A few people who are contemplating riding either the GAP or C&O (or both) have asked about what kind of gear they need. Here is a brief rundown on what I had and recommendations. The Bike: four years ago I ventured into the world of "gravel" bikes with the purchase of a Specialized Sequoia. Sometimes … Continue reading Pittsburgh to Washington Wrap-up #2: Gear
Day 7: Reaching Mile 0, Harpers Ferry to Washington D.C. My Ride of Passage ends.
I reached my goal--Mile Zero of the C&O towpath yesterday. It was a fun, but tiring, final 61+ mile ride into the city. The CSX tracks in Harpers Ferry. I started the day on the heights in Harpers Ferry. I stayed at the Harpers Ferry Guest House, a place I can recommend, which is a … Continue reading Day 7: Reaching Mile 0, Harpers Ferry to Washington D.C. My Ride of Passage ends.
Day 4 Cumberland to Little Orleans: My first miles on the C&O Towpath
I had a crisp and clear morning of riding today, leaving Cumberland for Little Orleans, a distance of 45 miles. As I began, I got my first sight of the north branch of the Potomac and the C&O Canal, and started riding the canal’s towpath east. This part of the trip is 185 miles and … Continue reading Day 4 Cumberland to Little Orleans: My first miles on the C&O Towpath
Day 3–Meyersdale to Cumberland: The Glorious Descent (Monday)
Today was my easiest day so far. I left Meyersdale a bit late because I knew I only had to ride 32 miles to Cumberland. The first 8 or 9 miles is an almost imperceptible climb, but then the trail crosses the Eastern Continental Divide and makes a wonderful descent over 23 miles, through three … Continue reading Day 3–Meyersdale to Cumberland: The Glorious Descent (Monday)
Day 1: Pittsburgh to Connellsville, with a little help from my friends (and family)
“It’s a great Day to be alive.” These were the words that came to me 2 1/2 years ago when I begin my 500 mile journey on the Camino De Santiago in Spain. They came to me again today as I began my journey in Pittsburgh, at the Point. Back then it was a cool, … Continue reading Day 1: Pittsburgh to Connellsville, with a little help from my friends (and family)
A Year of Changing Plans
Like everyone else, this year has turned out quite differently than I had been planned. In early March I was on a small book tour of "outfitter" shops and was enjoying interacting with readers and sharing about the Camino de Santiago and the five-hundred mile journey that I took there in 2018, which I wrote … Continue reading A Year of Changing Plans
