elh21566

I have set a goal of riding the GAP and C&O in two days next year then an easy ride back my biggest concern is the condition of the C&O I know the GAP side is easily doable but most of the reports I hear about the C&O is that it is fairly rough but they are all from people that rode it a couple years ago. Any thoughts or ideas?

Cyclist0094

I did the C&O as a one day ride with 4 others in 2009 (189 miles 16 hrs to RR National Airport). I rode between Hancock and Cumberland last fall. The trail was not terrible but it was pretty rutted in some of the wetter areas from skinny tired bikes and in a few places from horses. I rode my MTB with 2.0 tires no problems.
The GAP trail I have yet to ride.

Steamer

That doesn't sound like any fun to me, but to each his own.....


When dry, the GAP is only a little slower than pavement. When wet it can suck. Literally.


The C&O is slower going, with more mud and such.


I wouldn't recommend super skinny tires. Fenders are a good idea. 32mm tires and fenders might be ideal if you can swing that.


Riding so long on such flat terrain is as much of a test of your core strength as anything else.

bgraham111

So, If you are flexible in your definition of the C&O, there is the Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) that runs parallel to the C&O for about 21 miles or so. You can see the C&O almost the entire time. You are either parallel and level, or parallel and above. Very close. (You can see it on the Google machine.)

And yes... it is paved!

So is it the C&O??... no. But it depends on what you are doing. It smooths out about 20 miles which might help.

I'm glad you said you'd take a leisurely ride back. There is a lot of cool stuff to see along the C&O/GAP. I normally recommend that people spent some time touring the sights just off the trail. Harper's Ferry, Antietam, Ohiopyle, Great Falls, and all the cool trail towns along the way.

elh21566

I do want to take my time and check things out on the way back. I always have to build a challenge to myself or get bored. I do like the idea of jumping on the WMRT