Just went myself, have fun and enjoy the downhill ride into Cumberland!
Are you planning to box up the bikes to bring them home on the train?
2010-07-26 19:22:39
14
GAP/C&O Trip August 26-29/30
Kayla and I (and possibly my roommate and dwillen) are planning to ride to DC at the end of August. If anyone would like to join, you are more than welcome.
If you notice the dates, we don't plan on a leisurely trip-- we plan on riding 80-100 miles a day, leaving Thursday morning.
We will be camping and coming back the 29th or the 30th (most likely by train).
2010-07-26 17:11:57
yah tell me about the train experience.
also have fun!
2010-07-26 19:39:46
Yea, the plan is to box them up. Although, I am also contemplating renting a truck/SUV and driving back (if I ride down with a trailer).
2010-07-27 15:34:00
I seem to remember doing the math at one point that a van/suv rental and gas and tolls was marginally more expensive than two train tickets, and cheaper than three.
2010-07-27 15:37:17
@Brad, you definitely have a good point, but the train schedule is the biggest issue for me--time is money.
2010-07-27 16:04:10
Yeah, that too. The train leaves at 11am or something if I remember right, making timing your arrival pretty awkward if you're looking to just get straight on the train and come home.
2010-07-27 16:31:13
Some friends and I did this a little under two weeks ago and the train ride was not a fun one. The train kept stopping due to mechanical issues and it made for a long, long ride. I remember sitting there thinking "why didn't we just get a van and drive back?" The train left around 4 a.m. and we got back to PGH around 2 a.m.. I don't know if it was I was so tired, but it seemed like it took forever to get the bikes off the train.
This definitely didn't overshadow the awesomeness that was the ride to D.C.. Eastern Continental Divide to Cumberland = EXHILARATING.
Use lights through Paw Paw Tunnel. Just sayin'.
2010-07-27 16:50:42
i have always wanted to do this but that is the end of my vacation
2010-07-28 00:26:30
What would the daily riding schedule be like?
2010-07-28 00:30:48
i've done this twice this year, and will have another one under my belt by the time you guys take off, ask questions if you have them, i've done the train thing a couple times and had no problems... but I like the train so that's just me.
2010-07-28 19:31:27
I also like trains.
How much is a box at the train station, and how much do you need to take your bike apart to get it in the box?
How bad are mosquitos along the trail in August? I'm from Minnesota, where they are like a thick fog, but I've not had such problems anywhere else in this country.
2010-07-28 19:34:47
Insects were not at all a problem for me on the trail last week. Never used bug spray and never got bit/stung. On the other hand, watch carefully for snakes...I almost ran over two that were sunning themselves on the trail.
2010-07-28 21:29:45
I did the trip at the beginning of July. No insect problems to speak of. ==asobi; there were snakes sleeping on the C&O trail. Also, lots of horse droppings. Not sure how that maps to August, but I'd expect more snakes and horse droppings, at least.
2010-07-28 22:58:40