BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

« Back to Archive
57

Easter ride to DC N@

I am considering a ride leaving around 9:30 PM on the 21st (after class), putting in a few miles and then finishing up in DC on Sunday the 24th in time to hang out or at least in time to make the 4:05 AMTRAK train back to Pittsburgh. Train is supposed to arrive back here near midnight.


Last time I rode from south to north and towed a trailer full of gear. I am now much lighter (body and gear) but am still weighing options between camping or hitting the YMCA hostel in Cumberland and trying for a night at the Hostel in Harpers Ferry. First two full days are over 100 miles, but at least there is a killer downhill into Cumberland. Hot showers are nice after a day on that trail.


Anyone else?


p-rob
2011-03-26 00:50:48

Sounds fn good to me.

Need to make sure Amtrak is fine with bikes on that line at the moment. It changes per line seemingly daily.

Planning on the reverse ride weekend before memorial day as well. Amtrak willing.


miasme
2011-03-27 00:21:36

Reading over their guidelines, it looks like the "checked baggage" shipping method still applies. I have used that before. Don't know if there are bike racks available on that route for roll-on/roll-off service though. I will call ahead to see if things have changed at all. i remember that there was a push for it but cant remember the outcome.


p-rob
2011-03-27 02:39:31

P-Rob, would you please let us know what you find out about Amtrak? It's probably of interest to quite a few of us. Thank you!


vannever
2011-03-27 03:45:29

Their website states that bikes can be checked as luggage on lines that offer baggage service - which the Capitol Limited does offer. And i have used this in the past. They do not guarantee that bike boxes will be available at the stations - however it is required that your bike is boxed up to ride the train. I will be calling ahead to see if I can reserve a box. Last time I got a free box since the last folks were careful in how they packed/unpacked it - so that it could be recycled.


The large boxes that AMTRAK uses are big enough so that you only need to turn your handlebars and remove your pedals. You cannot put other luggage in the bike box.


If they now have some roll on or off service that would be great. I will surely post whatever I find out.


p-rob
2011-03-27 11:25:31

Argh, I was really hoping this would happen soon.


Assuming you don't have time to ride both directions, how else do people get home? I can beg my wife to come pick me up but that's a huge waste of time and gas. Boxing up the bike sounds like a PITA but sounds like it's still the best option?


salty
2011-03-27 14:28:42

I've only done the trip once and got a ride home, but when I was looking into doing it with a small group a rental minivan+gas was less expensive than three train tickets.


bradq
2011-03-27 14:57:28

interested.


where would you start from? downtown or boston/mckeesport?


100 miles from downtown is rockwood, 100 miles from boston is meyersdale.


rockwood has a cellphone booster station, while meyersdale has a few places for eating/sleeping for the night.


sloaps
2011-03-27 16:18:02

Assuming you don't have time to ride both directions, how else do people get home?


I've read of people bringing their bikes to a bike shop and having them box and UPS the bike home (or to another bike shop, if you want the shops to handle disassembly/reassembly for you).


Other folks take a folding bike, which you can take on Amtrak already, according to the PDF I linked to.


There are also shuttle services that will haul your bike and optionally you.


steven
2011-03-27 19:31:26

Hm, I thought one-way rentals were a way more expensive but just doing a quick quote on Hertz I got ~$200 for a minivan, plus at least $50 for gas. Not too bad if you have 3-4 people, but the train ticket is only $45 though, right?


might have to look into those shuttles, though... lots of options there.


salty
2011-03-27 20:28:00

As long as you're contemplating boxing your bike for Amtrak, you might try taking a (cheaper) Megabus to Washington. I haven't tried it myself, but their customer service rep said they would accept a boxed bike as luggage back last year.


http://bike-pgh.org/bbpress/topic/megabus


The drivers always seem a bit harried at check in when I've traveled on them (with just regular luggage). I don't know how they'd react to a boxed bike, especially if they're running late and there's a long line or whatever. But if the ticket is only $5...


ieverhart
2011-03-27 20:55:39

Wow, I am stoked about the megabus. I had already priced a ticket from DC and it was only $28. I got to their FAQ and it said that bikes are not allowed on the bus. But I imagine if it is in a bike bag then it would just be another piece of luggage. The really nice thing about the megabus is that it is quicker. I imagine it does not rock like the train does either, so I could get some sleep on the way home. Thanks Charles, I have renewed interest in Megabus. Will check out how much the bike bag weighs in case I would pack it with me. I would mail it ahead but doubt i could pick it up on Sunday - lest there is a store somewhere close to the trail or train station where I could have it held. We'll see how that one shapes up. Else it is just $20 for the box and baggage fee on AMTRAK. Plus the train ticket.


I posted the trip as a meetup for the road and trail group also - leaving from Point State Park. I will be at class at church on the northside until 9 PM and would leave right from there. Would be cool to have a night photo at the fountain, even if it is not operating yet. I planned to ride an hour or two, maybe stopping at the cemetery campsite south of Boston. Friday would be a haul to Cumberland. Saturday would end at Harpers Ferry.


My mileage has been up this year so I am OK with longer days in the saddle. It will not be easy by any stretch, but last time I averaged 85 miles/day and that was without training much other than hiking and commuting. This winter and now spring I have done training rides. Today was my second Century of 2011 otherwise I would be adding a day onto the trip (which I cannot do).


p-rob
2011-03-27 22:16:48

There is camping and hot showers at the YMCA in Cumberland. Their gym hours are listed as open until 10 PM. I would like to arrive by 7 or 8 PM if not earlier. taking breaks and a 25 mile downhill from the continental divide could get us there by 6 PM averaging 13 mph. I think it would be better to expect an 8 PM arrival. I would also be calling for pizza the moment I roll into town. Need carbs n@ About 130 miles


There is a hostel in Harpers Ferry, but I have not called to see if the AT hikers will have already swarmed the place by then. Cant remember how long it takes them to get that far. It would be about 124 miles for us.


Last day is 61 miles into DC. I would absolutley love to have coffee and lay on the grass somewhere if the weather is good. Else get the coffee and wait out the bus or train departure.


p-rob
2011-03-27 22:28:42

lest there is a store somewhere close to the trail or train station where I could have it held.


There are plenty of bike shops in D.C., but the one closest to Union Station has got to be Bikestation--literally right next to it. http://home.bikestation.com/washingtondc But they have pretty limited space. But they might be willing to hold this for a very limited time for a fee. Or if you're just looking for a place to store the bag until you get there, I suspect there are a lot of people out there who might be willing to let you use their D.C.-area house as a shipping address. I mean, as long as you pass the "creep" test. Maybe you'd find a volunteer on Washington's equivalent of the Bike Pgh boards?


I was once waiting at the Megabus "station" in D.C. (just a parking lot where people lined up) and saw a guy put his fully-assembled bike into the cargo area of Bolt Bus, which does not service Pittsburgh (yet). I think the Chinatown bus from Pittsburgh to New York, which leaves from Oakland around midnight, would also let you do that. Seems easier in a lot of ways but on the other hand, seems like a great way to get your bike all dinged up unless you put it in just right.


ieverhart
2011-03-28 01:24:14

Holy crap, I can't even imagine being ready to complete one century by this time of year, let alone having completed 2. Good for you.


edmonds59
2011-03-28 11:51:17

I took Megabus to NYC in early March, but did not take a bike with me. The trip there was OK, but waiting in pouring rain for the bus to show up was not fun. (No, we couldn't line up under the Convention Center, we had to stand in the alley next to it.)


The bus was 3/4 full of people to State College then every seat filled to NYC. The big problem was luggage. Too much stuff; suitcases wouldn't fit at State College. Adding a bike to the luggage would be a real drag if a full load is expected.


Megabus failed me on the return trip. It was snowed out! The trip was canceled. Fortunately, my little cadre figured out how to Greyhound it to Philly & on to Pgh. They were good about refunding the $, though.


stuinmccandless
2011-03-28 13:07:39

I will be traveling back to the Burgh on Easter Sunday. I figure it might be a heavier travel day. Dunno. The upside is that someone has already been there and done that.


I am a couchsurfer and signed up for warmshowers too. I think I can locate someone close by that might be willnig to hold the bag for me.


I will also check out their message boards. That is a great idea, thanks.


If there were 4 of us then a minivan full of dusty smelly bikers might be the way to go.


p-rob
2011-03-28 21:44:43

Megabus is awesome as long as you accept three facts:

1. It will rarely be as low as $1 or even $5 unless you get your ticket early and on an off day...still cheaper than greydog though

2. You will have to wait in a chaotic outside 'line'

3. The WiFi/Power Outlets often do NOT work


...that all in mind, Megabus is awesome, cheap, and fast.


noah-mustion
2011-03-28 22:23:42

When Nick and I took Amtrak back from DC it took at least an hour to check in, check our bags, get a box, and pack up our bikes. If that's what you end up going with, give yourself PLENTY of time at the station before your boarding time. You'll most likely need it, their customer service is lacking and bikes seem low on their list of priorities.


kgavala
2011-03-29 00:24:43

The bikes were also one of the last things to come out of the baggage deal in the 'burgh from what I remember.


dwillen
2011-03-29 04:29:14

my friends that took the train up from DC this past year confirmed that the service was lacking when it came to trying to get them on board and packed up. When I took the train it was southbound, and it took a while to get my bike from the baggage folks. Yes, I was assuming an early arrival to the train station if that is how it works out.


If I can send a bike bag ahead of me I am taking megabus. Have not checked the price in a few days but it was way cheaper and faster than AMTRAK.


p-rob
2011-03-29 10:35:40

Oh yeah, Dan's right. The bikes took a long time to get off the train. Seemed even longer at midnight when all I wanted to do was get home and sleep.


kgavala
2011-03-29 13:14:56

Charles did you have to take off your fork or just your pedals, handle bars, and wheels? I have been wanting to try the megabus with that exact bag ever since I was getting on a megabus in philly and watched two guys get off one from NYC with almost fully assembled bikes poorly covered in garbage bags.


willie
2011-03-29 16:38:34


Megabus is awesome as long as you accept three facts:

1. It will rarely be as low as $1 or even $5 unless you get your ticket early and on an off day...still cheaper than greydog though

2. You will have to wait in a chaotic outside 'line'

3. The WiFi/Power Outlets often do NOT work


...that all in mind, Megabus is awesome, cheap, and fast.


I agree on all three points. Though I have gotten some excellent prices not booking too far in advance--maybe two weeks on some routes is enough to get you in the right range. The lines are outside but unless it's a major downpour you're probably all right. (Isn't this a group of people who ride their bikes in the rain?) And I've never had a problem with the power outlets but the wifi is definitely sporadic on a lot of trips.


ieverhart
2011-03-30 05:23:31

Bought my ticket on March 29th for $28.50 (April 24th bus trip). The bike bag weighs 5 pounds and I do not know if I will carry it with me or mail it ahead, but if I do it is still cheaper than AMTRAK.


A friend said megabus was not too cool about a folding bike whilst leaving NYC. I hope not to have a problem in DC, else I will need to go AMTRAK anyway. It is worth the effort, especially if it works out. And I plan to ride rain or shine, so waiting for the bus is no big deal. Changing into dry clothes in a closet-type bathroom might be, but is possible. That is unless I do it in my seat (poor neighbor).


When I read the newspaper article about Megabus using Pittsburgh as a hub in the PG, I emailed the BikePGH staff and asked them to reach out to Megabus about bikes. I think there is a huge market for weekend trips cycling in, and to and from other cities. I at least plan to do it whenever I am not backpacking, especially in the buggy summer months.


p-rob
2011-03-30 10:12:44

everhart


When I have looked at the reviews on Yelp of Megabus, those are the three main things people complain about. "Wah, I paid $10 for a R/T and I couldn't get onto facebook... woe is me"


noah-mustion
2011-03-30 14:13:43

I'll just be happy that I'm not paying $80 to go to ohio for a day.

I think the only part that would ever make me take grayhound again is the fact that greyhoud can drop me off in Elyria, which a 30 minute drive closer to my house than Cleveland is.


rubberfactory
2011-03-30 14:27:19

yeah but for an added hour and $20 to the trip...


noah-mustion
2011-03-30 14:54:51

true. It already takes Greyhound 5 hours (on a good day) to get to cleveland, which is a 2 hour drive.


rubberfactory
2011-03-30 14:59:09

5 hours? i've done both pgh-clevo schedules several times; the express was 2.5 hours and the one that stopped in youngstown and akron was 3.5... greyhound is many things, but lacking in timeliness it is not...


noah-mustion
2011-03-30 17:00:57

My buses are always 30 minutes late, and it usually takes at least 4 hours to get there.

Sometimes they overbook by over half a bus and then just shrug their shoulders when you have to wait 6 hours for the next one.


I've had too many bad experiences with greyhound. Megabus was probably the best thing to ever happen to me!


rubberfactory
2011-03-30 17:06:50

i've ridden back and forth to buffalo a bunch in the past year, and it usually took about 7 hours for a 3.5 hour drive. a good portion of that was layover in erie, but still, it does take a good bit of time.


hiddenvariable
2011-03-30 17:12:02

the erie bus station is the worst too.


cburch
2011-03-30 17:30:27

Yeah, the Erie station was a huge investment too. Good example of a project that is devoid of any type of cost-benefit measure in terms of economic development or anything else. There are a pattern of projects in many cities wherein they are planned, designed, and built within silos that shout "Why?" once we step back after a year or two to rexamine it.


I am originally from Erie and it is amazing how I view those things now, having been working on transportation and land use integration as a transplant yinzer for a while.


p-rob
2011-03-30 18:47:08

That sounds like a fun ride. I am thinking of crushing the commonwealth, but if I feel like I am not going to do that I have been wanting to see how fast I can haul to DC without carrying a tent (if you guys end up doing the hostel option).


adam
2011-03-31 12:11:38

the old pittsburgh greyhound station used to be the worst. i remember stopping over on DC-Clevo and being terrified... and i have been in many greydog stations...


noah-mustion
2011-03-31 14:01:09

the first time i ever rode greyhound out of pittsburgh, i was sitting in that station waiting for my bus, and some guy was causing a fuss at the ticket counter. as security escorted him out, he was yelling about how he was going to go home, get his gun, then come back and kill everyone. not that i actually believed he would, but dag!


hiddenvariable
2011-03-31 20:36:58

Adam - IN order to get some miles in the first night I will camp at Dravosburg. I plan to stay at the YMCA in Cumberland - but it is a camping place and not a hostel. However they do offer showers. The hostel is in Harpers Ferry. If for some incredible reason I go past Harpers Ferry then I might tent it - depending on my body and weather.


I will be packing an ultralight tent (23 ounces) that I have for backpacking. So it is like camping, and being able to stay along the trail while also using the shower locations as daily goals.


I am still solo at this point too.


p-rob
2011-04-01 02:24:52

I'm in the early stages of planning a 7 day trip to D.C. in June, and it seems like I'm going to need to plan the whole thing around showers, so it's good to hear about "shower options". Don't want to sound foo-foo, but as far as I'm concerned a daily shower is not optional. :)

Also, when I have gone ultra-light, I use a pocket hammock, and string a large, light poncho over for rain. Gets you up off the ground in the rain, and you don't need a sleeping pad. I've been very successful with that. Assuming you can get used to sleeping in a hammock.


edmonds59
2011-04-01 11:25:17

I have this weird thing about not being able to sleep on my back. I make attempts to re-train myself off and on, especially for better spinal alignment and the injuries I have sustained over the years. I have not tried the newer hammocks and understand that they have come a long way. That does sound like a good option, provided you have bug netting. You will be camped along running water and still water (canal) the whole time. I have Lands End pants from a goodwill store that protect my legs and wear a net on my head for such occassions in camp, but a sleeping system with a bug net is good. I use a Six Moon Designs Luna solo tent. It is single wall, has good ventialtion, bug net, etc. Weighs 23 ounces. My pad adds another pound, but I can use that system year round (and I do).


I know you can camp with showers at the Army Corps campground in Confluence. There is a Husky Haven campground with showers near Rockwood. The YMCA in Cumberland has them, and I will be checking that out for the first time on this trip. There may be campgrounds along the C&O, I used a hotel one night last time. There is a place in Hancock, MD for cyclists that may have showers. Will also be staying at the Hostel in Harpers Ferry (will check on the shower).


The Allegheny Trail Alliance website has tons of information for planning trips along the Great Allegheny Passage. There is a separate group for the C&O Towpath, and I imagine they have a website too.


Getting covered in limestone dust is no fun if you can't shower. But there are rivers nearby to jump into. Just gets muddy along the banks.


p-rob
2011-04-02 11:39:27

I stayed at the Husky Haven campground in Rockwood last year, as it was the only site that lined up with my milage plans. It was a hell of a setup, well worth the $10 or $15 it cost per night. Lots of dry, split firewood. Large, flat well drained tent sites. Picnic table and all that. Showers and bathrooms were located a roughly half mile ride down the trail and across the bridge into town, and were really well done private, locking bathroom/shower rooms open 24hrs. Camp steward would deliver potable water to site if you wished. And they were nice people in my interaction. Not really the primitive, out there camping experience some might be looking for though, definitely a commercial feeling site.


bradq
2011-04-02 14:33:31

I always ride round trip. Greyhound can not handle the business they get. Greyhound and Amtrak are a hassle.I stayed at Husky Haven in 2008 and 2010 is no free camping near Rockwood.Husky Haven got internet computer, pool table, hot private showers and bike stand. There is a hostel in Rockwood has a washer and dryer.I only ride 30-40 miles a day when bike touring and camping.Expect Ohiopyle campground to be sold out all summer.And the Trail Inn In Frostburg has a Liberty Room expect that to be sold out weekends all summer.


edward-m
2011-04-02 19:57:56

Got my bag from Nashbar today. It is lighter than I thought so I will pack it on my rack instead of mailing ahead. Have a bus trip to Erie soon and will try it out on greyhound since megabus does not start that route until May 11th. Will call to see what they have to say about packaged bikes. It is technically not a box, but that should not matter with some good padding on the inside.


Need to practice tearing down the bike and packing it. Will play flute music and work up to packing it blindfolded. now that is some Kung Fu skill!


p-rob
2011-04-04 23:03:46

I'm shelving this ride. Have spent all day at home today and needed to make the call, in case you were considering it.


I should be well enough for one century next weekend if anyone is interested. Might ride it on a single speed on a road/trail combination. Or full on road bike. Will consider the weather and decide which day closer to next weekend.


p-rob
2011-04-17 00:32:29

OK. I am feeling much better, there is zero rain in the forecast. I did trade off the bike I was going to ride, but I do have others. So this is back on. I might regret it by the time I reach Cumberland - but I might not.


p-rob
2011-04-21 15:48:45

Dude - this morning the weather said 0% chance of precipitation. Now it is 100% chance both days with thunder storms and temps around 45 degrees.


That sucks. I have backpacked plenty in cold rain but do not plan on biking in those conditions. I have been at work thinking about this all day and someone jsut pointed out my innaccurate forecast infromation. This trip can wait.


p-rob
2011-04-21 20:19:38

I am so pissed I cant really decide. I rearranged a number of things for this, thinking that the weather would be favorable. I am almost pissed enough to just do it anyway.


p-rob
2011-04-21 20:30:35

This is good information. With the detours, this trip is looking more and more grim.


This page contains up to date information on trail and towpath closures at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal NHP. This page is updated on a regular basis.


As of April 21, 2011 Billy Goat Trail Sections "A", "B", and "C" are closed due to high water.


As of April 21, 2011 The Georgetown Canal boat is not running due to flood damage. Please call the Georgetown Visitor Center at 202-653-5190 or Park Headquarters at 301-739-4200 to inquire when the canal boat is expected to run again.


As of April 21, 2011 the Great Falls Overlook is open.


As of April 21, 2011 the Great Falls parking lot is closed to overnight parking. Please make arrangements to park at Carderock. The Great Falls parking lot will remain closed to overnight parking until further notice.


As of April 21, 2011 the Great Falls entrance road is open. However, construction is currently taking place on the road. Please use caution while driving near construction areas.


As of April 21, 2011 the towpath between Dam Four (MP 85) and McMahon's Mill (MP 88.10) is closed due to rock slides. Please use marked detours on local roads. Click here for detour map.


As of April 21, 2011 the new restroom facilities at Great Falls are open. Construction is currently underway near the new restroom facilities. Please use caution while walking past the construction areas. The lower parking lot is closed to vehicle traffic.


As of April 21, 2011 the fee booth at Great Falls has been removed and is under reconstruction. Park passes and Golden Age passes are available from fee rangers who are temporarily stationed at the Great Falls Tavern.


p-rob
2011-04-21 20:33:14

Wanna go to Cumberland and back instead - next weekend? I really need a mini-vacation.


sloaps
2011-04-21 20:56:59

Wanna go to Cumberland and back instead - next weekend? I really need a mini-vacation.

If ya can leave early Friday morning, I hear there may be a few people riding as far as Rockwood before leaving the trail for points east... ;-)


reddan
2011-04-21 22:15:24

With the detours, this trip is looking more and more grim.


FWIW, all the listed detours today are either not on the C&O Trail itself (the Billy Goat Trail is a hiking trail nearby), or long-standing detours (the section around MP 85). Looks like the C&O is currently all open.


On the other hand, it looks like the entire route from here to Washington is under various flood watches through the weekend....


steven
2011-04-21 23:08:43

I did bag it. It's funny that not only did I bag it but I am car-sitting this weekend and cant think of what I really want to do with it. I will probably take one of the bikes to the shop on my way to buy bulk quantities of something like steak. It would be sad if I just drove to Thick.


p-rob
2011-04-23 13:44:41

@Sloaps - actually I can do that. I would be up for leaving town Friday night after work to get some miles in. It is about 150 miles to Cumberland from the Garden of Esplen. I am up for covering 100+ on Saturday too, wherein we ride back north and maybe end in Rockwood the same day - climbing back up the continental divide. That is sick, but what the heck right?


p-rob
2011-04-23 13:50:39