The GAP/C&O bike route is a challenging ride up and over the Eastern Continental Divide. The majority of the bike route is on crushed limestone gravel (GAP) or dirt (C&O Canal Towpath). Wider tires (at least 35mm) are strongly advised. Daily mileage will be 50-67 miles. Experienced tour leaders will share their knowledge about bike touring throughout the trip. You must register for this event, so please register ASAP if you want to attend. This will help us do a much better job of planning.
Each attendee will arrange for their own transportation from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh on Friday, October 23. Cars can be parked at a parking garage near Union Train Station. We will depart Pittsburgh on Saturday, October 24, for a six day ride to Washington, D.C. (Georgetown). We will try to camp at campsites spaced approximately 50-67 miles apart that have water, toilets and showers. There are restaurants and grocery stores along the way to purchase food. There are hotels/B&B’s/cabins available within 10 miles of the campsites for riders who do not want to camp. We plan on arriving in Washington, D.C. late afternoon on Thursday, October 29. On Friday, attendees have the choice of renting a van to carry their bikes and gear back to Pittsburgh, or take the train (Capitol-Limited) which depart at 4pm and arrives in Pittsburgh at midnight. Note that you must have a special reservation for your bike, and these reservations sell out early. You can decide to spend a day or two checking out the Capitol, too.
There will be no SAG support for this ride.
The GAP/C&O is a challenging ride! Riders must be able to ride 50-67 miles per day on gravel and/or dirt. Riders must have the tools for, and be able to perform, basic bike repairs, e.g. fix a flat tire.