I was counting bikes at Point State Park on Thursday afternoon, and spotted a rider with full pack, and pegged him as a GAP thru rider, just setting out.
He rode right up to the Point (MP 0), and I was able to get a camera phone shot of him with the fountain in the background. (He's the small dot just below and to the left of the fountain.)
On his way out of the Park, he stopped to check his map. I was able to get another shot of him as a sendoff photo.
He's riding solo, to D.C., where he starts a new job in a couple of weeks. He's riding to raise money for stroke awareness/research (I forget which).
Godspeed to the solo rider....... may the wind be always at your back.
Here are the links to the photos, as promised......
And rider, if you do happen to remember to look for these, PM me on this board, and I'll send you copies, if you'd like
swalfoort
2013-09-27 07:49:28
Hi! Thank you so much for posting these pics!! I finished my Pittsburgh to D.C. trip yesterday and it was an AMAZING experience. I'm so grateful that both the GAP and the C&O Canal Trail exists to offer bikers such a great recreational experience.
Below is the stroke fundraiser page for the American Stroke Association that speaks to my unique story in dealing with stroke and why I decided to rise to the challenge in making a small difference.
http://honor.americanheart.org/site/TR?px=3728413&pg=personal&fr_id=1190&et=pz7uUo6xFFarkfYgk3vqTg&s_tafId=3492
Have a great day and thanks again!
Best,
John
johncorbin22
2013-10-03 14:47:59
Glad to know you completed the trip. Earlier today I had the thought that you might have been caught in the closure of the C&O Canal and related facilities, which are under federal management.
Congratulations on completing the venture!
I was simply in the park that day, and picked you out as a solo thru rider. I had not idea at the time of your story, or the fundraising element of your ride.
I am so glad to have pick you out at random from all the thru riders this season. That's quite a story you have. I hope that I will remember to be both grateful and generous as I steer through life.
And maybe I'll call my family, just to tell them I love them. Seems appropriate.
swalfoort
2013-10-03 15:07:42
Race to Beat the Shut Down! Congrats on a great ride!
headloss
2013-10-03 16:01:55
Wow!
mick
2013-10-03 19:49:36
crap, I guess I have to stop telling people I was the last one to ride the c&o. i finished late on 9/30 ahead of the shutdown. were there any actual effects of it? I heard they locked the porta-johns and took the handles off the pumps, any truth to that? did they close the gates? kick people out of camp?
regardless, glad you didnt get derailed on your trip and congrats - that's an amazing story. I agree 100% that it is so great to have that trail here.
salty
2013-10-03 20:22:46
So that's where the start point is. I'll be headed there myself Monday morning whenever the Capitol Limited arrives.
How was the C&O canal with the closure? I could probably string together roads from Cumberland to Georgetown, but I'd rather stay on the trail if possible.
yotsuya
2013-10-04 10:43:02
@Yotsuya, there's another thread:
http://localhost/mb/topic/co-canal-closed-during-government-shutdown/#post-283855. The C&O canal trail is closed. If you do get through anyway, or find another way, I think we'd all like to hear about it.
jonawebb
2013-10-04 10:51:38
I asked here because it looks like someone that just finished a ride as the shutdown went into effect posted here. The other discussion doesn't have anyone with similar experience.
yotsuya
2013-10-04 11:25:26
I'll ask my cousin in Cumberland to keep an eye out.
headloss
2013-10-04 13:37:35
Hey Everyone -
I was camping along the C & O Canal Trail when the government shut down. On Tuesday morning, they came to my campsite and zip-tied the porta-potty and took the handle off the well pump. There were signs on all the porta-potties that due to the government shutdown the parks were closed. However, I was told (and it was apparent) that the trail remained open for use as a through way. I had no issues, aside from obtaining water and using the restroom, while travelling back to D.C. on the last two days of my trip.
I hope this helps!
-John
johncorbin22
2013-10-04 13:59:46
Oh! I also had no problems with camping during the shutdown (other than the lack of water and restroom).
johncorbin22
2013-10-04 14:01:59
One more example of why it's a good idea to bring a few zipties along on long trips.
Oh, watch out for chains across the Capital Crescent Trail, and who knows, maybe others:
http://www.cctrail.org/CCT_Conditions.htm
jonawebb
2013-10-04 14:36:11
Oh, thank Heaven (for 7-11 since I'll have to stop and get some extra water)!
yotsuya
2013-10-04 15:22:03
