Bikes, Trains and Automobiles

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@JamesBond-qv2ht 9 күн бұрын

Good video. Regarding bathrooms, are they at all private or can they be used by anyone on the train?

@BikesTrainandAuto 8 күн бұрын

Everyone in the sleeper area, not the train. So more than just you, but there were several and I never found a time one wasn't open. You can get bedrooms with private bathrooms, but they are for two, not 4.

@gabrielmorales4870 21 күн бұрын

I don't know how old y'all are but that's called getting old not sleeping good outside of your own bed lol it's ok love your content

@StillPlaysWithModelTrains1956 26 күн бұрын

The Cap was a God send during my Chemo-Radiation for throat cancer at the VA Hospital in DC back in 2015. Without it, I would of had to endure a shuttle bus ride to Martinsburg, arriving after the DAV shuttle van had departed for Cumberland so it was an overnight at the HOPTEL then out 1 pm the following day to Cumberland making for a very, very long two day trek.

@Maryam-ue3vw 29 күн бұрын

Great video, comprehensive, planning for October 2025 .Many thanks to you

@BikesTrainandAuto 26 күн бұрын

You are welcome, hope you enjoy the trip!

@railfanjk8964 Ай бұрын

Its amtrak equipment shortage most of the superliners are in amtrak beach grove shops and they didnt make enough superliners

@BillBooz Ай бұрын

Thanks very much. Great information.

@IamTheAWD 2 ай бұрын

As for sleeping comfort, I find it much easier to sleep when I’m oriented with the direction of the train (roomettes). Sleeping oriented across the direction of the train (bedrooms and family bedrooms) is less comfortable.

@vtirva 2 ай бұрын

Great description. Super detailed

@BikesTrainandAuto 2 ай бұрын

Glad you found it helpful!

@KenFernbach 3 ай бұрын

Well put together post- thanks for the info, this is a win! 🚴🏼‍♂️🌿👍🙏

@BikesTrainandAuto 2 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@johnkeener2065 3 ай бұрын

Thank you , we live thirty miles east of Pittsburgh, from. John K.

@xp_studios7804 4 ай бұрын

I live in Maryland and just started college in Chicago. I'll be taking the Capitol Limited back in November for the first time. I don't compare it to the Zephyr, I compare it to flying from DC to Chicago. Flying is more practical, but also a lot more stressful. It still takes half a day because airports are located far-off from downtown, and the flight itself is too long to feel quick but too short to really settle in. With all the airlines jacking up their prices for thanksgiving it was cheaper to book the train, and based on my experience on the Silver Meteor (which was longer and arguably less scenic), I just enjoy trains more, so I'm excited to see what the Capitol Limited has to offer.

@DerrickGarrett 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for this video. I watched it many, many times before embarking on my own GAP trail adventure. I did a 3-day - Pittsburgh to Connellsville to Meyersdale to Cumberland. I actually enjoyed that split. The 60 miles to Connellsville allowed me to ease into the ride - several towns, lots of people/bikers, lots of places to stop and eat. The second day, Connellsville to Meyersdale, was more of a grind. You're in the woods, not many on trail towns/people (besides Ohiopyle) - and for me it was head down, deal with the shale, clock the miles, and climb up to Meyersdale. Then on the third day, for me, it felt like a straight high-speed run to the Continental Divide, and then the downhill to Cumberland. I wish that I knew that Frostburg was up, up, and up the hill. I rode up the switchback to the Carriage Museum, but I did not ride up further to the town of Frostburg. My loss. All in all, it was a great trip, which I would do again.

@royalfamily3076 4 ай бұрын

How much voltage is the power outlet?

@BikesTrainandAuto 4 ай бұрын

Seemed standard but I am not sure, you'd have to talk to Amtrak on that

@FlagshipTrains 4 ай бұрын

Fort Frederick is awesome if you can catch a re-enactment.

@music-xr4co 5 ай бұрын

Been on this train 3 times. I was seated in the upper floor and WOW! it was spacious, clean and comfortable. Scenery was good, so i have no idea what the train snobs are talking about.

@sailingaeolus 5 ай бұрын

I did the Katy Trail with zero plans. Landed at Lambert Field, put my bike together and started pedaling. I did end up camping right on the trail twice (contrary to signage I noted), but it really added to the excitement and feel of "me versus nature". Having a hotel and bike packing are really contrary concepts to each other in my opinion. Getting wet, starving, lugging 30 lbs of gear, sleeping on the ground, eaten by bugs, bathing in rivers...adds to the "ambiance of outdoor living and interstate travel by pedal bike". Something very spiritual about going Truly Primitive. In any event, thank you for sharing your many outstanding observations and thoughts. Very enjoyable.

@BikesTrainandAuto 5 ай бұрын

I keep looking at the Katy and never pulling the trigger. You are pushing me toward it when I can find time. Thanks

@sailingaeolus 5 ай бұрын

@@BikesTrainandAuto The Bike Stop Cafe in St Charles (10 miles from Lambert on Katy) will watch your bike bag for free and has great food. Be sure to carry plenty of water, at least a gallon. Long stretches of the Katy are food store deserts, no place for snacks or to refill water bottles.

@mykota 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for this informative video. I noticed that on the GAP portion I see a bike with a trailer. Didn’t see it on the C&O. The C&O looks more like a road bed with the grassy median. Would a trailer still fit.

@BikesTrainandAuto 5 ай бұрын

It is a road bed with a grassy median in most places, but I've both seen people with trailers and been a person with trailers in some places with my kids. That being said, trees falling across the path are frequent on the C&O so don't bring what you can lift over a fallen tree.

@PeteMalis 6 ай бұрын

This is not an underrated train. It isn't worth riding. Horrible, I repeat Horrible flex dinning food. As someone said last night it should be called the microwave express. No dinning car, no observation car. Way over priced for zero service. We had a bedroom, they may have recovered the seats.But it ends there. Dirty old carpet, dirty scratched up walls, and cabinets. Just sad 😢😢😢

@mikeymutual5489 3 ай бұрын

All true. You forgot to mention the lack of Wi-Fi. This kid has no idea what he is talking about. Most people take this route much farther than he did. Let's see if this route improves when it becomes part of the new Floridian route.

@StillPlaysWithModelTrains1956 26 күн бұрын

It's ridiculous to pay $17 for a Bloody-Mary only to have the Snack-Car Attendant throw all the ingredients into a cardboard box and hand it to you... Mixing the cocktail is not difficult, you know.

@mikeymutual5489 25 күн бұрын

@@StillPlaysWithModelTrains1956 It is a to-go cafe, not a bar. smh

@salmonella508 6 ай бұрын

I did both trails last year. Camped along the way. Some pay, some free. Good time. Went from Pittsburgh to DC. The Continental Divide is the high point of the trail. Based on Ride with GPS profile, it’s less elevation and distance to the Divide going east. Keep in mind this is RR grade. Not a huge deal. The GAP trail is great. The C&O is a different story. Rough and fatiguing. If you’re not a purist, check your map for the Western Maryland Rail Trail. It runs parallel to the C&O. It’s a 25 mile paved trail. Nice break from C&O.

@AthensTN 6 ай бұрын

Nice work on this video! I've watched 4 times and have taken notes and putting my travels togeter as per this video. Thank you so much with the detail and the sharing of your travels. Taking Amtrak to Pittsburgh then ride back to DC 9/1/2024 looking forward to this trip!

@BikesTrainandAuto 6 ай бұрын

Good luck and please post any changes since I made it, for example now the C&O pumps are on, but you need a filter because they don't iodine anymore due to flooding issues.

@SavGaEckmann 6 ай бұрын

How appropriate are 35 mm tires on a 1980s steel touring bike on these two trails?

@BikesTrainandAuto 6 ай бұрын

I'd go wider on the tires if you can. You can probably get away with it on the GAP, on the C&O, you'd be pushing your luck.

@DerrickGarrett 4 ай бұрын

Yeah, I just did the GAP on 32mm tires. I enjoyed it - but I like dancing with my bike. My front tire would slip out and my rear tire would spin on the shale. On the climb up to the ECDivide, I was constantly worried about getting a flat on the shale. So, if you just want to cruise and enjoy, go wider than 35mm.

@SavGaEckmann 4 ай бұрын

@@DerrickGarrett Thank you very much

@obiwanfreak1 7 ай бұрын

Great tip about the power outlet!

@valeriehunter3795 7 ай бұрын

Riding the C&O in a few weeks. Rode the GAP 2 years ago and Pine Creek last year. Plan to camp so I am flexible but trying to gage my end date for the train reservation. I'm old and slow not to mention the loaded bike and dirt trail. Thinking 4 days of 45 miles each. Sound reasonable?

@BikesTrainandAuto 7 ай бұрын

Very reasonable. Enjoy your trip.

@charmontravel 7 ай бұрын

Great video! Thanks!

@BikesTrainandAuto 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@bjmurray1842 8 ай бұрын

The other thing about the expense over driving (not to mention the emissions) is that you'd want to stay over at least one night, and buy meals etc. If you factor that in, it seems like this trip is about the same as driving, except you don't have to drive, or deal with traffic (except freight...). Well done.

@scottleeney7717 8 ай бұрын

I know each person prefers certain bikes. My friend and I are planning g on doing the Gap but we are going to build up to it. He purchased a Trail Bike. I honestly never hear of a trail bike until we started talking about doing this ride. Any suggestions for a 60 year old man on mountain or trail would be more comfortable would be a great help

@BikesTrainandAuto 8 ай бұрын

It's more about the how comfortable you are on your seat than the bike as long as you aren't trying to do it on a road bike. It's fairly flat, so for the most part gears aren't going to matter much. I don't think you need a trail bike with a suspension, just a butt callous and not being too stubborn about taking breaks when you need them.

@merediths2cents 8 ай бұрын

Born in 1970. My parents used to send us cross country alone and Amtrak always took care of us.

@alimazimmer3819 8 ай бұрын

I always enjoy riding on the Capital Limited. Thank you for sharing this beautiful video.

@NomadZ-cc 8 ай бұрын

Hello! I've biked a few sections of the c&o but plan to do the entire thing this year. In May, in my experience it has always been soaking wet. How is the trail condition in the fall? Thanks for the video!

@BikesTrainandAuto 8 ай бұрын

I've never had a C&O through that wasn't muddy at some point. In the summer you have thunderstorms at night, in the fall even when it doesn't rain for a few days the leaves keep the moisture in the ground. It's part of the trip.

@NomadZ-cc 8 ай бұрын

@@BikesTrainandAuto i live near the area, its not always storming or raining but maybe just because it never gets direct sun in most portions it just stays that way, i was curious if the cold ground made any changes. Guess not.

@steveretiredandcycling 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for this informative video. It's the best I've seen to prepare for the trail. I will be riding the entire trail 2nd week of May. Camping all the way to DC. Great job and keep up the good work. Thanks again and have a great day, Steve

@ashleymazza126 9 ай бұрын

Hi there great video. I have done the C&O before, but we’re gonna go back and do the gap and the C&o again in one trip. Can you explain more about parking at the Great Falls and I guess if you park there then you’re not really ending @ mile 0? How many miles from the Great Falls parking to miles zero?

@BikesTrainandAuto 9 ай бұрын

Great Falls is at Mile 14, so it's 14 miles to the marker then another 4 to 5 to Union Station. You have to pay for a National Park admission (If you don't already have one) and you let the rangers know you are doing overnight parking and give them your tag number. I would call ahead to make sure the policy hasn't changed, but I've never had any issues. Just remember it's the Maryland side, not the Virginia side. www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/greatfallstavernvisitorcenter.htm

@TerryAnderson-s5w 9 ай бұрын

Thank you. You’ve convinced me. Your video is really quite helpful. I plan to try to figure out how to stay connected with your media. So informative!

@mpmurphy00 9 ай бұрын

RIP White's Ferry 😢 Once connected 2 bike worlds - Maryland: C&O and the quiet farm roads in the northwest quadrant of Montgomery County, to Virginia: the retail in Leesburg, gravel roads in Loudoun County, and the popular Washington & Old Dominion trail.

@BikesTrainandAuto 9 ай бұрын

One time I did a loop from Great Falls down to D.C. across to VA up to Leesburg one the W&OD and took Whites Ferry back to the C&O to get back to my car. It will be missed and I hope they find a way to eventually work things out, but the VA side owners seem to have overplayed the hand into killing the whole thing.

@mpmurphy00 9 ай бұрын

@@BikesTrainandAuto Full loop there was a epic ride for long summer days, yeah... Washington Metro silver line has finally opened into Loudoun county, which could have put Whites Ferry on more modest routes. Nowadays going upstream beyond Chain Bridge, there is no crossing until US15/Point of Rocks, and that bridge can be terrifying on bicycle.

@jsdhesmith2011 9 ай бұрын

When you mention the complexity of a bike and to keep it simple, definitely reminded me of cars and why older vehicles are better…not over complicated.

@BikesTrainandAuto 9 ай бұрын

I don't know if I would say better or worse, but in terms of field repair, simple is better. If this were road biking up and down hills I would love all the bells and whistles. But grit and grime finds a way. Thanks for watching.

@jsdhesmith2011 9 ай бұрын

@@BikesTrainandAuto Yeah, really liked watching this video and finding out more about this trail. I’m gonna make it out there and do both of them.

@sailingaeolus 5 ай бұрын

Video can be found on youtube of a guy that paid $5200 for a 2018 Ford F150 taillight module. New vehicles use I.T. bus to switch the light and the module failed sporadically tripping ECU and transmission faults. $5200 of swap-tronics at two shops and the problem was correctly identified and fixed. Lots of what were once fine products are now junk because of "over engineering". The days when an old F150 would run for three decades are over.

@davidburgess741 9 ай бұрын

Start at Great Falls and end in Boston. DC and Pittsburgh are armpits! The paved railtrail around the West Virginia portion òf C+O is a good alternative to the roughest least maintained towpath. Several places you can go between the two routes and use hiker biker campsites. Connellsville is a bit of a place you might meet shady characters. Crackheads and prostitutes. There is a halfway house nearby. Ride the route as described both directions and no shuttle needed. You'll have permanent bragging rights over 2 weeks.

@RWorley3sl 9 ай бұрын

So the kids slept with the train direction and the adults sleep diagnal. So going with the train is much better and thats where a roomette has its advantage over bedrooms

@jhubb408 9 ай бұрын

We are doing the GAP and C&O this May/June. Great video, lots of goof info! Question, do you get on the Capitol Crescent at Fletchers Cove area? I am not familiar with that area and am using Google Maps. Thanks!

@BikesTrainandAuto 9 ай бұрын

That would be my suggestion. They have done some restoration in Georgetown, but I still think the best way to get to Mile 0 is the Crescent as it follows the river more directly and avoids some sections that can get confusing.

@bentarpley 9 ай бұрын

All my adventures started after age 62. Thru-hiked the AT, biked across America on the Southern Tier, walked from the Golden Gate to San Diego and walked the 444 mile Natchez Trace pushing my Runabout Stroller. Planning to leave in April from Pittsburgh to finish in DC. My only concern is whether my Stroller wheels are suitable for this walk. Since gravel is a big part of the trail, I wonder if my more narrow polyurethane (tubeless) will be okay. I'm now 76.

@BikesTrainandAuto 9 ай бұрын

I'm not familiar with Runabouts specifically, I've hauled my kids on the GAP without issues but the C&O is very muddy and prone to things like trees falling across the path. I've done it...but I can't say I would recommend. Good luck!

@jeffdziak6455 9 ай бұрын

The Schoolhouse Restaurant is the VERY BEST place to stop! The owners are some of the kindest folks in the world 🌎. The GAP is great, the C&O is absolutely GOLDEN!

@void_presence 10 ай бұрын

Very helpful, I also plan on doing this (well, most of it, I don't plan on going all the way to DC, just to Shepherdstown, WV), my issue is getting to Pittsburg as I can't drive. Train is an option but the only train (from Harper's Ferry) to Pittsburg gets to Pittsurg close to midnight

@BikesTrainandAuto 10 ай бұрын

That is the same train in the video and it does get there close to midnight but there are hotels across the street from the station and some hotels in the area will do shuttle service from the Amtrak as they are used to those arrival times there.

@void_presence 10 ай бұрын

@@BikesTrainandAuto good to know; but i plan on doing shorter trips to warm up to that anyway as I haven't done ANY bike-camping trip yet and i need to work up to such a trek :D

@ournexttrail 10 ай бұрын

Great suggestion to do the Gap first. We’ve done & recorded the Ohio to Erie in weekend back & forth mini trips. Can’t wait to bike Pitt to Cumberland & then take the train back!

@BikesTrainandAuto 10 ай бұрын

Thanks and glad you liked the video.

@BmoreIrish 10 ай бұрын

Paw paw has a cool biking campsite with 4 sleeper cabins, it’s across the street from the dollar general behind the gas station. We’ve stayed, I definitely recommend it. Sometimes you can book a cabin the day of if you just want to sleep in a bed for a night. They’re on Airbnb. There’s also big and Tiny’s tavern next to DG. It’s not much to look at but the food is really good and reasonably priced.

@BikesTrainandAuto 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info

@MrTullyblue 10 ай бұрын

thank you - great info. mate I'm hoping to fly from Sydney Australia into Pittsburgh international airport in about later september early October 2024 or 2025 depending in my fitness levels. I think it is possible to start right at airport and get onto the Montour trail for 60 miles, joining the Gap trail at Mckeesport ? Hopefully. my plan is to take my time to reach Washington DC. a one off trip. Question is, is 24 days to long ? like i said i'm not in a rush and at 61 might be my only trip to the USA as i have other trails to archive in other countries. cheers John

@BikesTrainandAuto 10 ай бұрын

Not sure I follow the question 24 Days in the US or on this trail? 24 Days is longer than I would recommend on the trail, but 24 days in the States absolutely if you can afford it and depending on what you like to do. If you want to see cities Pittsburgh is worth a day, D.C. is absolutely worth seeing at the other end for at least a few days and from there and it's only a few hour train or Bus up to Philadelphia, New York or even Boston on Amtrak from D.C. or an overnight up to Chicago. If you are trail focused you could do the GAP and C&O in a week, fly our and do the Katy for a week in the midwest, then Fly out to Spokane and do the Hiawatha and the Couer De Lane and take a West Coast Flight home all easily in a 24 day window...if you have the budget for the flights/trains in between all those places. Hell the trains out west are a vacation in and of themselves. We are a strange country, but we are also a damn beautiful one.

@MrTullyblue 10 ай бұрын

cheers @@BikesTrainandAuto

@RufusAstra 10 ай бұрын

Brilliant. We arrive in April and staying in Georgetown - as close as we could get to the start of the C&O. Good to know that there are nice places to eat there and that walking is ok. In the UK we walk everywhere - but I know that distances are greater in the US - so wasn't sure if we would need to be taking transport to see the city. Thanks again for a very good video.

@BikesTrainandAuto 10 ай бұрын

Georgetown is great and Washington is very walkable. Washington was build in a very European style unlike most American Cities. Good luck on your trip!

@RufusAstra 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for the very useful information. My husband and I will actually be going in the other direction from DC as we are going much further west - but take your point about elevation. Was curious about the mention of bears. I know we will have a greater chance of encountering a bear the further west we go - but wasn't aware there would be bears so close to DC. Thanks again for all the tips. 🚴‍♀

@BikesTrainandAuto 10 ай бұрын

The bears on the East Coast are black bears and other than stealing food from campsites you should be fine. They are very passive, more a nuisance that a risk, unlike bears out west. You may get lucky and see one swimming before it runs away from you, but most years I've never encountered one. I wouldn't worry.

@fincity1964 11 ай бұрын

good video, thanks for making.

@BikesTrainandAuto 10 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@MattMcDonnell-k8q 11 ай бұрын

Great video. Looking to do the C&O in July. Planning on taking Amtrack to Cumberland. With only 8 slots for bikes on the train can you make a reservation with Amtrack to take your bike.

@BikesTrainandAuto 11 ай бұрын

You actually have to. It's one of the options when you book your train. If you don't add it.