Cheese Head

I will be doing a supported group ride of the GAP starting in Cumberland and riding to Pittsburg. We will be riding the first weekend of October doing the ride in three segments (3 consecutive days).

So I have a few questions for those of you that are familiar with the GAP.

1. I plan to take my Jamis Super Nova which currently has Continental Touring Plus 28mm tires. I see most recommend something at least 32mm. Should I consider jumping up a size or two in width? If so is there a better suited tire for the trail than the touring plus that won't break the bank? I need to ad that I am also a clydesdale at 250lb.

2. What are the average temp.s in that area lately? Mornings - Afternoons?

3. Are there any must see/do things that I should be aware of? I do have the GAP trail book that I have looked through. But It's always nice to hear from others that have ridden the trail on what their favorite sights were.

4. Anything specific I should make sure to bring? Like mentioned earlier this will be SAG supported and we will be staying in motels every night. So I will not have to carry everything with me. Wich leaves me some room for extras for the day if needed.

Any insight from your experiences would be greatly welcomed!

Altair 4

Weather Underground does a pretty long range forecast. Here's the link to Ohiopyle, PA, which is pretty close to the halfway point:

https://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin...ohiopyle%2C+pa

The temps will be higher at both ends (Cumberland and Pittsburgh).

I'd bring sunscreen, a light rain jacket, a camera, and some snacks.

I enjoyed the vistas from near the Big Savage Tunnel, the views from the bridges over the Casselman and Yough rivers, and the ride over the Salisbury viaduct. Take some time to explore some of the trail towns and just relish being out in nature. Contemplate all of the history, from George Washington through the Gilded "Robber Baron" Age, the boom and bust of the timber, coal, and steel industries. Stop and look for small fossils near Rockwood.

Here's an article from the Pittsburgh newspaper with some insights about the trail: https://www.post-gazette.com/life/tra...s/201305260199

Enjoy your ride!

Barrettscv 

What model year is your Supernova? Most likely a 700x35 would fit. A larger tire will be more stable and provide more flotation over soft gravel. You will also have greater ride comfort with a larger tire with approximately 75 psi than a 700x28 at 100 psi. At 250 lbs, a 700x28 is not going to be recommended.


These tires all have some type of tread or texture at the tire center. However, the construction and rubber compound provide for fast and supple performance on firm gravel.


X'PLOR USH | Clement Cycling, Cyclocross Tires, Adventure Tires, Mountain Bike Tires, Road Bike Tires

continental bicycle Sport CONTACT II




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Cheese Head

Thank you for the reply. The article was very interesting!

Cheese Head

My supernova is a 2011 which came stock with 700 x 32c Vittoria Cross XG Pro's.

I have a pair of Panaracer Pasela PT's coming from Amazon in 35's. I had to get a few other things for the trip last night so I took a chance and ordered these. I have heard decent things about them. Do you think these will suffice?

Barrettscv 

I have The Panaracer Pasela on one of my bikes. It should be more-than sufficient, especially since it is new. Be sure to keep the tire near maximum inflation. The Pasela can have sidewall problems if air pressure is not maintained at a near-maximum level. How will you refill your tires during the trip?

Cheese Head

We have sag vans available at the beginning and end of each day. Or more if needed! I'll be sure to run them at or close to max.

Thanks!

Barrettscv 

Have a great trip! Be sure to report back here, we like adventure cycling.

Altair 4

I rode the GAP on cheap, botom-rung 700x35 Kendas with absolutely no problems. One of our days had 5 hours of rain (ride on!) and they were fine and didn't cut into the crushed limestone surface. You'll be fine with the Paselas.

DougG

I rode the GAP/C&O in June. The GAP is a fairly hard-packed surface and the 700x32-35 tires should be fine. The C&O is another story, as it can get quite muddy. A couple on our tour on a tandem road bike had some difficulties. I rode it on a Specialized Crosstrail with 700x38 tires and it was a great ride.

I don't envy your climb from Cumberland up to Big Savage, though; it's a lot more fun in the other direction! But once at the top it's a gentle downgrade all the way to Pittsburgh.

Altair 4

The unusually warm weather Pittsburgh has been experiencing in mid September seems to have broken. Looks like Cumberland will have upper 60s on Friday and Saturday with rain on Friday and chance of rain on Saturday. Ohiopyle on Saturday and Sunday will have highs around 63 and lows around 50. Pittsburgh on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday with have highs around 70 and lows around 52. I'll stick with my suggestion of having a rain jacket, especially if your ride starts on Friday. Have fun!

Cheese Head

Hey all,

I got the dates of the ride mixed up and we will be leaving this coming Thursday and riding Friday - Sunday. I took the Jamis out for a ride 2 weeks ago and found a horrible bb squeal. So I replaced the bearings in the bb30 and just got back from a ride. All is silent! Tomorrow I'm going for a 70 mile pre-ride on a crushed limestone trail in the area. Hopefully this will get me ready and see how the bike performs and if it needs any more work before we go.

Really getting excited for the ride. Can anyone tell me how/where I can expect cell reception? I am using Verizon.

Ride on!!

mrodgers

Things to do and see....

At the end, if you go the whole way to Point State Park, you must cross over the Allegheny on the Fort Duquesne Bridge to the north side and visit Bicycle Heaven. Thousands of old bikes in there. Free admission.

Altair 4

The long-range weather forecast looks promising!

indyfabz

When I rode it a few years ago I remember not having Verizon service on the trail around Rockwood. You had to go across the river into town. But generally, service was good.


If you are a movie fan, you can take a short detour to check out Buffalo Bob's house from the "Silence of the Lambs." It was on the market for a while and finally sold this summer:


Silence of the Lambs house finally sells - Curbed


IIRC, the address is 6 Circle Rd. in Layton, PA. Looks like Layton Rd. doesn't cross the GAP at grade so you would have to go this way:


https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16971283


Just north, in Whitsett, two kids--Mia and J.J.--had a lemonade stand by the trail. They might still be out there if you pass through on a weekend and the weather is nice. I bought an old school Mountain Dew from them, made with real sugar, not HFCS.

Cheese Head

It's good to know reception should be decent. Thanks!

And thanks for the other info. I'll be looking for the lemonade stand.If I see them I'll be sure to stop and buy something if they are there and post some pic.s!

Just hoping for the rain to hold off!!

Cheese Head

That is really cool. I will see if we have time to stop there. Thanks for the tip!

indyfabz

Not looking good on the rain front for later in the weekend. I am supposed to go camping, paddling and hiking in N. Jersey.

Cheese Head

Awesome pic!

From what I have been seeing it looks like Saturday has a chance of rain all day and Sunday rain early. Friday appears to be the only dry day. Either way will will make the most of the ride.

Cheese Head

Well I had a full ride recap all type out with pictures and lost the post. So I will try again. But before I give the recap I'll start with what everyone likes to see. Pictures!



Testing the link

Okay, I think I've tried every way I know to post the pictures. I have them downloaded to Shutterfly and tried posting the link but can't seem to get the pictures to show up. Any advice?