GAP Trail: Riding the Great Allegheny Passage

Join us as we journey down the 150-mile long Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail, from Pittsburgh, PA to Cumberland, MD. For more information on this internationally renowned rail-trail, visit gaptrail.org.
For those who want to support the work of the Kentucky Cycling project, please consider buying some merchandise at www.kentuckycycling.org/merch.... To provide more direct support visit bit.ly/kycyclingdonate or reach out to discuss possibilities for sponsorship or partnership at www.kentuckycycling.org/contact.
For our video on the C&O Canal Towpath, see • C&O Canal Towpath: Ri... .
#GAPTrail #GreatAlleghenyPassage #RailTrail

[@robertsherman4433]

Thank you for posting. The unidentified first truss bridge was the relocated Bollman Truss bridge. The obviously heavier bridge immediately following (which is named as the Bollman Truss Bridge) is actually the Keystone Viaduct over the CSX railroad mainline (formerly Baltimore and Ohio). The Bollman company was the first manufacturer of heavy duty all iron bridges. I know of five existing Bollman Company bridges. The original design has one remaining example that was moved to the Savage Mill siding from the B &O mainline as trains got heavier. Another design was relocated to a Maryland State Park nature trail (Cuningham Falls?). The third later example is on the GAP. Two bridges are along the C&O canal. If anyone knows of any others existing please share it here. The original style of Bollman Truss Bridge was found all along the Baltimore and Ohio railroad including at Harper's Ferry. A small beam or two of the remains can be seen at low water.

[@fraji1]

Just did it . Pan Handle trail, to Montour, Heart of Ohio, GAP to C& O Canal. Got home yesterday! A blast!

[@wk845]

Very well done video! I rode the GAP before it was fully completed- Pinkerton Tunnel was still closed and the trail was not finished between Frostburg and Cumberland. I look forward to riding the entire completed trail in a few weeks. I live in Kentucky now, but when I was a kid in the 1960s, I lived in Frostburg and the rail line was still active. I used to walk along the tracks with my friends where the Frostburrg trailhead is today and we would pick up taconite iron ore pellets that fell from hopper train cars. The Western Maryland Railroad carried the taconite from the Port of Baltimore to the Pittsburgh steel mills. The pellets were round and dense and the perfect slingshot ammo! In the video where you are riding from town back down to the trailhead via Route 36, just past the hospital you pass a lane on the left. I used to live 200’ up that lane.

[@steelcityrailfan4808]

I went from Confluence, PA to OhioPyle and back on Saturday 5/22/21. That was the most awesome bike ride of my life

[@jamesgrowe6920]

Great information of the trail, thank you

[@backroadbikes3778]

Thank you for an amazing video. Watching adventures like this make the quarantine a little easier.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Glad that you enjoyed it!

[@billyefoster-garrett9203]

Great job of capturing the moment!

[@desert.mantis]

Thanks for the ride! Wonderful upload!

[@corvus400]

Wonderful experience!

[@AndyMoore1964]

Awesome video,thanks for posting, that's definitely on my to ride list once I move to the US

[@mikedkc]

Great trip. Thanks so much for sharing your adventure.

[@LEXICOGRAFFER]

Left out naming a lot of trailheads along the way...a truly incomprehensible omission for a video like this.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Interesting perspective, though I’m not sure labeling each and every trailhead is all that useful to someone who was interested in approaching it the way we did.

[@urankjj]

Love the GAP. The best use of old resources thats ever been done.

[@indybikeman1]

Looking forward to doing this trail this summer. Thank you

[@Maydeus]

Great video. Such a beautiful ride. Makes me want to go there.

[@MsGinSling]

Lovely route, I'm in the UK so will probably never get the chance to actually cycle this, so thank you for sharing.

[@robinneely7978]

Great video! I’m preparing to do the GAP trail this fall and this video really helps, thanks!

[@FollowThomas]

Good to see familiat places again. I rode the GAP trail from Pittsburgh to Cumberland as the last leg of my monthlong Amtrak and bike touring trip. I ended up riding 118 miles in the first day and finished up the trail next morning in rain. Didn't plan to rush through but I tried to ride max in a beautiful first day. I would like to go back and take my time next time.

[@marklewis6742]

Thanks for the video, very well done and gives a great overview of what to expect.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for the kudos. So glad you liked it.

[@teresathacker4093]

This is the BEST video of the GAP! This video is great for first timers planning on riding the GAP, you included everything. Too bad you didn't stop at the Bone cave on the GAP. Very well thought out and put together.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for the high praise. Where is Bone cave located?

[@teresathacker4093]

@@KentuckyCycling 6 miles from Cumberland. You were flying down the mountain at that point pass Lover's Leap. Again this is the best video. No other video as the start of the ride documented like yours. I did the GAP to DC last year when I turned 60 and I watch and bought videos but none were has as good as yours. Thanks for sharing, hope to see you on the trails. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumberland_Bone_Cave

[@teresathacker4093]

oh by the way, 6 weeks ago me and my daughters were near the big tunnel when we came up on a mountain lion (gray in color). We never posted because hunter in the area would try to shoot it. It was the fist time since I was a little girl that I saw one and never that close.

[@KentuckyCycling]

@@teresathacker4093 Thanks again!

[@KentuckyCycling]

@@teresathacker4093 Wow!

[@Young_Padu1]

Great footage! Thanks for highlighting the trail and my hometown of Connellsville, PA. I go back from San Francisco to ride the GAP every year. Ride on‼️🚴🏼👍🏽

[@tomrodgers6629]

Thanks guys, I forgot how much positive energy riding the trail gives me. I felt some of it just watching your video. you should have stopped at the Dravo cemetery there are tombstones in there from the 1700's and a nice campground next to it with a water source, restrooms, Adirondack shelters, and good fishing. Thanks again.

[@larrysroka6367]

Three friends and I did the GAP and C&O Canal Trails from PIT to WAS in Sept of '17. Great rides.

[@nevertoopoortotour.3033]

I just rode through Kentucky on my way to Tennessee to ride TheDragon Great video I really enjoy all the educational information.

[@Friday1970]

I rode the GAP yesterday for the first time, from Ohiopyle to the Mason Dixie line and back. I'm already missing it, and it was good to see the same places I stopped at in your video.

[@marcosw6893]

Well done ride and video. 👏🍺

[@bennetthasty7886]

I keep searching out the Best Rail Trail n the US & often the GAP is cited, great video, makes it look worth the long trip from the Midwest

[@atmrtwbike]

Great video! I'll be travelling along the C&O TP and GAP in 2026 (but in the opposite direction). Very much looking forward to it. I see you've done a video of the C&O, also. So, will watch that now. 🙂

[@glennmitchell6817]

Great video, Nathan. Brings back fun memories when we did this trail (twice) a few years ago. It is a great ride, going either direction!

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks, Glenn! Jamie was very helpful in providing information that she used for your all's trip so it was nice to benefit from your experience.

[@flpirate45]

Great to share a wonderful Bicycle ride with friends.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Always!

[@oldguyriders]

Nice video. Really enjoyed watching your trip. This is the best video I’ve found on riding the GAP. Real world adventure, great video work, and it features all of the trip highlights. Thanks

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for the kudos! In case your interested, we also completed the C&O this fall and I did a video on it too, which appears at the end of this video.

[@OldSardul]

Thanks for posting - great video - you guys are fast, doing in three days what took me five! Also you spotted that cast iron bridge, which I just rode past without noticing last year... Can't wait to ride the GAP again

[@KentuckyCycling]

The great thing about the GAP is that people can bite ride as many miles as they like each day. We met multiple folks who were riding farther than us each day and others who rode less.

[@robertforsell2056]

Great video! I’ve ridden the GAP and the C&O many times and this video make me want to go back! thanks!

[@nathanrome5820]

Thanks!

[@petestephen4922]

Very nice video.. I have done the GAP several times. Your video inspires me to ride it again this fall. Thanks for the video.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Awesome! I'm very happy to promote such an amazing resource. Love the GAP!

[@matthewpingor8040]

Yes the Monongahela and the Allegheny meet to create the Ohio River. Thank you for not jumbling that up like everyone else does which then usually equals Pittsburgh being a lake. Thank you.

[@toolscarriagesmodellbauand7246]

What an interesting video about cycling in the US. I'm from Germany and still dreaming about cycling some day in the States. Best wishes from Germany

[@FletchinAdventures]

Thanks for the video! I'm trying to plan this at the end of September.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Great time to go!

[@daniellemohar4893]

Thank you for sharing your expirences! I am riding the Great Allegheny Passage this week too :)

[@KentuckyCycling]

Have a great ride!

[@allenbishop9154]

Great video, I enjoyed my trip on the GAP a couple years ago, may have to head back there this year and add the C&O to it as well, thanks for sharing.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Glad you liked it. Our plan is to ride the C&O in September of this year!

[@geeoffchin]

So informative, thank you, got a lot to think about for planning my GAP ride!

[@KentuckyCycling]

geeoffchin Very glad that you enjoyed the video and found it to be a useful tool in your plans for riding the GAP. I’m sure you’ll love it. We are gearing up for our ride on the C&O in a few weeks so be sure to subscribe to get an alert when that comes up.

[@buyimajola4245]

Have done the c&o yet??

[@Photobyhart]

I have to agree with all the other commenters - this is the most well done video about this trail and best biking video. Looking forward to watching more on your channel. I’m planning to donthe Ohio to Erie Trail this summer. Happy Trails.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for the kudos, @Ronald. Ohio to Erie is still on my bucket list. But, I also hope to do it sometime in the not too distant future.

[@thomasspiller7468]

Hey i live in lex and enjoy cycling year around. Hope to see y'all out and about lex.

[@johneric3886]

Good stuff brother, great energy level. Perfect level of time spent on each subject therefore the listener does not get bored. All my best cyclist from Northeast Ohio. _______I had to edit my post because you mentioned the Little Miami Scenic Trail. 🤪🤪🤪🤪 that trail was no joke I road it from Cleveland to Cincinnati. _________ I had to edit my post one more time oh, I really like when you quoted, " it was the day that we all agreed was the best day."

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for the kudos!

[@MrRay645]

looks like they made a lot of huge improvements... 1999-2010 I lived in Pittsburghs Strip district and road from home to the Point, thought the Southside out to Ohio Pyle often..used to be long walks along RR tracks and some really weird navigating to to get McKeesport after the South Side.

[@kenleiberher8945]

Great video. I did this trail with the senior cycling group in 2017 as well as with my son in law in 2015. Great narration! And good steady filming. You may want to look into the Virginia creeper trail. Awesome scenery.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for the kudos. The Virginia Creeper trail is definitely on my list.

[@TheBlindAcorn]

Looks like you had good weather and ideal trail conditions

[@KentuckyCycling]

It was great!

[@jonathanpaddon299]

Thanks for a great video. One correction: what you label as the Bollman bridge is actually the Keystone viaduct. The Bollman is the one just prior. Enjoy all your videos.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for the correction.

[@deba8026]

The absolute best video I have seen of the actual trail itself! I have a recumbent trike and have been wondering if I could ride it on the GAP, looks very promising. Thank you!

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks. You shouldn’t have any problem riding a recumbent trike on the GAP.

[@deba8026]

@@KentuckyCycling Great info! I have been watching a lot of your videos and have learned so much more than all the videos I have watched over the last month. Again, thank you!

[@8bitkefka]

That beautiful scenery as you pass the jail in pgh at 2:27 my only concern is living in Pittsburgh is the McKeesport section.

[@tocandroll]

Great vid - did the whole GAP/C&O to DC over Labor Day. Nice ride, hope you guys had fun

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks! We hope to ride the C&O, probably next year. Any tips you care to share would be appreciated.

[@charlesphelps2730]

@@KentuckyCycling Bring gear, there are a few places to CCard touring.

[@KentuckyCycling]

@@charlesphelps2730 We actually completed our ride a few weeks ago. You can check out the video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6TIZYysZap1qLs.

[@elizabethsporio2136]

Great documentation of your ride! I live wishing 3 miles of 3 trailheads to the GAP trail and am biking with my girlfriends several times a week. Our dream is to be fit enough to go from Pittsburgh to Cumberland! Thank you for sharing your ride!

[@elizabethsporio2136]

Within not wishing!

[@KentuckyCycling]

Good goal! Just periodically tack on a little more mileage to your rides and you'll get there.

[@Megazord716]

Great video! You guys should check out the Erie canal heritage trail in New York. It runs from Buffalo, NY to Albany, NY. ✌️ 🚲

[@JoeRobinsonJoe]

Great video. I live in Pittsburgh but have not made it to Cumberland yet. It's on my list. I'd like to go as far as D.C. Thanks for posting this, it gives me an idea what accommodations are available. Happy biking. Joe (avid road biker)

[@yakamarezlife]

Its a nice trail you can take the whole journey after the gap you take the canal all the way into dc

[@davestambaugh7282]

That looks like a unicycle saddle in the thumb nail. You are supposed to tighten the bolt when the leather stretches on those Brooks saddles.

[@KentuckyCycling]

That one was a Selle Anatomica, but you’re right. The saddle needed to be tightened.

[@frankducett9]

Your videos are amazing. I live a car-free life here in Jasper, Indiana. This trip from Pittsburgh to Cumberland is exactly what I need. I wonder if May would be a good time of year for this trip.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks so much for the kudos. Temperature wise, I expect that May would be a great time. Only thing to pay attention to would be rain.

[@dougtarter8713]

Wished we'd known you were coming by.. we just moved to Mile Marker 55 on GAP from Kentucky.. Would have had Ice cold drinks for ya.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Aw. How nice!

[@jiliong8612]

i did this rides three times in 2017,2018 and 2019 during bike across america it's awesome trails system in the world, i dud the whole teo trails system combined C&O and GAP

[@coreygillum12]

Nice video. The C/O can be a bitch if it's wet. Be prepared to get dirty. The great falls in Georgetown is a must see. And buddylous resteraunt in Hancock also. It's tougher than the GAP but the history is what makes the trail great. Good luck.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for the kudos an the suggetions.

[@phillymathguy8142]

23:33 is not the Bollman Bridge. I believe it's the Keystone Viaduct. The Bollman Bridge is further west (closer to) Meyersdale & a much smaller bridge. You crossed the Bollman Bridge at 23:19.

[@randybarber6833]

I always enjoy your videos! So thoughtfully done and edited. I am planning a trip from Kentucky early this fall to most likely solo, either the GAP or the C&O Tow Path. Which did you enjoy more?

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for the kudos on the videos. That's a very hard question to answer, in part because we approached them in a little different ways. Both trails are awesome. The GAP is a little more tame and a little more road like, with lots of cool history tied to the rail line. The C&O feels a little more untamed. There are also longer stretches where services are more limited. So, if you haven't done a ride like this before, I'd suggest starting with the GAP. But, then make plans to ride the C&O! Hope that helps.

[@randybarber6833]

@@KentuckyCycling Great information. Thank you so much for the reply.

[@elmiguel6725]

Looks like a great ride, and I know this will sound weird, but I'd probably freak on the bridges. Don't do well with heights.

[@rhondacunninghamphotograph4113]

Thanks for this video! We are hoping to ride this September if I can figure out the bike situation. I saw the other guys looked to be on a hybrid. Were you on normal road bike tires? I keep getting mixed opinions on traveling the GAP on a road bike, but we looked into rentals and it was definitely more than we were wanting to spend as we are spreading the trip out over 6 days so we can enjoy some mini trips along the way.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Most of the GAP is hard-packed gravel so you could probably get away with a road bike, provided it can fit a wide enough tire. Personally, I wouldn't recommend going any narrower than a 28 mm tire on the GAP. But, most sources suggest at least 32mm. Hope that helps!

[@SD-xq3hh]

Enjoyed your video. Hello from Tennessee. Could you provide a little more detail/info on how you arranged for transportation back to where you started the trail? No troubles leaving your vehicle at the Hotel (with permission)? For sure going on our list of trails to do in the future. Thanks.

[@KentuckyCycling]

We utilised a shuttle service, of which there are multiple to choose. They picked us up at our hotel in Cumberland and drove us back to our car. And no, we didn't have any issues leaving a car at the hotel (with permission). Other alternatives include riding the Amtrack, which I know people who have done. (Train station in Pittsburg offers paid parking.). You'll need to consider the size of your group and your tolerance for travelling at odd hours (for the train) in determining what most makes the most sense for you. Also, be sure to check out the gaptrail.org/ website as it's an excellent planning resource. Hope that helps!

[@robertbotta6536]

Really well done. Wish I went with you. Haha. The weather looked perfect. Was it? What time of year would you recommend?

[@KentuckyCycling]

Early to mid-September is hard to beat. We had near-perfect weather on the GAP. Not too hot and not too cold. We rode the C&O the following year about the same time and got a little rain, but nothing too bad.

[@williamvalenta3934]

At the beginning, when on the Ft Pitt Bridge, you are crossing the Monongahela River. The Ohio has not been created yet.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for the clarification. I thought I had checked the map of how we came into town, but I am obviously not a local. With so many rivers in Pittsburgh, how do you guys keep track? ;-)

[@erichlf]

@@KentuckyCycling Yeah you were like a 1/4 mile upstream.

[@erichlf]

Also, Ma-non-ga-hay-la. Or Mon for short. :)

[@SlickCycler]

We enjoyed your video! We want to do that trail on our tandem. You looked like you traveled pretty light, especially the guy in the yellow shirt. Did you carry everything or have a service carry your luggage from town to town?

[@KentuckyCycling]

Glad that you enjoyed the video. Yes, we carried everything with us.

[@foureyedgeek]

This was good. Curious about your Bridgestone, tried to get a good look during the video but figured I’d ask. Are you running the original components on it?

[@KentuckyCycling]

Thanks for your interest in the Bridgestone. It's a 1994 RB-T that belonged to my uncle, which I inherited after he passed. Most of the components are original (e.g. drivetrain, derailleurs, shifters, brake levers). Wheels, handlebar, and seatpost also original. I replaced the brakes, cables, seat, handlebar tape, and am currently running some 35 mm Panaracer Paselas which were great for the GAP.

[@tubesockets120v]

I'm going to fatbike this entire trail.

[@melissamiss6998]

Me too! And the C&O canal towpath. Hope you enjoy your ride!

[@antonio1681]

4:25 trains 😯

[@keeperoftheflame4209]

Just found your channel, this is my second viewing. Do you tent camp on your rides? Well done

[@KentuckyCycling]

We do a mix and have been gravitating towards camping more, mainly as a way to keep costs down so that we can do more of it. For the GAP trail, we didn't camp. For the C&O and KATY trails, we did.

[@1PhotoGeek]

Thanks for the video! What time of year did you go? Which month did you start your trip?

[@KentuckyCycling]

You're welcome! We rode the GAP during the first week of September, which was a great time to be there.

[@1PhotoGeek]

@@KentuckyCycling Thanks so much! Great video.

[@rdint]

What kind of camera and mount are you using? Very nicely done.

[@KentuckyCycling]

This was shot a couple of years ago. It was shot with a GoPro Hero 5 Black with a chest mount. The chest mount is still my preferred mount, but I now have a GoPro Hero 8 Black.

[@rdint]

@@KentuckyCycling Hey thanks, we are going back August 2022. Starting in D.C. going to Pittsburgh this time. It's always fun to watch others adventures.

[@rollingreclinerRecumbent]

Nice ride. How did you get back to your car in Pittsburg?

[@nathanrome5820]

There are multiple companies that offer shuttle service. We used Get Out & Play Outfitters and would use them again. (See getoutandplayoutfitters.com. Amtrack is another option. But, from what I remember, I think the times were more attractive if you needed to take the train west to east rather than east to west.

[@alanjohnson8396]

Excellent video, informative, and motivating. Can trails such as this and the Dawkins ride you featured be done on road bikes with 28 sized tires or is a more gravel style bike and tires required? I'm new into cycling and these rides are enticing but I'm interested in the type of bike which will work best. BTW, i don't want to ride on roads with traffic and had no idea that trails and paths such as these for bikes even existed. Again thanks and my compliments on an excellent video.

[@KentuckyCycling]

First of all, thanks for the kudos. My primary reason for putting these out is exactly for the purpose you describe so that helps to keep me motivated. If I understood your questions correctly, you're basically asking 1) can it be done on a road bike with 28 sized tires and 2) what bike works best? The trail surfaces are on the GAP and the Dawkins Line are a little different. For the most part, on the GAP trail they use a crushed limestone gravel which packs down very hard. And I don't think a 28 mm gravel tire would be fine (or at least a tire that is not a road slick and have some puncture resistance). Traditional wisdom says that you should have at least 32 mm tire for riding on gravel rail trails. So, if the question is what works best, then a gravel bike (or a road bike that offers wider tire clearance) would work best. They could also be very comfortably ridden on a hardtail MTB, with the front fork locked out. It'a been a year since I've ridden the Dawkins Line so trail conditions may have changed a bit, but there were a few sections when I road where the gravel was new and a little on the soft and deep side. Could those sections have been ridden on a 28 mm tire? Yes, but it definitely wouldn't be my first choice. Hope that helps!

[@alanjohnson8396]

@@KentuckyCycling Thank you. You understood my question perfectly and your response is exactly the type of information and clarification I was hoping for. Much appreciated.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Alan Johnson just reread my response and meant to say that I DO think a 28mm tire would work OK in the GAP.

[@alanjohnson8396]

@@KentuckyCycling Again I compliment your videos and wanted to offer an update to my original question. Based upon the fact that I do not want to ride roads with traffic and wanted a bit more versatility I purchased a Giant Contend AR 1 with 32 mm tires. That allowed me to have a bit more tire, more comfort, some decent components, and yet allowed me to enter this sport without a major financial commitment as compared to the prices of some other bikes. Your videos have not only inspired me but they've also been extremely enjoyable and informative. THANKS!

[@KentuckyCycling]

@@alanjohnson8396 That's some of the highest praise that you could offer. Thanks so much. I love to explore and highlight cycling resources. And the idea that it might inspire others to get out there and enjoy it too is really at the heart of what keeps me doing this. Also, the Giant Contend AR 1 looks like a really solid choice with nice geometry. Enjoy!

[@trekrider101]

Enjoyed the video . Did you have a car waiting for you in Cumberland or did you ride your bikes back ? Now that i just retired i would love to do this ride .

[@KentuckyCycling]

We utilized a shuttle service that took us and our bikes back to our car in Pittsburg. There are several companies that offer this service, but the one we used is called Get Out and Play Outfitters. See getoutandplayoutfitters.com/.

[@trekrider101]

@@KentuckyCycling Thank you

[@bradleybeall4670]

Is it appropriate to ride road bike on the section from Pittsburgh to Cumberland? Looks like a lot of gravel trail. Just curious if the tires would hold up. Thanks!

[@KentuckyCycling]

The vast majority of the trail is a hard packed gravel. Most sources recommend 32 mm tires or wider. But,on the GAP, you,d probably be OK with 28 mm tires. Personally, I wouldn’t go any narrower. Hope that helps.

[@mountainsmoore3657]

I have seen some videos that used Amtrak as their shuttle service. Did you look into that? Is it an option on the GAP?

[@KentuckyCycling]

Yes, we looked into that. For one or two cyclsts, it's probably the most cost-effective way to do it. With three of us, a shuttle was more cost effective and worked much better for our schedule. (The train runs at odd times.)

[@robertetchell7804]

How long was the drive from your home to Pittsburgh

[@KentuckyCycling]

About 6 hours.

[@kddonath]

Looks like the Rockwood Mill Shops is closed

[@KentuckyCycling]

If so, that's too bad, as it was a good resource.

[@joelchapman1156]

Did you all park cars at both trail points or did you just double back?

[@KentuckyCycling]

We utilized a shuttle service that took us and our bikes from Cumberland back to our car in Pittsburgh.

[@danielweiss3810]

Would 32mm tires be fine if I'm carrying a light load?

[@KentuckyCycling]

For the GAP, you'll be fine.

[@daniellemohar4893]

also do you recommend camping or staying at a hotel?

[@KentuckyCycling]

Both options are available so it really depends on the experience you want to have and how much money you want to spend.

[@johnmathews5852]

What time of the year did you do this ride?

[@KentuckyCycling]

We rode it in mid September.

[@SinnerSince1962]

Can you do this ride on 27 x 1.25's? Or do you need bigger than 32's?

[@KentuckyCycling]

I think you'd be fine with 1.25" tires on the GAP. I rode with 35mm, which aren't much bigger than that. It's a very hard-packed surface, (maybe crushed limestone) with fine gravel.

[@SinnerSince1962]

@@KentuckyCycling Thanks for the reply!

[@spaceghost8995]

I want to do this ride but idk what to bring exactly and what kind of saddlebags etc etc. Can anyone recommend any vids or websites for me?

[@KentuckyCycling]

There are a number of potential ways that you could approach this and how much you need to carry is going to vary depending on whether or not you are sleeping (hotel vs camping). My personal feeling is, if you've never done a trip like this, start by evaluating your bike and determine what kind of equipment it can take. For example, if you already have a rack on your bike, then using panniers might make the most sense. If your bike won't take a rack or you want to go more lightweight, then maybe bags that strap to the bike (e.g. a bikepacking setup) might be best. Or mix and match. As for videos, there are a ton out there that will fall into one of two basic categories: "touring setup" vs "bike packing setup." Maybe start by searching for your bike model name with one of those search term included and see what terms up. Best of luck to you and enjoy the journey!

[@spaceghost8995]

@@KentuckyCycling I did do the GAP trail! I got Ortleib saddlebags and brought my camping supplies too. I camped out once and did B&B in Meyerdale also. The whole thing was great!

[@michael3285]

Did you feel safe leaving your car at the Homestead mall, while off riding?

[@KentuckyCycling]

We actually left it in the parking lot at the Hampton Inn, pretty close to entrance, and with permission, but yes.

[@larrybryant2811]

Quiet

[@natureportal9285]

I'm going with my boy scout troop

[@KentuckyCycling]

Awesome. Hope you enjoy your trip!

[@natureportal9285]

@@KentuckyCycling Thanks

[@blintzkreig1638]

Easy on the music

[@ArtofFreeSpeech]

I don't know that I could ride a trail like that and not do much more stopping off and exploring, doing maybe 20-30 miles a day, giving yourself plenty of time to visit things like the Frank Lloyd Wright house. By no means should everyone feel that way, of course... ride your own ride, right? But I'm planning on doing the GAP&C&O trail next year on my trike with a buddy, and we're only planning 20-30 miles a day, but also planning to take a little tour of every town. I suppose to each their own.

[@KentuckyCycling]

Sounds great, if you have the time.

[@ArtofFreeSpeech]

@@KentuckyCycling I do... retired military. My buddy is taking 30 days vacation for the trip (he hasn't had a vacation in 3 years, so has 90 days saved up). We'll also be a lot slower than you guys, though, as trikes are slower than bikes.

[@collin8095]

How long did it take?

[@KentuckyCycling]

We took 3 days to do it. Others do it much faster while others much slower.

[@collin8095]

Ok thank you

[@pgreenx]

Curious why you carried all the gear in the other guys carried nothing

[@KentuckyCycling]

I didn't carry everything. We all carried our own clothing. But, in addition to that, I carried a drone and video equipment so I had the heaviest load.

[@princepage632]

hey dude, like your video. look i want to go bike the gap trail. i bike a lo'; but i have some qts. first of all , i have concerns about where to park my vehicle. i don't have much money. i am a veteran, and have concerns about saftey in pittsburg at point park. theres a motel everybody is telling me to stay at. i think ya'll stayed there. its the one closet to point park. they wants lots of m,oney to stay there. over a bill a night. i thought about parking my car in cumberland md and taking am tract to pittsburg pa ,but the train stops at pittsburg at 1120pm at night. this means i will have to ride my bike down liberty ave to get to the motel like at 12.00 am. i mean i dont need any trouble from homless folks or thugs. believe me i know how to handle my self, after my stint in the service . i dont want to get into fights and get introuble with the law for beating someone up out near point park. you mentioned they let you park your car at the motel while biking the gap. was it safe there was there a charge? and i assume you rode the train back or you biked back. i am not time contrainted and i will be camping most of the time. it looks tricky just getting to the gap from point park.some kind of metal bridge you cross . please give me some insight on your trip and and some advice if you can. thanks. sorry fopr the message being so long, again, thanks

[@KentuckyCycling]

We drove up to Pittsburg and stayed in Homestead, about 10 miles from downtown. It's quite a bit cheaper than staying downtown and they let us park our car there, for free. There were three of us so we booked a shuttle to get from Cumberland back o the hotel at the end of the ride.

[@DannyManny98]

KC, what is your REAL name?

[@KentuckyCycling]

I'm not sure what you mean. Kentucky Cycling is the name of the project of which the Kentucky Cycling KZbin channel is a part. There are several of us involved with it, but the main person behind the work of the project's name is Nathan.

[@DannyManny98]

@@KentuckyCycling Thanks. That's all I asked.

[@thegreatexaggerator9077]

Very nice but music was intolerable, couldn’t finish

[@KentuckyCycling]

Sorry that it wasn't to your taste.

[@thegreatexaggerator9077]

@@KentuckyCycling ha, I was ok until the banjos kicked in! Thanks for the reply, that will get me back to your channel. Happy trails!

[@KentuckyCycling]

@@thegreatexaggerator9077 I don't think you have to be from Kentucky to appreciate the banjo, but it probably helps! LOL

[@natureportal9285]

Its Washington not whyshington

[@KentuckyCycling]

?

[@natureportal9285]

You pronounced it wrong

[@KentuckyCycling]

@@natureportal9285 OK. My bad, I guess.