GAP C&O Full Ride

[@thegreatexaggerator9077]

There is an age old idiom that we hikers use when hiking long distance trails called “Hike Your Own Hike” (HYOH). No one knows better than yourself what your plans and goals might be and know one should think they do. The same can be said for bike packers-“Ride Your Own Ride.” (RYOR)! You certainly have evolved as a vlogger in three short years and it’s all very good! Now, to finish this video! Happy Trails as we also say!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thanks for the kind words. I honestly try to improve a bit each video. Those are good words of wisdom. It’s the path to personal satisfaction.

[@thellewelynmoss]

Just completed DC-Pittsburgh two weeks ago with my brother, our first bikepacking trip. It was really hard, and we both swore we would never do it again, but now I am kind of missing it!!!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Congrats!!!!! The spirit of adventure strikes again! 😂 I always find it funny how initially our bodies says no way then we are back at it. I try to remind myself that no matter what my brain says, my body is totally enjoying itself. Any particular memories from your trip that you’ll always remember? Struggles? Beauty? Man, I’d love to ride with my brother…maybe some day.

[@thellewelynmoss]

​@@RideAlongAdventures I think the most standout memory was making camp at Round Bottom campground near mile marker 100 on the GAP. We new it was about to rain, so we pulled over and took shelter in the openfaced wooden structures there, which was really nice after three nights of roughing it. We were out of cell range, so it really surprised us when our phones went off, saying that there was a tornado warning. We were both pretty spooked, and had heard that a tornado sounds exactly like a train. So when an actual train came puffing around the bend, we were terrified 😂😂😂. But the rain passed and we had a really good time eating sunflower seeds and Jolly Ranchers before bed. Thanks for your videos, they were a big help in planning. We even made sure to stop at the little refrigerator with the ice cream and drinks outside of Connellsville that you went to in your GAP video.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

@@thellewelynmoss omg...great memories. glad you were safe, although the train noise scare is pretty damn funny. again, well done--memories for a lifetime!

[@markmoffett6813]

That was one of the best videos of the combined trail ride I have seen. Thanks for giving me a clearer picture of the trip Thanks

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Thanks, Mark. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@scottwaroquier4602]

Love all your adventures. You are one of my favorite bikepacker. Thanks for all your hard work filming these awesome adventures.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thank you, Scott. It’s a fun hobby and I really enjoy sharing the experiences. Thanks for watching and I appreciate the kind words a lot.

[@Minnesota_Matt]

Well done, sir. And thanks for a great video of your adventure.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Hey, thanks, Matt. Appreciate it. That still ranks in my top-5 favorite adventures. I really loved that trip.

[@joeconway6282]

Loved your vid and voice. Wife and I did the GAP C&O May 2021. Drove to West Newton, from Bodega Bay, parked, credit card camped. Took 8-9 days, rented suv drove back to WN from DC. Loved the trip. Your video makes me want to do it again. Joe and Tish

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Wait…Bodega Bay, CA???? I lived in Santa Rosa for six years. Small world. Thanks for the kind words. I really love this trail. I don’t think I can do it this year which bums me out. I rode the Erie Canal instead (back in June), which I really enjoyed but the GAP is really special.

[@edmcg1918]

Excellent video. You let the scenery speak for itself! Nice work. Thank you. My trip coming up in May. You have done one of the best gap trip vids out there.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thanks! I hope you have a great time. It's a wonderful trail.

[@hallowed45]

an excellent video best ive seen ,that ride is on my list

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Thanks, Doug. Great timing for a comment. I’m doing it (again) RIGHT NOW!! Finished the GAP yesterday and did one day on the C&O today.

[@hallowed45]

@@bryanwehmeyer excellent. same bike or a different one ? ive built a hybrid from a mo

[@hallowed45]

a mountain bike with a suspinsion fork for when im able to get out there and ride it,,,do alot of train9ing before you took off ?

[@bryanwehmeyer]

@@hallowed45 same.

[@bryanwehmeyer]

@@hallowed45 not enough training. 😉

[@hokcheung265]

Thank you very much for the video, you've done such a good job on it. I'm just so so glad not needing to listen to the crazy music other videos put up that lasts for the entirety of the clip. You have given me a very good idea on what to expect in planning for this trip this fall. Thank you again!

[@forkintherode8236]

Congratulations on a daunting but beautiful journey. We enjoyed your journey very much. My retirement is coming and I look forward to do what you’re doing soon. Take care

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thank you. Wow…this video seems like so long ago. Hey…retirement is awesome. Especially on a bike! Thanks for watching.

[@jimhardman1705]

Great Vid - I've done the C&O once in 2019 and the Full GAP/C&O May 2021 ..... Never looked for nor found Post 0 - LOL. Live in Alexadria VA so hop up on Key Bridge when trail hits Georgetown. Doing Full GAP./C&O again this May with my 64 yr old brother (I'm 58) and couple of his riding buds and you inspired me to end at Post 0 but since I'm local I'll track it down on a training local ride ...... your hunt at the end was admirable. Cheers.

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Lol. It’s amazing inaccessible. 😂

[@RideAlongAdventures]

i've been amused by how many videos there are of JUST this topic. :)

[@zer013]

That was fhe best video I’ve seen so far on the GAP/C&O ride. Thanks for posting the full length of some of the tunnels. I’ll be heading there in September to do the same thing!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Enjoy!

[@mkl9694]

Hi Bryan, I loved the video! This ride is on my bucket list - just have to convince my sons to come with me. From Perth, Ontario.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Fantastic, Mike. Glad you enjoyed it. Such a beautiful trail.

[@backyardrailroader]

I hiked along some of the sections that you biked on. Hope to do sections of the trails in May.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Awesome. Great trail!

[@alanosborne1947]

On the 4th day around the 1:20:10 mark you were commenting about the smooth trail surface. Based on what I could see it appears to be what's called crushed granite screenings. When it gets damp or wet it compacts naturally into a hard surface almost like asphalt. When it's dry it's still firm but not as firm as when wet. You can also have really loose areas like sand but I believe that's caused by the underlying trail surface and that doesn't happen too often. I live in North Carolina and that surface mix is used quite often on all the trails in the state. I'm really enjoying your ride. I'm hoping to do it in the next year and this allow me to see what the trail actually looks like.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Yeah, go for it! I rode it again in 2020 and I think it’s going to be an annual thing for me. Thanks for the info on the surface. Any long trails to recommend in North Carolina?

[@alanosborne1947]

@@RideAlongAdventures Longest trail I'm aware of is the American Tobacco Trail and it's only 25 miles long. They are working on the Mountains to Sea Trail but it's mostly for hiking. I'm waiting for the Great American Rail Trail to get more sections opened that will be awesome!!

[@MrRay645]

Im so ready to do it again after watching this. Did DC to PGH and back last year and I actually preferred really long days long miles doing it alone... think when I go with my wife this year we would ride less miles a day, more stopping/exploring and even more more time camping. Riding alone (and it was insanely hot when I went) going into towns/stopping wasn't really all that much fun...felt better to just keep grinding along with a breeze.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

i hope to get back to it in the fall. i really like the fall colors.

[@deanzawacki1896]

Great video! My son and I just made that ride the third week of September, 2021. We did it in 6 days, and next time I'm adding at least one more day to it. There is so much to see along the way, and doing it in 5 days just doesn't give you time to enjoy it. It was great to watch the video and relive the experience!

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Hi, Dean. Thanks! I actually just did the ride again a few weeks ago. This time, 7 days. I enjoyed it twice as much. And I’m currently working on a new 2021 video of the ride. Stay tuned. I’ll post the link here when I’ve uploaded it.

[@deanzawacki1896]

@@bryanwehmeyer Hi Brian. We ran into a rockslide in the slackwater area near Sharpsburg, and had to carry our bikes over it. Also, the Paw Paw Tunnel was closed and we had to use a steep and strenuous detour around it. There were several other detours on the C&O. Did you experience these things?

[@bryanwehmeyer]

@@deanzawacki1896 oh yes. 😳 the paw paw detour was crazy.

[@bryanwehmeyer]

@@deanzawacki1896 here ya go…complete with panting hill climbs (detours) 😉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXaqnKiXqbmInqM

[@RideAlongAdventures]

looks like the paw paw might be delayed in reopening.

[@jag1870]

Planning this trip with a few childhood friends for next summer. Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

glad you liked it.

[@petestephen4922]

Thanks for the video. I have done the whole trip once and parts of it several times. Your video inspired me to start planning another ride as soon as possible after we beat down this virus.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

so...have you gotten out there? time to triumph over the virus!!!!! :)

[@Chahtawarrior31]

As a combat disabled Veteran that is one of my biggest pet peeves! Not aware of their surroundings! I see I will have to get myself a bell when I do this trail!! Great footage and ride along! Semper Fi and Can Do OORAH

[@RideAlongAdventures]

I’ve been learning and practicing how to say “on your left!” without pissing people off. There’s an art to it. 😉 I don’t want to convey “get out of the way” which is what it can sound like sometimes. I also cough really loudly about 50’ back. That helps. I also talk to myself like, “wow, this is really beautiful” and people tend to verbally agree (as they move out of the way). Just want peace in the world. 😂

[@francisnicoletti4534]

I just started riding in spring of 2020. My first adventures were on a local rail trail in Bucks County. I graduated to doing the D & R, did Jim Thorpe, a scenic trek in Sandy Hook NJ, & the plans soon are to do the C&D. This adventure you took was incredible to watch. I hope to maybe do a part of the C&O sometime. Maybe between Point of Rocks to Harper’s Ferry. Thanks for the video. I’d be interested to see some of your 2020 ride.

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Great trails. I want to get back to the D & R sometime. I wish there was more camping options there. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

i loaded a video on the D&R. That's a favorite.

[@timphelps3568]

I'm making the comments for you as you pass people. i keep yelling at everyone to get out of your way!! LOL Love the video!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Too funny. 😂

[@apollovizsla]

Great video! I am originally from Pennsylvania, close to Ohiopyle, and the only section of the trail that I have been on was from Ohiopyle to Confluence and a few miles on the other side of Ohiopyle. I would like to try to ride the whole GAP someday.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Beautiful area!

[@teresathacker4093]

Riding with you on my trainer as we are shut down and can not go out COVID-19 in Maryland. I rode it when I tried 60 and had the time of my life! Thanks for sharing

[@RideAlongAdventures]

great to hear. Hope you're getting out there now that things are returning to normal.

[@davidingram5965]

Well done. Good summary.

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Thank you!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

thanks!

[@HectorTheDirector7]

Excellent video, appreciate you sharing!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@MedfordHills]

Great adventure! Appreciate the video!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thanks for watching. This video feels so long ago but it was one of my favorite rides.

[@marathonrunner715]

best part is you can fish almost anywhere along the trail in the yough, make sure you get a trout stamp with the pa license. To start a fire, you need small kindling and sticks and a lot of it. Find dry leafs and sticks on the ground. Don't break them from trees they're too wet. Bark from white birch can work. Stackthe bigger sticks in a log cabin structure with 4 walls and put the flammable dried out kindling inside the cabin with dry leaves, wood shavings, and twigs. Superior to the teepee method in windy and wet situations

[@RideAlongAdventures]

thanks for the tips.

[@CarRide]

Drives and rides are awesome to watch and a superb way to discover new places! Thanks for the lovely video!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Car Ride glad you liked it! It was a really fun ride. I was hoping to do it again this spring but the virus has changed my plans.

[@johneric3886]

Excellent video terrific communication skills, I learned a lot. I like how you are humble enough to admit that you should have gave yourself a few more days to do the trip. But hey sometimes life doesn't provide enough time. I know that for sure. Safe travels from Northeast Ohio.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thanks so much. I appreciate the kind words. Don’t know where you are at in northeast Ohio but a friend and I just did the Ohio to Erie trail in June (2021). The portion out of Cleveland into the canal towpath was really beautiful.

[@gator3-234]

Loved the vid. Getting ready to do it myself. The closer you get do DC, you may as well forget about common courtesy. Doesn't exist up there.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Enjoy the ride!

[@susanforrest4056]

Love this trail. Capital Crescent is a better transition to Mile Marker 0 (Thompson’s Boathouse) Husband and I have ridden this trail many times.

[@Jwnorton]

26:17 gel hand sanitizer is mostly alcohol - its good for starting fires.

[@bryanwehmeyer]

That’s a great tip! Another person mentioned bug spray. The more I look at this video, I think the main issue was fatigue. My heart wasn’t in it. 😉

[@RideAlongAdventures]

follow up: this is a new "must" for me. I added it to my checklist. thank you!

[@peterheil2845]

This is incredibly well done! Getting me excited for my trip

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Thanks, Peter. Enjoy your trip!!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

did you ever do your trip?

[@pppjourneyonabike5992]

"On your left "...or "good morning" at about 20 yards distance works pretty good.

[@garyjd1166]

WOW! Thought I was watching someone do a slalom course populated with people at the end there. I guess the whole etiquette thing went out the window. Yikes!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

i have a new video from the erie canal (hope to have it out in the next week) where a guy jumped out of his skin at 20 yards. i tried not to laugh.

[@elvisoost630]

Thanks for the video.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

You’re welcome! Glad you liked it.

[@DerrickGarrett]

Great video! I hope to be able to get out there in 2022!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

thanks!

[@mchunley]

Great job....

[@RideAlongAdventures]

thanks!

[@gabrielmann4634]

Nice video!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thank you.

[@leemason4024]

If you want something in Meyersdale wait until they have the maple syrup festival and their obligatory 5K race / Walk and you may be able to get maple syrup

[@RideAlongAdventures]

sounds like fun. I've always wanted to spend more time in Meyersdale. Looks like a very cool little town.

[@E.D.B]

I did Pittsburgh to Cumberland back in 2019. I'm planning to go all the way this time.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Awesome. It’s a great ride. Enjoy.

[@hberg321]

What a great looking ride! I've been getting back into biking lately and thinking about maybe tackling some bikepacking. Out of curiosity, how did you compute the calorie burn? Was it a rule of thumb calculation based on distance or did you install a power meter and measure it with a bike computer?

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Purely estimates from Strava. Yeah, this is an absolutely fantastic ride. You’ll enjoy it.

[@daveferrier723]

Hi Bryan. Loving all the videos about gap/co rides. Could please tell me what the costs for food, lodging, camping, dining out, and other transportation related costs are. Would really appreciate any insight on approximate costs. Thanks. Dave from North Delaware.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Hey, Dave. Hit me up at [e-mail] and we could exchange contact info. Your question could be pages long 😉. I’d be glad to help but a phone call might be easier.

[@littlebarney1460]

Excellent video

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thank you!

[@ChrisHayworth100]

Cycles through the pawpaw tunnel, "I should have walked that " Ummmn yeah 😆🤣

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Lol. I know!!! That was crazy. I walked it the next two trips. 😉

[@donlibes]

Thanks for the video. Having done it a few years ago, it was fun to relive although you didn't stop to sightsee as much as we did. There's so much history and scenery that you have to get off your bike to see. (We took 14 days.) It hurt only a bit to see all the wrong turns you were making in Georgetown. You don't like to ask directions, eh? I was impressed you somehow made it to the mile 0 post nonetheless. Kudos, I guess. BTW, at 1:50, you say it goes through WV. Where does it go through WV?

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Don Libes -actually, I think I’m wrong. It follows the river that borders MD and WVa. So close but not across the line.

[@donlibes]

@@RideAlongAdventures No problem. By the way, I added some more to my comment, having now watched the whole video! Thanks again for sharing. Sorry for picking at nits. It was fun to watch.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Don Libes lol-I think you could hear my frustration in Georgetown. 😂 after so many miles... yeah, I wish I had more time. Such beautiful country and great history. Maybe next time.

[@williambeckett9369]

Thanks for the awesome video! A few friends and myself are planning to do this ride in several months and your video was very informative. I’m sure I’ll come up with a couple questions between now and then so I may reach out if you don’t mind. Hope to see you on the trail one day!

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Fantastic! Enjoy the ride. It’s beautiful. I hope to do it again this summer myself.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

did you get a chance to do your ride?

[@williambeckett9369]

@@RideAlongAdventures Yes and it was a lot of fun. I created a short video and it’s on my page. Check it out and let me know what you think!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

@@williambeckett9369 nice job! I love the video at 17:00. Too funny. I’ve totally laid my bike down at that bridge several times. I also like your pic in the big savage tunnel.

[@williamhearrin2486]

Road or mtb clips? Great ride🚴‍♀️!

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Road. But I’ve since gone back to just mtb pedals.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

You know anyone who uses clips on sandals?

[@DannyManny98]

I gotta get a Jetboil sometime!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

thinking of upgrading to the "flash" version with the integrated starter.

[@JeffRevell]

I'm researching this trip for next month and found your great video diary. You skipped the start of the trip, which was the train ride to Pittsburgh and I had a question concerning the Amtrak travel. Did they have a special place for your bike that you could roll it on and store it until the end? I have been trying to find more information about taking the train to the beginning of the trail but everyone seems to skip that part of the trip in their videos. Did you have to remove your panniers from the bike when loading it onto the train? I'm assuming you took the Capitol Limited to Union Station in Pittsburgh. I looked for information on the Amtrak site as I have heard there is an additional charge for a bike but I didn't find anything there. Any insight you could give add would be greatly appreciated. Cheers

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Sure thing! Yes, the Capital Limited and, yes, there was a bike car. We basically just laid our bikes down in the car even though they said there would be actual racks. I took my panniers in the coach but others just left them on their bikes. I believe it was $20 for the bike. It was tricky to find the info so I just called Amtrak directly and got the info. It was really convenient. I think the only drag was getting into Pgh so late (after midnight) but otherwise it was great. I hope that helps. Enjoy the ride. I’m actually hoping to ride it again this Fall.

[@JeffRevell]

@@RideAlongAdventures Thanks so much for the response. I saw from the Amtrak site that the train pretty much always arrives in Pgh just before midnight. I will be getting a hotel for a few hours sleep just as you did. I'll call Amtrak and see about booking the trip with my bike since, as you said, there is really no info online. If you ride again this fall take note that the C&O trail is closed on the North side of the Paw Paw tunnel and it's necessary to hike-a-bike over the mountain bypass trail to get back to the trail downstream. This is apparently going to be the case until sometime in mid-2022. Thanks again.

[@kinggak1]

When you said you thought you were cheating and came off the canal and got onto a hard surface, where were you? Look like a small town (rail trail and it's paved) @ 1:07:01, Western Md. rail trail?

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Lol. Yes. I was absolutely fried that day. Maybe at Hancock?

[@kinggak1]

@@bryanwehmeyer Thank you sir for your reply. Thought maybe Clear Spring, I will find out for my self sometime this year, I'm going for it!

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Hi, Greg. Yeah, I took another look and it was Hancock. Depends on which way you are headed but if you’re heading to DC, you can get onto the WMRT at Little Orleans. I didn’t get into it until Hancock. There’s a great bike shop there right off the trail, super friendly people. Enjoy the ride!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

update: during my most recent ride, I "cheated" the entire way on the Western Maryland. :)

[@CursiveDragon]

Looking at the terrain, do you recommend a road bike with adjusted tires or mountain bike with fat boy tires? I can do a century on either one; endurance and speed are not an issue. I'm looking for comfort.

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Good question. I’ve actually done it on both. My gravel bike has 40s. My fat bike was overkill but, as usual, fun but slow. You said it: comfort is key. Maybe one other consideration would be the weather. The C&O can be especially rough in rain (bumps, ruts, mud).

[@RideAlongAdventures]

a buddy of mine just completed the GAP on an old 10-speed! :)

[@mattpalmerchuck]

I'm doing this trail in a couple weeks. Any reason why this couldn't be done on a recumbent? Also, what was your average speed? I'm looking to do on average 65 to 75 miles a day.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

I've seen a lot of recumbents on the trail over the years so I'd assume it's totally cool. I aim to do between 12 and 14 mph per day and I shoot for around 50 miles/day as an average. Enjoy it--it's a great ride!

[@frankwood5693]

Thanks so much for your video. A buddy and I are doing this trip in about 3 weeks and this gave me a good idea of what the surface is like and some areas to watch out for. I'm curious how much video you shot per day and how you stored all the footage while you were on the trail.

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Thanks-glad you liked it. I’ve got a really high capacity storage card (128g). I have no rhyme or reason on taking footage. I just sort of turn on the camera when something looks interesting or scenic. Maybe 1-2 minutes at a time. And then sometime I forget it’s on. 😉 I carry a battery pack, 20800 mAh. That recharges my camera and phone for several days.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

i tend to just turn on the camera for a few minutes when I see something interesting. I also recently decided to film in higher resolution. i get about four hours of footage with that 128g card.

[@spaceghost8995]

How much is asphalt and how much is crushed gravel?

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Very smooth surfaces. Only a few graveling places last time I rode. Around Ohio Pyle State Park.

[@smd2332]

Thank you very much for this awesome video. Couple of logistics questions. What kind of arrangements did you have to make for accommodating your bike on the train? You got in to Pittsburgh at midnight. Did you nap/sleep on the train? And where did you stay overnight after getting off the train? Hotel? Which one and where? Very impressive you did this in 5 days in 2019. You said you did it again in 2020. Same number of days? Or longer? Thank you very much!

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Glad you liked it. Not sure during COVID but Amtrak has an additional bike reservation you can add to your train ticket. Visit their website for info. The train ride was like 8 hrs. I spent most of the time talking to three other cyclists doing the trail! One couple had finished and were headed back home. I stayed at the AC Marriott across from the station. I took seven days last year. It was WAY more relaxing and I enjoyed it more. Of course, in 2019, I didn’t have a choice due to work. Hope you get a chance to do it. It’s a great experience.

[@smd2332]

@@bryanwehmeyer Bryan, glad to hear the extra few days made it more enjoyable. I did see where you have to make an Amtrak bike reservation. Thanks for the heads up. I'm curious if you changed anything the second time around as far as gear, food, etc. As they say, experience is the best teacher. I'm still in the process of acquiring my gear. I'm shooting for Sept/Oct 2021. Thank you for the help. Steve

[@bryanwehmeyer]

@@smd2332 no change in gear. I find, for me at least, 40-60 miles a day gives me time to relax, enjoy the scenery, take breaks, smell the roses. I woke up fresh each morning rather than feeling like I was facing a hurdle. Another big difference is that I rode alone in ‘19. I rode with a friend in ‘20. That always helps to slow me down because we talk and take in more sites. Another change: I camped more. I threw one motel in the middle so I could shower.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

did you get a chance to do your ride?

[@1LeggedAdventures]

i cant wait do to this trail. question in terms of bikes on amtrak, do they have to laydown in a hold? if so how much room is there? I ride a handcycle so there is no laying it down lol. i appreciate the video. in the end it is obvious that you were humbled by the experience. i think i am going to stretch it out to 7 days just so i can spend a bit more time on trail and taking in the sites. smelling the roses if you will.

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Yeah, seven days gives you time to take it in. I did it again last year over a week and I enjoyed it a lot more. In terms of Amtrak, they have a video online of racks but when I did it, we just laid the bikes on the floor of the hold. Yes, I felt immensely grateful for the ride. Such a great time for reflection, appreciation of life, etc. Hope you enjoy it!!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

update: i just used amtrak for the erie canal trip. looks like amtrak is creating bike storage IN the passenger cars as well. it was a lot easier to store.

[@auntdayskitchen6315]

Parts of this trail looked a little thin especially once you got onto that second trail going down into DC along the canal is it wide enough all the way through for a trike?

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Sure, it gets narrow in some places but you gotta remember that trucks do maintenance on the trail so I can’t envision a place where a trike couldn’t get through. There’s always a few places where there are more people walking/hiking but shouldn’t be a problem to go around.

[@auntdayskitchen6315]

@@RideAlongAdventures Yeah the path look at the towpath was what I was concerned about parts of it like through that tunnel just looks really thin narrow I mean but it does look like fun

[@spaceghost8995]

Do you have list of your bike gear? What brand racks and bags etc.?

[@RideAlongAdventures]

I bought bontrager racks that were recommended with the bike. My front panniers are Ortliebs (“gravel”). The back bag is a bontrager with zipper foldout side panels.

[@josewagner7584]

What camera are you using? Your video is so clear.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Seriously?? Someone yesterday told me my video quality was bad. 😂 I use a gopro 7 black. Regardless, I’m glad you liked it. Hey-if you’ve got a few extra minutes, do me a favor and watch (some of) my video on the Erie Canal path. I shot in a different resolution and I’d be interested if you see a difference. Sometimes I wonder what impact the upload to KZbin makes. Thanks for watching, Jose!

[@josewagner7584]

@@RideAlongAdventures Ok...I watched the Erie Canal video. The resolution was a little different but still pretty doggone good. I enjoyed every second of it. You've got to be retired or you have really great employment vacation benefits. But really Bryan...I would dare to say that anyone watching your videos would like to be you. I love cycling and I just retired (@ 63 y.o.) and I plan to do exactly what you're doing. The GAP trail on the last weekend of October. Stay safe and keep riding.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

@@josewagner7584 very nice of you to say. Not yet retired but I’ve got vacation time saved up so I’m finally starting to use some of it. I’d really like to talk to you further if you’re game: move this to email? I’m at [e-mail]

[@MtnGoat-rm9po]

Love watching the scenery as you ride but wish you'd said what and where more. Videos are great but some offhand everyday comments about/during the ride makes it more real for us who are still planning the trip.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

i've been taking this to heart on recent videos. hope they are getting better.

[@pgreenx]

Sorry if asked before but what size tires do you recommend? Thanks

[@RideAlongAdventures]

No problem. I use 40s. Overkill for most rail trails but a smooth ride nonetheless.

[@pgreenx]

@@RideAlongAdventures Thanks - going out with 35s next month. cant wait

[@spaceghost8995]

My bike tires are 650B x 2.3 are these good for crushed gravel?

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Other should share their opinions but I’d say yes. The gravel sections are few and far between. Im always glad I have a bit of tread on my tires. You thinking of doing the ride sometime soon?

[@spaceghost8995]

@@RideAlongAdventures Yes late Aug. or early Sept. I have good bike but no racks or bags yet. I have backpacking and lightweight camping gear but need to outfit bike asap.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

@@spaceghost8995 might see you out there! 😉

[@spaceghost8995]

Wow this old vid just popped up in my feed! I did actually bike the GAP and C&O twice in the last few years! It is awesome. My fattish tires were great for both especially the C&O. I made sure to bike the C&O during fairly dry periods because I didn't want mud. Just make sure to carry a lot of water because some of the wells are dry and some taste pretty terrible. Happy biking everyone!!❤❤❤

[@RideAlongAdventures]

@spaceghost8995 👏🏻👏🏻👍🏼

[@ErnestMattison-oi2je]

I think I did thos ride a year or so ago. Well of I did , I'm doing it again. I use dryer sheets and rub the sheets on any exposed skin including my face. I then will tuck them my clothing Seems to keep the bugs away.

[@ErnestMattison-oi2je]

This ride, My fingers, ereerre😅😅😊😊

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Great tip. Thanks.

[@francisignacio2220]

Where is the vlog when you rode it again last year in 2020?

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Lol…you want more? 😂 I almost always take video on long rides so, yes, I have something to upload. Let me think about it.

[@bryanwehmeyer]

I’m currently working on a vlog of a ride I just finished in Ohio…6 days on the Ohio to Erie Trail. It was awesome. That will be uploaded first.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

just wondering: do you tend to like "full ride" videos or have the ride broken down into multiple days?

[@terry_hutt]

What do you think is the best time of year to ride this route?

[@RideAlongAdventures]

if you were to twist my arm to single out just one "best" time, I would go in the Fall. early October. The changing leaves are just amazing. Also, after school starts back up, in my experience, the trail is a little more empty, hotels/bnbs are less crowded, Amtrak is easier for reservations. BUT...I've ridden this pretty much year-round and I've yet to have anything less than a great time.

[@terry_hutt]

Thanks. As I live on the west coast I only get to ride this once and I don't want to schedule it in the middle of mosquito season or something. Access to these kinds of trails is definitely one of the advantages of living on the east coast.

[@garybarker9139]

Good video. Try a full suspension bike next time.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

my son rode a fat bike on this and enjoyed it.

[@bradbell4055]

Think you should have had a cow bell on your bike for this ride

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Ah, the old first time on the GAP/C&O. Memories. Definitely needs more cowbell.

[@HikerBiker]

Where were you when you ran into all the people? Great video, enjoyed it.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

That’s Great Falls. Beautiful area.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Hey folks-sorry to add misinformation-this trail does NOT pass through West Virginia.

[@Sr89hot]

Right before 10:25 (though not on video) you would have passed through crack town. I found a discarded hair weave on the trail. I didn’t keep it. GAP rocks! I enjoyed the C&O more though. I pushed/hiked my bike and camped at the same place.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

lol

[@rainbowranddy]

This would be so rare in S.Dakota. You had absolutely no wind for your whole trip....

[@bryanwehmeyer]

Yeah, nothing but a gentle breeze throughout. Any good trails to recommend in S Dakota?

[@RideAlongAdventures]

i know. pretty crazy.

[@kennethmack1740]

I want some of this ride my bike

[@RideAlongAdventures]

yup

[@RideAlongAdventures]

hey folks...I just published a 2021 version of this ride. If you care to "ride along" again, there are new views, more bad jokes and RAIN to provide drama. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXaqnKiXqbmInqM

[@garybarker9139]

Shame about the camera quality.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Hey, Gary. I just upgraded my camera (Hero 11). It’s quite a difference. Yes, I plan on doing this ride again with better equipment.

[@MrLotsabits]

Great Video. How many cameras did you use and what were the settings??

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thank you! That trip was about 99% on my GoPro 7 Black. 2.7k, 60fps. I think I took a few photos and short videos with my iPhone.

[@KKKkiri]

wonderful!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

It’s a really special trail.