BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

Dunno where to keep a car.

Late September is usually pretty warm, though getting on enough into fall so some days could be cooler, especially with rain. Bring at least some warm and waterproof garments.

The train is the standard method for DC-Pittsburgh leg. The Amtrak station has bike boxes available. Probably call about what to do with the trailer-- you'll probably be able to box it too. That'll drop you off in Downtown Pittsburgh. Getting to McKeesport would imply some sort of shuttle service, which the trail lists on its site, I believe.

Normal Temperature ranges in late September would be 40s-50s for the low and 70s for high.

I think you will be ok at the Boston trailhead for parking.

i second the parking at the boston trail head. it's a safe place to park. as far as the weather, i'd bring a sleeping bag rated for sub freezing temps. it's cold in them hills. Frostberg, MD is called Frostberg for a reason.

you may be able to take the bus to mckeesport. i think it's called the mckeesport express, you might want to call and see if they have bike racks on that line. or you could complete the route and ride the roads for an hour or two...

I've ridden to the trail many a time. If you want drop me a line and i ride with you/be your guide from Pittsburgh to the trailhead. Although I'm guessing you will have your bikes boxed up.

If you are uncomfortable with parking at the trailhead, there is the Yough Shore Inn which has a great reputation offeres long term parking for $10 (doesn't say whether it's per day, but the rates there are way cheap, so...)

http://www.youghshoreinn.com/

Mick

Thanks to everyone for your info. If you would like to contract me directly you can email me @

notadev@yahoo.com Thanks again, if I can assist you in enjoying some of our Southern rides let me know!

I've done this ride. There is parking at the trailhead in Boston PA - this is actually where I would advise starting. There is a store right by the trailhead. Maybe the owner could check your vehicle for you.

Weather conditions can be all over the place. Generally September should be pleasant, but if rainy the C&O will get extremely muddy. Also it can get cold in the Laurel Highlands area.

When we did the ride, we rode our bikes directly to Reagan Airport and rented a minivan with a drop off at Pittsburgh Airport. Two bikes fit in easily, so a bike and a bob should be no problem. The cost was about $80. We saw several people using bobs on the trip.

Take in everything, it's a beautiful ride. Take time to walk through Harper's Ferry. Also visit Steve at his B &; B in Little Orleans and eat breakfast at the GI Day Room in Meyersdale PA.

I promise you that the ride will be an experience of a lifetime. If you want to see my blog on the ride it is www.iadcbiketrip.blogspot.com. Unfortunately the bike that I used for the ride was run over and destroyed on Monday by Ken Zvirman, owner of Jo-Mar Provisions Inc 42 18th Street Pittsburgh, when he experience an uncontrollable fit of road rage.

Thanks again for the assistance. Sounds like what I was hoping for in terms of take time to enjoy it all. I am looking forward to a side trip to Fallingwater. Has anyone done that? Please feel free to contact me at my yahoo address if you want to provide further information or discuss rides around Houston, TX. Have a great day!