I'm looking at doing the C&O + GAP from DC-> Pittsburgh (or the other way around) this summer or fall. Has anyone else done it, and how did you handle getting back?
Can you roll a bike onto Amtrak from Pitt->Philly?
Posted May 31, 2013, 6:07 PM UTC
So much fun! You should just ride there and back on the bike, if you have time. When I did it, I ended up taking a rental car (cheaper than train, would have taken bus in retrospect) with our bikes'n'shit out to Pittsburgh and riding home to DC.
Did it laster year. Train from Chicago to Pittsburgh and then Train from DC back to Chicago. Boxed bike as checked luggage both ways, no roll on. Carried the panniers on in a large duffel. No hassles, no lost or broken items. Bring the tools to remove/install pedals and turn bars/stem.
Its a short roll from the Pittsburgh station to the start of the trail by the river. Going south looks to be the easier route. The climb to the continental divide is less than 1% over 2 1/2 days and the GAP is very well maintained south of Boston. Coasted at 16mph from the divide to Cumberland, a real experience.
The C&O is a bit more rugged in keeping with its historical nature and the starvation budget the NPS has been on for years. But it does take you through several historical slices of American history.It is well worth reading up on the coal, steel, agricultural and Civil War history of the area.
As a firs/starter tour or if you just have a week it is a great route. The GAP is an income generator for the villages and cyclists are welcomed, if not completely understood by local business. The C&O is a more primitive experience, but lodging and food can be found easily enough.
Enjoy.
Just did it about a week ago. Took the train from DC--super easy. Amtrak's bike boxes are cheap and require minimal disassembly. The GAP was great. The C&O a bit more rugged. Especially near Cumberland and in between towns. It's a lot more slow-going than you think though. I'm used to averaging 20 mph on my road bike, but only managed about 12-14 due to gravel, mud, and the extra weight. Camping is super easy--primitive campsites all over the place, as well as water wells. Did splurge for a hostel one night though because it got down to 40.
If you live in Philly, maybe I can join you. My game plan was to drive a one way u-haul from Phila to Pitts with the bike, then Pitts to DC on the trail. I hear it's hit or miss to get your gear back on Amtrak, but shipping my frame/wheels home to Phila from DC shouldn't cost me a fortune, and I'd just try to carry the bags.
I did it from the Pitts airport to DC. Flew in to Pitts, took bolt bus home from DC. Took me four days, but I might have had a better time if I'd spread it over 5 and taken more detours and/or stopped earlier on each day.