YOU CAN DO THIS - A Short Guide to the GAP C&O Trail

[@spaceghost8995]

On the C&O right now. It is a bit rough. Stop now and then and tighten EVERY nut,bolt or screw on your bike. Vibration will wreak havoc. I'm in Brunswick,MD getting a repair because of this. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

I take advice from Space Ghost very seriously. You’re absolutely right. And I hope you get it worked out.

[@GSmith215]

Ok. You talked me into it. Thank you!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

lol. You won’t regret it. Great trail.

[@andrewvillavicencio8496]

Awesome, thank you! Some friends and I just finished the Pittsburgh to DC (GAP & C&O) Incredible! Especially now that the Paw Paw Tunnel is open :-)

[@RideAlongAdventures]

That is awesome! Congrats. 🎉

[@urbanhomesteadingchannel1813]

The thumbnail said "you can do this". Um no I can't lol this past weekend we bought new bikes. I didn't have my seat adjusted exactly right. Took a dive and broke my humerus bone. I'm not laughing. I'm not doing any riding this summer. But in all seriousness I still have a goal of doing a long ride maybe next summer. I'm the mean time I'll be living vicariously through all of these beautiful videos 💚 thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Oh, geez…ouch!!! Hope you heal quickly and I’ll get some videos out to help your recovery along.

[@backyardrailroader]

I have been on both segments of this long trail. In 2021 I hike on the C&O trail in three segments from Harpers Ferry to Monocacy River. I wish I had a bike then. I finally got one in October 2023. Unfortunately the rear tire innertube kept on going flat, and I was not equipped to fix it. Was not going far. It was at the time a transportation device to get to locations around Meyersdale along the Gap Trail to get photos I wanted. SO, I had to hike it, not going too far away from Meyersdale. As for biking the whole trail, I do not see me doing it. I know sone people that have. Maybe one lady could persuade me IF she brought it up. But I will ride sections of it with Meyersdale as a center point. Thanks for the tips.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Hiking, biking, etc…the trail doesn’t disappoint. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@easternbushytail]

Good advice Bryan. Thanks, a trail on my list.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

It’s a great trail. I hope you enjoy.

[@raymondgoodman9148]

currently training & planning a solo trip to begin on father's day (thanks fam) and this video could not have come at a better time, thanks for sharing your experience - liked and now subscribed. cheers!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Really glad to hear it. I love this trail-I’m sure you will too. I’d love to hear how it works out for you. Enjoy!

[@stephenstapler9996]

Awesome info, I’m from Georgia and never knew this existed. Hope to one day ride it!!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

It’s a gem. I keep going back. What trails do you recommend in Georgia?

[@markhagen7777]

Thanks for documenting the gap I rode it in June with a group of friends lovely ride

[@RideAlongAdventures]

It’s a gem. And how nice to enjoy it with friends.

[@printerror]

Thanks Bryan. Heading to Pittsburgh in June to ride eastbound!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@mpt12345]

Thank you so much for all the advice and sharing this video!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

You’re welcome. Glad to add my two cents. It’s such a great trail. I hope to get out there in the coming month.

[@THEBLACKANARCHIST]

Much appreciated 👍

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Rock on.

[@PhillipBourguignon]

Hey Bryan, by far my favorite ride is the C & O canal. Where did you get your ultra cool jacket you wore making this video? Phil

[@RideAlongAdventures]

That was a GAP cycling jersey from a few years ago. I think the GAP foundation/group/org updates it each year. Thanks. Theres a lot of info on that jersey! 😂

[@MedfordHills]

Excellent video. Really helpful

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jmaydelotte]

Doing the trail from DC to Pittsburgh (on the way to Chicago) in a couple of weeks. Thanks for a very informative video!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Glad it was helpful! Hope you have a great time.

[@coreyreeder3549]

Surprised to hear about the sketchy folks, but not too surprised. I think I would still recommend the free sites in most cases

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Agreed. If I could redo that video, I’d probably remove that concern. It has been rare. Just like the concerns I received on the Erie Canal ride, the problems are few. Funny, last weekend, I stayed at a hotel with far more sketchy folks than a free campground! 😂

[@uhu69]

Great video, information and review! Thanks from Canada!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thanks, Alex!

[@CleatSurfer]

Doing McKeesport to Hancock next month. Did the C&O last year and hiked over the mountain at Paw Paw and evidently will again. It was a challenge, but mainly because we didn't know how far it was. As an AT&T customer, we did struggle on part of the trail; I think between Hancock and Harpers Ferry. The detour and all the great people you meet made for a great adventure. Thanks for the video and the links!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

That detour was TOUGH! Those are cool towns. Hope you have fun!

[@jackbailey7763]

Excellent concise overview- thank you!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pblevy1]

Thanks for all the tips! Planning on doing the ride on our tandem in late Aug.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Awesome. I’d love to hear how it goes.

[@salmonella508]

I did East for two reasons. Based on the elevation profile, you climb less in distance and elevation going eastbound towards the Continental Divide. Remember, it’s railroad grade. While not a leg burner, the incline can get slightly annoying. Second, Amtrak was my ride home and I had family in DC if I arrived too early for my departure. Find out where the Western Maryland 25 mile(+/-) rail trail begins and ends. It runs parallel to the trail. If you’re not a purist, it’s a welcome reprieve from the fatiguing C&O.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

great tips. thanks!

[@woolfel]

thanks for the nice summary, looks like a lot of fun

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Glad you liked it. I just woke up this morning with an itch to go ride this in the fall. 😉

[@woolfel]

@@RideAlongAdventures I'm planning a trip down to Philly and was considering riding parts of C&O. Any recommendations for the most scenic fun parts on C&O?

[@RideAlongAdventures]

@@woolfel I really like the section starting in Georgetown (Mile 0) headed northwest towards Great Falls. That’s probably your best bet nearest to I-95.

[@woolfel]

@@RideAlongAdventures thanks

[@daveryan1221]

Thanks for sharing Bryan. This is all great information. I hope to get it done next year.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

I hope to do it again in ‘23. Such a great trail! Enjoy it, Dave!

[@FollowThomas]

I did DC to Harper's Ferry and back and planning to ride it all away to Pittsburgh. Maybe I should start from Pittsburgh instead after watching your video. Nice overview. Thanks for the video. 👍

[@RideAlongAdventures]

You’re welcome. Just went to check out (and subscribe to) your channel…WOW!! Going to spend some serious time binge watching your adventures. I’m really interested in using Amtrak more for cycling trips. Thanks for sharing!

[@FollowThomas]

@@RideAlongAdventures Thank you much appreciated. Amtrak is a great way to get places with a bike. I use it all the time. 👍

[@ReimaginedAdventures]

we just completed gap and c&o what a great time !!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

I really enjoyed your videos-looks like you had a lot of fun.

[@redcomusic]

If and when I do this for the first time, might start in Cumberland (Amtrak from DC) and then ride back east to DC. And then fly home. Probably going to use a $150 Walmart bike which will be part of the expense budget anyway. If I leave it locked in Georgetown and still be there when I visit DC again, hey ya know! If not, then losing it was budgeted for, anyway.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Now that’s a new strategy.

[@Mordecai9052]

Did ya do it? I am interested to know how it went. Those walmart bikes are about twice as heavy as the next level up. I had a Schwinn for a year before I upgraded to a Trek 7.2 and I had no idea what a difference it would make. (20 lbs). To be fair to schwinn, I put 3,000+ miles on it commuting and it held up.

[@redcomusic]

@@Mordecai9052 Maybe after Labor Day :)

[@madiantin]

What a fantastic video! Thank you!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Glad you liked it. If/when you get a chance to ride it, I’m always interested in how it went. I’m hoping to fit it in this fall.

[@kskline914]

Just wondering if you've seen many recumbent trikes on the trail. I plan on taking it from Pittsburgh to Williamsport, MD because of its proximity to I-81. I've been on the Western Maryland rail trail from Big Pool to a little beyond Hancock. I saw the C & O towpath as they parallel each other but I didn't ride on it at all. That was on my bike. Now I have a Catrike Villager and my 4th fresh new hip replacement and I'm going to be ready to ride soon. I bought it for the comfortable ride and some minor balance issues. Amtrak won't accept recumbent trikes because of the space required so I plan on renting a vehicle one way from Williamsport to Pittsburgh. I live in York, PA and we some very nice trails in the area. I've been riding them for years. After The GAP and partial C&O towpath I plan to ride the Pine Creek rail trail. I've enjoyed your videos and sit in my living room peddling on my floor trainer while watching them. I can't wait to get out there and actually ride. Also, I would like to record my trips. What type of camera do you use? And is it mounted on your bike or body? Thanks for the videos.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Wow, good for you. Yes, I’ve seen many. Also i recall one making the trek up the hill from Cumberland to the Big Savage Tunnel. Those look fun. We are “neighbors”-I’m just across the border in northern DE. I love the Heritage Trail. I’ve got footage from a day ride there with my son but haven’t edited it yet. Any suggestions on where to overnight park in York? I wanted to ride it on an overnight down to MD but even the York tourism board couldn’t tell me where I could leave my car. Pine Creek is awesome. I’ve been up there more times than I can count. Like you, It’s a convenient getaway due to the short drive. Again, I’ve got about three more trips on video but unedited. I mount a GoPro to my handlebars. It’s a solid mount that doesn’t bounce but it’s hard to take on and off so I shoot other footage with my iPhone. Let me know when you publish something-I’d like to see it!

[@MrRay645]

love these trails, they are a perfect set... more dirt road feel on the C&O and smooth almost street like surface of the GAP. I think it would be a real shame if they smoothed out the C&O, would loose much of its character. Leaving in the morning, doing Brunswick to Pittsburgh and back, cant wait.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Wow. Enjoy!!

[@blain5827]

Thx for video

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Glad you liked it!

[@robcotter12]

I’ve been a beginner bikepacker for a year now. I tried the C&O, but completely whipped myself out physically and mentally trying to rush 60 miles in less than 8 hours. I have had a couple good overnighters. I’m a decent 5k runner. My question is how can I train better for longer riders? I ride a couple days a week between 10-15 miles and then can easily knock out a 30 mile ride.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

It’s a great question. As I’m never training to compete, my only concern is time in the saddle. I try to build up longer weekend rides (2-4 hrs) and sometimes that is on my trainer. I actually started making these videos just to cut the boredom in my basement. I guess everyone has their preferences but I try to stay around 50-60 a day. Depending on the terrain, that’s about 5 hrs. And I break that up into 3 (or so) segments. So, when I train, I do the same on weekends. I’m a runner too so I have fewer concerns about cardio and more about just getting to where I’m comfortable sitting on a saddle for that long. That’s the first to go for me.

[@keeghanmurray]

As far as biking nutrition is key. It’s about how much you can keep feeding your body to keep going. Eat lots of snacks high in calories. Drink Gatorade or another electrolyte drink along with plenty of water. And I agree, you need to work up to longer rides. Spend long days out on the saddle

[@kenchang3456]

WOW, this video had so many helpful tips. Thank you very much.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mattpalmerchuck]

I'm going to be riding from Pittsburgh to DC this upcoming October. Any reason why I couldn't ride a recumbent bicycle on the trail?

[@RideAlongAdventures]

I don’t see why not. I’ve seen other recumbents do the same. The Paw Paw tunnel is reopened-that was probably the only issue. I need to try one someday-people are always smiling on them 😀 enjoy!!

[@sharonbenjamin7335]

Excellent. Thanks.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GoJess21]

Thank you 😊

[@RideAlongAdventures]

You're welcome 😊

[@kevinwilson3942]

been planning a trip for the fall and your video was great! Thanks for all the great info in a short, to the point video. Subscribing for sure!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Thank you. Hope you have a great trip!

[@ronhoover5516]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Glad you liked it!

[@HikerBiker]

I'm planning going west to east parking my van in Pittsburg. I've heard there's a garage there but the website I looked at doesn't really say much. My van requires a height clearance of 10 feet. Getting back from DC is another problem, I've looked into Amtrak but it looks like bike spots need to be reserved and are limited number. That would be fine but due to an unforeseen medical problem I can no longer guarantee miles per day so reserving a spot is difficult. Some days I can easily ride 50+ miles and others I'm lucky to make 25-30. I hear others as well as you mention car rental but no-one says how much they paid. Yes, I can call the rental agency but I would like to have some kind of an idea of cost going in. I've also been hearing about some rental drivers being arrested and charged with car theft along with extra charges added to the bill when returning the vehicle. I'm far from rich and live on a tight budget, I need to know what to expect. I will check out the bikecando website, I hadn't heard of it before. I do have the latest edition of the guidebook. Thanks for the tips.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Hey, Hiker Biker. AVIS rates vary by days of the week. I used a standard size car one time for about $50. It was tight so the second time I got a standard SUV which was about $120. Never heard of theft charges. AVIS is pretty flexible on changing dates. I’ve used them for years and am generally satisfied. The only twist is if you drive to Pittsburgh the nearest drop off is about 2 miles out of downtown. Hope your condition allows you to get out. Sorry to hear that. Stay in touch-always happy to hear about others’ adventures.

[@HikerBiker]

@@RideAlongAdventures Thanks for the quick response. I'm determined to not let anything stop me from bike touring, I've wanted to bike tour since I was a teenager but real life always interfered. I just have to remember to follow doctors orders. Being a hyper person my whole life being on restrictions drives me crazy. Being retired now I have lots of time, I'm even considering riding the GAP/C&O roundtrip. 9-days each way, figure its doable. Really enjoying your videos, they're giving me more idea of trails to ride.

[@spaceghost8995]

Look up Hot Metal Garage in Pittsburgh. Right next to Hot Metal Bridge on the GAP trail.

[@johngouin6466]

@@spaceghost8995 I'm assuming they provide overnight parking? (3+ nights)

[@spaceghost8995]

@@johngouin6466 $15 per 24 hrs I think.

[@johndietrich1203]

Great video! Most every video I see of the GAP shows crushed gravel without ruts, larger gravel or rocks. Your video also says that nearly any bike will do. So let me ask your opinion on two questions about the GAP (not C&O). (1) If you had your choice between a genuine, steel frame touring bike with drop bars and end shifters, or a 29-er, which would you use? (2) Similarly, toe clips, cages (aka straps), or just plain pedals? Thanks in advance.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Just my opinion: the rocks and ruts are pretty limited. Parts of Ohio Pyle State Park are slightly rough. Although my last trip through, they were resurfacing the worst parts. If you’ve got both, I’d probably do the 29-er. If you only own a touring bike, I’d just go for it. The reason I said any bike will do was 1) my buddy did it on an old road bike with no problem. 2) I hate for people to stay home because they don’t own a trail-specific bike. I used clips for my first trip, cages for my second and then went to just standard pedals since then. Of course I’m also slowing down so clips feel unnecessary. 😉 Again…ALL just my opinion.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Ok…my buddy weighed in. He bought a gravel bike after that trip. 😉 I’m still sticking with my story: it’s a pretty friendly trail.

[@johndietrich1203]

@@RideAlongAdventures Thank you so much for the advice and the prompt reply!!

[@Timpala44]

I want to do the C&O canal trail since it is so close to where I live. I am looking at the Aventon Adventure 2 and Level 2 ebikes. The Adventure has fat tires and the Level has 2 1/2” tires I believe. I’m not sure if I really need the fat tire size on the Adventure model or not? Other than the occasional day trip on the C&O trail, I will ride mostly on asphalt bike trails. What is your opinion?

[@RideAlongAdventures]

I’m probably the wrong person to ask because I really love my fat bike (Trek Farley). It’s totally overkill for the GAP or C&O (in my opinion) but it is also just fun. I also love the hypnotic sound of fat bike tires. My adventure bike has 45c’s on it and they are more than sufficient. A buddy of mine road it with straight up 700s and had no problem. But that was also totally dry conditions. Sorry. This reply is all over the place.

[@kge420]

Amtrak gets into Pittsburgh at midnight. How did you deal with that?

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Well, the first thing I did was ride around downtown Pgh at midnight because I failed to look closely enough at a map and see that the hotel I was staying at (AC Marriott) was almost right across the street. Yeah, Amtrak sort of means you’re staying overnight somewhere. This was actually my first trip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqrEkJ-mqrhpaKM

[@MaryH-tp3ht]

I’ve been on the GAP briefly and plan to ride it this fall, probably from Pittsburgh east. I have a recumbent trike (with electric assist) and I know the GAP will be OK. I’ve toyed with continuing on the C & O until I can’t use the trike any more. Do you have any thoughts on whether I can get very far? I can’t carry the trike. Thanks.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Hmm…what to say. I think the biggest hurdle will be the Paw Paw Tunnel. If it’s still closed, pushing a trike up and over the bypass is a challenge. In my opinion, the trail by itself is not a problem. But that detour is pretty brutal. At 15th Mile/Little Orleans, you could jump on the Western Maryland rail trail to avoid some bumps. From my observations: recumbent trike riders are some of the happiest people in the world! You guys are always smiling. 😊

[@MaryH-tp3ht]

Thanks, helpful

[@johnlowry5311]

I am planning a trip from Pittsburg to DC. Is the train ride from DC. to Pittsburg 9 hours?

[@RideAlongAdventures]

The capital limited is scheduled for 7h45m but both times I’ve taken it, it has been over 9.

[@johnlowry5311]

@@RideAlongAdventures Thank you & thank you for all the great videos

[@SeeYouUpTheRoad]

Thank You for your video. I’m thinking of doing this in one go. What are your thoughts/recommendations?

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Hi, George. So…”one go” could mean two different things to me. If you mean, straight, non-stop I saw a video recently of a guy who biked it in 30+ hrs. If that’s what you mean, my hat is off to you-I’m not worthy. If you mean, one full tour, I recommend 7 days (~50 miles/day), take your time and really enjoy the surroundings. It really breaks up into nice segments of 40-60 miles, with towns situated nicely at those points. My five day trip was just too much. I was exhausted and by the end I just wanted to be done. But that’s me. Also, with 50 mile days, you have flexibility on timing. You can sleep in (if you want) and you can still arrive at your next place before sundown. Again, that’s my preference. I’m just one guy, not an expert, but if you’ve got other questions, I’m happy to share my thoughts. Hope you get to do it-it’s a heck of a ride.

[@SeeYouUpTheRoad]

@@RideAlongAdventures Thank You for your prompt response. I’m an ultra cyclist. I’ve done many ridiculously stupid things on my bike 😂 so yes one go is one sitting non-stop.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

Wow. Just, wow. I just tried to find the video on KZbin of the nonstop ride. I’ll keep looking. That’s pretty amazing. I’m trying to think where I’d want to be when night falls and I think you’d probably want to be on the GAP vs the C&O. In particular, the section from Cumberland to Hancock is probably the most rugged, remote trail. My other thought is that I’d probably find comfort in hitting some small towns during the night on the GAP rather than being in remote areas. I’d love to hear about your experience. I’m always up for “stupid” human tricks too! 😉

[@SeeYouUpTheRoad]

@@RideAlongAdventures the overnight was the only thing that I wondered where I would be and if I need water, the only thing I would need, where would I get it. I would have all my own fuel. I wouldn’t need any solid foods for 360 miles. My goal would be sub 24 total time so that’s easy to do on liquid fuel. I’m assuming the total route doesn’t have much elevation right? Fewer than 10,000? Fewer than 5,000 ft? Any ideas? I don’t even know where to begin with my stupid human tricks 😂 suffice it to say 360 miles would not be the longest one go ride I’ve ever done 😂 more miles more climbing and completely unsupported events and so on. I don’t want to hijack your video with my accomplishments but we could go into it if you really want and with your permission.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

@@SeeYouUpTheRoad the climb is 1700’ (to ~2400’ at the Eastern continental divide)-piece of cake. I’m always up for stories-if you want to switch to email: [e-mail]

[@mhe8545]

Where did you run into trouble camping on the trail? C&O or GAP? I hope you reported that guy asking for money.

[@RideAlongAdventures]

That was on the C&O. Again, for me, a few extra bucks to stay in a “legit” campground is worth it.