Companion(s) C&O-GAP-C&O Slow and low budget tour in June
 

Looking for companion(s) for a slow and low budget, roundtrip cycling tour Wash. D.C.-Pittsburgh-D.C in June. One way on the C&O Canal/Great Allegheny Passage trails is about 334 miles, so the roundtrip is about 668 miles. My plan is to complete the cycle (pun intended) in three weeks, making the average mileage per day, weather permitting, about 32-33 miles. At a leisurely pace, that means travelling for only about 6 hours per day, not including side trips for supplies and sights. This situation means that you don't need a high dollar bike or be in great shape (though you should doing daily rides and prep your bike before leaving). I hiked/biked (mostly hiked) the first 62 miles of the C&O last summer (Aug/Sept), so I know a lot about what to expect. The C&O is very interesting historically, so look forward to checking out that aspect.

As for the 'budget' part ot the trip, the C&O has 30 free campsites; the G.A.P. has 4. I'm planning on stopping at 3 campgrounds that charge a fee, avoiding any that allow RVs. Though I may occasionally stop at a restaurant, I plan on packing about one weeks food with me and resupplying at grocers along the way. As far as hotels/motel & B&Bs are concerned my only plan for one is near Pittsburgh - kind of a reward and respite before the return trip. Once again, inclement weather could change my tune. My trip last year had only about one hour of rain in one week, which I slept through in my tent. Hurricane Irene had come through the area the day before. Since a hurricane takes all the 'bad' weather with it, I expected 4 to 5 sunny days and less trail congestion in the DC area.

DC elevation - 72 ft Pittsburgh elevation - 720 ft
Eastern Continental Divide (highest point on the trail) - 2392 ft

The toughest climb will be on the way to Pittsburgh.
On the PA side of the ECD the slope is much more gentle, with a nice decent on the return trip. There are websites devoted to both sites. Check 'em out.

As far as age and gender go, I'm open. I'm male, last time I checked, and 65. My most memorable moments on the trail last year were with people, ages 20-70, that I met at campsites.

As far as dates are concerned, I'm planning on being back to DC before the opening ceremony of the Olympic games - July 27th. (Yes, it'll be hot but the C&O at least is quite shady.) So right now I.m thinking about leaving on a weekday sometime between June 6th and June 20th.

If interested or have questions my e-mail address is rski888@yahoo.com. Leave your phone number if typing too much is a pain. I can help with equipment questions.

Ron

I'm going later (and have less time), but wanted to comment that your trip sounds cool - enjoy!

I wish I was at that point of REALLY retiring. 1/2 of your trip, from Pitt back to DC is going to be my first real multi-day bike trip. The C&O has a great list/map showing all the free campsites. Can you tell me more about the 4 free campsites you mentioned on the GAP?

Connellsville Trailhead Campground (Free)
Mile Post 88


Campsite and 2 Adirondack Shelters are located at GAP mile marker 88
(GPS coordinates: N 40 degrees 01 minutes 59 seconds, W 79 degrees 36 minutes 00 seconds, Elevation: 1012 feet)


792 Vanderbilt Rd, Connellsville, PA 15425
Amenities include year around water fountain and toilet facility, covered picnic tables, grills, video surveillance cameras and bike racks
24 hour grocery for supplies, charcoal and ATM 100 yards away. WiFi available in Yough Park at mile marker 87.5
Contact Information: Ted Kovall, YRTC President - 724-628-6078 tjkpa@zoominternet.net


No reservations for these sites, first come, first served.






Roundbottom Primitive Campground (Free)
Mile Post 99


Roundbottom Primitive Campground - Free. Roundbottom is adjacent to the trail and Youghiogheny River. Pump for water, permanent restroom facilities, maximum two nights stay, and 2 Adirondack Shelters are located at GAP mile marker 99
(GPS coordinates: N 40 degrees 04 minutes 32 seconds, W 79 degrees 43 minutes 32 seconds, Elevation: 861 feet
Water pump, year around toilet facility, picnic tables, fire ring and fire wood


No reservations for these sites, first come, first served.


Contact Information
Regional Trail Corporation
P. O. Box 95
West Newton, PA 15089
(724) 872-5586 (phone)






Dravo's Landing Primitive Campground
Mile post 124


Dravo's Landing is directly behind Dravo Cemetery, six miles south of Boston Trailhead, one and one-half miles north of Buena Vista Trailhead - it is for trail users only - the campground is NOT accessible by car.


Free. Room for several tents, two fire rings, and two picnic tables. Permanent restroom facilities. Pump for well water.


Contact Information
Regional Trail Corporation
P.O. Box 95
West Newton, PA 15089
(724) 872-5586 (phone)






Cedar Creek Park Campgrounds (Free)
Mile post 110


Primitive Campground - Free for trail and river users. Permanent restroom facilities and potable water.


Contact Information
Regional Trail Corporation
P.O. Box 95
West Newton, PA 15089
(724) 872-5586 (phone)

This campground is right on the trail. $10 per night. They supply the firewood. No Rv's at the campsite.
But you have to cross over the river and make a right turn to get to the shower house and lounge.
Very nice but the train comes through many times so bring earplugs.
I've stayed there.

Husky Haven Campground, Rockwood - (Commercial)
Mile Post 43

Near Mile Post 43 - right on the Great Allegheny. Open all year - $10 per night/per person camping. PRIMITIVE Campsites with potable water & bath house 6/10 mile from campsites. Other amenities include, Chemical toilets, Picnic table, trash cans, Fire ring, firewood, Bike wash and Pet friendly. Internet access and cell phone service are available in the office - 400 yards from Rockwood Trailhead (across bridge). There is spotty cell service in this area.

Contact Information
(814) 926-2024 (phone)
www.huskyhavencampground.com

I have to give a big +1 for Husky Haven! Great people, free firewood, clean showers and you can get ice cream and beer in town:D

I'll throw my kudos in on the Husky Haven. Twas one of the highlights of my tour back in 2010.