GAP and C&O Trail Ride 2017

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

SUMMARY: GAP (Great Allegheny Passage) and C&O Canal (Chesapeake & Ohio Canal) Towpath Trail Ride 2017 — This will be an off-road tour with nearly all routing on popular trails that are either crushed gravel or hard-packed dirt. The tour starts and ends in Pittsburgh, PA. Arrive in Pittsburgh on Saturday September 30, 2017; shuttle to Washington, DC on October 1, 2017; last ride day is Tuesday, October 10, 2017; and depart on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 from Pittsburgh, PA. Cycle along the C&O Canal Towpath from Washington, DC to Cumberland, MD and then along the GAP, the first inductee into the Rails to Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame, from Cumberland, MD to Pittsburgh, PA.

OVERVIEW: This ride will travel a total of 335 miles on unpaved trails with a 2% or less grade, through early American history as well as during peak foliage season. We will bike 185 miles on the C&O and 150 miles on the GAP. The C&O Canal Towpath is dirt and as such, can become rutted, muddy and slippery when wet and it is sometimes considered not to be well-maintained; therefore it will an ADVENTURE. The C&O, where mules were used to tow barges up and down the canal and through numerous locks (75+), was conceived by President George Washington as a trade route and a dream of passage to western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years, the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural and recreational treasures. During the Civil War, the canal was integral to the North’s Supply Lines enabling the transport of needed goods in and out of the District of Columbia. The canal parallels the Potomac River beginning in Washington, DC and passes by Harpers Ferry, Shepherdstown, and nearby historic Antietam Battlefield, where it is said the creek ran red after the bloody battle. The C&O, considered to be the first federally-funded infrastructure, was started in 1828 and took 22 years to build. In today’s market its cost of construction would be equivalent to an Apollo space mission. The C&O Canal is a National Historic Park and draws more visitors—largely bicyclists—than the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone or Glacier National Parks — 5.1 million in 2014. Chief Supreme Court Justice William Douglas led an 8-day hike on the C&O Canal Towpath in 1954 to draw attention to the need for preservation of this historic canal. In Cumberland, MD, we connect with the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Bike Trail which was built on old railroad beds originally used to transverse from the east through the Allegheny Mountains to the Ohio River Valley. The GAP was not fully completed until 2013, when it reached Pittsburgh, PA. The GAP trail is a conglomeration of several old railroad lines including the Allegheny Portage Railroad which broke ground in 1828 and became the first long distance railroad in the US. We will travel along many aqueducts, across many bridges and ride through a number of  tunnels that were engineering marvels of their time. The Allegheny Portage Railroad which ran along the Monongahela River, played a unique role in the Underground Railroad movement. Records indicate that freedom seekers may have traveled on canal boats in secret compartments, and still others traveled the canal by boat at night with “agents” of the Underground Railroad guiding the way. While riding the GAP we will cross the Eastern Continental Divide as well as have a history lesson about the importance of the railroad and the commercial expansion westward. Many of the small towns that we will pass will have numerous buildings on the National Historic Register.

This ride will be an adventure. Participants must understand that although the riding surface of the C&O is hard-pack dirt, it can be uneven and there are exposed tree roots and rutted tracks. Riding this trail is different than riding on the road. This trail is multi-use; you will be going slower than you normally do and there might be walkers, hikers, horses and tourists to navigate around. If the trail is wet or it is raining, you must use proper caution traversing though puddles and mud. There could be short sections where you might want to walk instead of ride. 

RIDE RATING: There are 7 required riding days and 2 rest days—one in Washington, DC allowing riders to take in the monuments and one in Cumberland, MD. There is also a short riding day in the Harpers Ferry, WV area to allow for an optional ride to Antietam National Battlefield if desired. We have rated this trip as a 1C! even though the average is 47 miles per day and a daily average of 1,052 feet of climbing. We gave it this rating because there are four (4) riding days in excess of 50 miles, there is one short 9% grade, and because of the nature of the the riding surface and the potential effect of bad weather on the trail. The riding surface of the GAP is well maintained crushed limestone and the C&O Canal Trail is an even, hard-packed dirt trail. The trail can be very muddy following a heavy rain. The weather will play an important role regarding the trail’s condition. This ride is scheduled during the historically driest time of the year, but weather patterns are unpredictable, so prepare for the worst and hope for the best! Participants should understand that if it rains, both they and their bikes will get dirty and muddy, and that the ride will require greater effort! 

Ride Leaders have ridden portions of the route and will have scouted the entire route before the start of this ride. There will be route options available on the two rest days for those who do not want to be tourists, and road options if the trail is too muddy.

This ride is on Multi-use trails. Thin road tires are NOT recommended. For your safety, your bicycle should be outfitted with a tire that has a minimum width of 1.25 inches or 28 milimeters as stated on the sidewall; preferred tire width would be 1.5 inches or 36 millimeter as stated on the sidewall.  While "knobby" tires are not necessary, be sure your tires have some tread patterns on them and they are not road slicks.  If your bike can be outfitted with fenders, you'll get significantly less dirty on those days when the trail may be messy. Sound devices (bell or horn) are required per C&O Canal rules. Speed limit on the trail is 15 mph.

Day 1   Pittsburgh, PA - Arrive - Group Dinner

Day 2   Washington, DC - Shuttle to DC

Day 3   Washington, DC - Free Day 

Day 4   Harpers Ferry, WV - 62 miles / 779’ ascent

Day 5   Shepherdstown, WV - 15 miles / 399’ ascent

Day 6   Hancock, MD - 44 miles / 873’ ascent

Day 7   Cumberland, MD - 60 miles / 948’ ascent

Day 8   Cumberland, MD - Free Day

Day 9   Confluence, PA - 62 miles / 2471’ ascent

Day 10 Connellsville, PA - 30 miles / 708’ ascent

Day 11 Pittsburgh, PA - 58 miles / 1188’ ascent - Group Dinner

Day 12 Pittsburgh, PA - Depart

WEATHER:  The average temperature will be in the mid to high 60s; average lows are in the mid to high 50's. Average rainfall is 2” — rain is a real possibility, weather patterns are unpredictable, so pack accordingly.

LODGING: The options for accommodations for this tour are somewhat limited; however, overnight stays will be in mid-level hotels not far from the route. In Confluence, PA the group will be split up in multiple B&Bs located near the trail.

LOGISTICS: Pittsburgh, PA is served by Pittsburgh International Airport (airport code PIT) and AMTRAK. We will start and end our tour at the Courtyard Pittsburgh West Homestead/Waterfront (401 West Waterfront Dr., West Homestead, PA, 15120, (412) 462-7301) which is 25 miles from the airport and does NOT offer an airport shuttle. Taxi from the airport will be approximately $50. SuperShuttle is available. Contact www.supershuttle.com to make arrangements. Car parking and bike box storage is available at the hotel. If you desire to ship your bike, Big Bang Bicycles (www.bigbangbikes.com), 347 Lebanon Rd., West Mifflin, PA, 15122, (412) 462-4600 will be glad to serve you. Contact them directly to make arrangements. If you want to rent a bicycle for the trip, Golden Triangle Bicycle Rental (www.bikepittsburgh.com), 600 1st Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, (412) 600-0675 will be glad to assist you. Contact them directly to make arrangements.

ADMINISTRATION & COST: This tour is offered by leaders Judy De Santis and Marlene Rawles. Estimated cost of $2250 + $50 non-refundable BAC fee (which is paid online) includes 11 nights lodging (includes first and last night in Pittsburgh, PA), 2 group dinners, the shuttle bus from Pittsburgh, PA to Washington, DC, luggage transfer, maps, cue sheets, GPX files, social hour refreshments and treats, and emergency SAG. To register, click on the Sign Up link above the Ride Description. The initial deposit for the tour is $1000 with a final payment of $1250 due by May 1, 2017. We will assist with finding a roommate for single riders who sign up. The solo supplement for singles who do not wish to share a room is $1200 and is due with the final payment.

CANCELATION POLICY: The BAC ride registration fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled. Refunds will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour's remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancelations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report is completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped, the canceling roommate may be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase personal trip cancelation insurance.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY: The most important rider responsibility is to read and fully understand the ride description. Participants should make sure that they have the proper type of bicycle and tires to ride these unpaved trails. BAC tours depend on participants providing much or their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. All participants are asked to wear bright, visible clothing and use a flashing rear light while riding. Riders must bring a headlight (for tunnels) and have a bell or sound device per C&O Canal Trail rules. Participants should bring spare tubes/tire repair kit. If you are riding an odd sized tire you should bring a spare which we will gladly carry in the trailer.

Support our Ride Leaders, read the ride description carefully, respond promptly to calls for payments and emails from the ride leader. At the ride, offer to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation. Please keep the ride leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the ride leader’s decisions. Please bring any concerns to the ride leaders attention promptly.

REGISTER: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the Release of Liability (ROL) and pay the non-refundable BAC fee by credit card. Once you are accepted onto the ride, a deposit of $1,000 is due within two weeks. You should send your initial deposit of $1,000 in a check made out to Judith De Santis (not BAC). When your deposit is received your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description, directly by email to LTCDeSantis@yahoo.com, or phone at (973) 207-7109.

WEB SITES:  www.ps.gov/choh; www.bikewashington.org/canal; www.bikecando.com