GAP and C&O Day 2

Day 2

Ha, when I just dumped all the pics from the day into this post I had over 70 pics. That's a bit much, so we'll see how they get pared down.

After falling short of my Day 1 goal, I had miles to make up on this day. I still wanted to check out the sights, though, so I was making good speed when moving, while stopping often. The roughness of the trail meant this was taking a toll on my body, and I would also find out my equipment. I put in around 86 miles this day.

this was also my biggest day for photos.

I started out the morning with a quick freeze-dried meal, as I'd decided that with the number of food options available I just didn't need to carry them, and would just eat them. then I proceeded to second breakfast at the Trump-loving Schoolhouse Kitchen in Oldtown. I considered skipping it, but considering the mileage I wanted to make up, spending time looking for other options seemed like a waste.

Morning on the Potomac

campsite was ForageReady™

Lock 75, the final lock on the C&O

lots of the watered areas looked like this, but some were clear, but even more was de-watered

these gates are really not all that different than the ones on modern locks like the McAlpine Locks in Louisville

many of the locks were in various states of disrepair

with my bike on the bridge it starts to give an idea of how tiny these locks were

I ran across this family many times this morning, including at breakfast

damn turtle started coming after me while I was taking its picture

creek level in an aqueduct. hard work to get bike down for this pic

Paw Paw Tunnel West

Paw Paw Tunnel East

One of the cooler Hiker/Bikers sites. Down the hill on the Potomac behind these remain of a building

 About this point in the day, I stopped for lunch at Bill
s Place a friendly biker bar in Little Orleans. As I arrived, there was already another cyclist there, just getting off his bike. Hey, lunch company! Turns out he was doing way more than just the GAP/C&O, he'd come from California, and was on his way to New York.

This teeny tiny lockhouse was part of the Four Locks complex.

All pretty an manicured, but I bet this was a hell of mud with so much action going on so close with all four locks in operation, wide areas for putting boats to the side as some went upstream and some downstream.

The last stop of the day before heading to camp was Williamsport, where I ate at a little cafe, filled up on water and headed out at sunset. As I arrived at my campsite and started setting up, I realized the toll the terrain was taking on my equipment: a broken pannier hook. Luckily a lower hook, and I knew how to fix it, I just needed to find the right tools and a nut and bolt. But that would have to wait until the next day, as I was tired, sore and in need of rest.

Up Next Day 3

GAP and C&O Canal Tour Day 1

I know, I know, I haven't blogged in forever, but I figured I'd at least put up some pics and tell some stories from my recent trip. So here goes:

I had been in the middle of a 3 week vacation, starting in the Twin Cities visiting friends, then driving to Ohiopyle, PA to start riding both the GAP and C&O Canal trails, stretching from Pittsburgh to D.C. Why they odd place to start in the middle? Well, I didn't want to arrive in D.C. on the weekend, so I'd have a chance to meet up with a friend, and also there is free parking at this location, something I was unlikely to find in either Pitt or D.C.

While I had hoped to arrive, get my car checked in and bike loaded up by 11am or so, it was closer to 2pm when I finally got rolling. With a planned 90 miles, plus any additional off route to get food and such, it was looking like a long day-into-night to get to where I was headed.

first ride pic at the Ohiopyle Visitors Center (bents, because I know some people like them)

Leaving Ohiopyle and heading East towards D.C., you start by heading uphill, for around 56 miles. It's such a gentle climb though that my GPS wasn't even registering the grade.

First town I pass through

Youghiogheny River at Confluence

Casselman River at Confluence

Pinkerton High Bridge

I happened across these two gentlemen on this bridge, and after stopping to chat with them for a moment, found out they were fellow randos, who were doing this as a credit card tour (meaning no camping, staying in hotel instead), I would see them off and on and ride with them a bit over the course of the day. When they went on as I was turning off path to get lunch they promised me a beer if I should happen to make it to the restaurant they were planning on dining at in Cumberland. I told them I planned on collecting.

Salisbury Viaduct 2000' long and 100' high and crossing large valley, a river, two highways (old and new Route 219s), and an ex-B&O CSX main line. Yeah it's impressive. and a bit un-nerving.

Meyersdale, PA Visitor's center and GAP gift shoppe

Big Savage Tunnel. I really wish I had one of those wooden train whistles.

Borden Tunnel

Brush Tunnel - yes, it's still active

this bridge is active, too

Shortly after this pic, I arrived at the Crabby Pig to collect my beer. Sadly I only managed the one, and no food, as they were already doing last call when I arrived. I had hoped that we would get a chance to ride together some more, but somehow we never crossed paths again. I hope they had a great ride.

Beginning the C&O Canal

As I transitioned from the GAP to the C&O, I found the surface conditions worsened, a bit more suddenly than I expected. I had planned another 15 miles past Cumberland to camp at Pigman's Ferry, but instead called it a night at Evritt's Creek after only 4.

Up next Day2

It's a new year

I guess that means I should look back on last year and see what was memorable.

The highlight of the year was my birthday trip. A week of riding in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota, with visits to friends and finished off by participating in the Box 'o Frogs gravel road ride.

Overall my mileage was up this year, back to 2009 levels, which are about average for me, but I'm hoping this year to get back to around 2012 levels.

Two new bikes were added to the stable, and one bike removed (two more due to go as soon as I get around to dropping them off at the local co-op for donation).