has been completed. Makes for easier bike riding, but will admit it is oatmeal right now.
I was walking the canal yesterday from Nolands Ferry to and from Monocacy yesterday. I could not see the bottom of my shoes when done. Had to scrape the stones off.
Ah, that is awesome news. When they did the work from brunswick heading north they did it in stages: first drag/clear a section, then put down a first layer of stone, then put down dust, before finally running the rollers on it. Even after they finish working on a section it takes a while to settle. I thought the new surface was ruined right away when it rained and then a bunch of horses used it. After a heavy rain later that week you couldn't tell the horses had been there (on a related topic I wish the horse riders would remove their manure from the path...). So, it was still pretty soft. Now that many months have passed it has gotten pretty solid. You can't tell when the rangers have driven their trucks through any more. Even so the people who ride their bicycles on it have their calves covered in grit after riding even on dry days. I suppose I'll know my own opinion on it for cycling once I get out there on a bicycle with some regularity (should be out there tomorrow). I do know that it's great for running as is.