hhk25

Since my European trip has gone awry, I'm thinking of just jumping in the car and touring somewhere that's reachable by car. How muddy is the GAP trail right now? Are the campsites open?

I would probably be looking at riding the entire trail and then turning around and doubling back.

I'm assuming the C&O would be too muddy but correct me if I'm wrong.

I'd be doing this on a touring bike with 33c tires.

spinnaker

I have not been down there recently. I usually avoid it this time of year because it can be so mushy (it really doesn't get muddy more mushy .

GAP proper is a bit of a drive for me but the Montour Trail is right over the hillside for me. I plan to go for a ride this afternoon and bring back a report. The trail surface is about the same. The GAP is the same trail surface. The GAP gets a lot more snow than the Montour so that can be a factor.

The GAP goes right by my boss's front yard. I can give him a call later and see what he thinks. I am pretty sure he has been riding this year.

A bit closer to you is the Allegheny River Trail. It is all paved and beautiful. But it is only 60 miles each way so that is a bit of a drive for such a short trip. But you might want to consider taking it in on the way down or back home. I can give you the primo section if interested. Bring a good light.

If I am around when you come in, you can stay here if you wish. From here you can take the Montour Trail or go through Pittsburgh. In Pittsburgh we have Bicycle Heaven which is the largest bicycle museum in the world. If you stop in on the weekend, I can give you a short tour of the city.

PM me for contact info.

spinnaker

Oh wait. I have been on the Montour already this year. I do a short section to avoid evening traffic on the road. That section is nice and dry. Very solid. I would suspect the GAP is the same.

I would see two issue for the GAP this time of year. We have had lots of rain so there are likely to be washouts as crews have not had a chance to get in and make repairs. I know this is an issue on the Montour. Sections are passable but still rough.

The other issue is we can still get snow this time of year and it could be cold at night. Not an issue if you are staying in motels but might be if you are camping. But you live in Toronto so you might be used to it.

hhk25

I don't mind snow but riding in it is a bit tough even for a Canadian. I should get a fat bike for that.

Weather is calling for heavy rain in that area starting Tuesday. Ugh. This might have to wait.

spinnaker

Snow will be gone by 9 or 10AM. It will just be an overnight thing if we get it at all.

Heard from the boss. Trail is damp but plenty of people riding it. I prefer it be a little dam it keeps the dust down.

Not sure where you got your weather report but I see basically dry for a week or so in Connellsville. That should be good till the continental divide. Weather can be very different on the other side.

Pittsburgh does not have much rain in the forecast either.

https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/pi...st/1310?day=21

Bluetail

Just finished a quick ride on the GAP from Homestead down about 15 miles and back, and the surface from Boston and beyond is dry and surprisingly free of large ruts, given how long and wet winter was! You should be fine; enjoy!!

spinnaker

I would hope so since over 7 miles of that route would be on asphalt.