Russ Eanes Biking, C&O towpath, Great Allegheny Passage, Uncategorized

Pittsburgh to Washington Wrap-up #2: Gear

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

Russ Eanes Biking, C&O towpath, Great Allegheny Passage

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.

Russ Eanes Biking, C&O towpath, Great Allegheny Passage

Day 6: Williamsport to Harpers Ferry—Take Me Home Country Roads… Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River

The mouth of the Shenandoah River as it enters the Potomac at Harpers Ferry I’m getting near home and I can sense it. Today’s ride, 42 miles from Williamsport to Harpers Ferry, took me out the last of the Allegheny Mountain ridges (North Mountain) and into what is known as the Great Valley. South of … Continue reading Day 6: Williamsport to Harpers Ferry—Take Me Home Country Roads… Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River

Russ Eanes Biking, C&O towpath, Great Allegheny Passage

Day 5: Little Orleans to Williamsport, Fueled by a legendary breakfast

I began what has been my second shortest ride so far (42 miles) with an enormous breakfast at the Town Hill B&B. Their breakfast is legendary, but even I was surprised by it. It was more like three meals in one. When they have a full Inn, they serve this buffet-style and Donna, one of … Continue reading Day 5: Little Orleans to Williamsport, Fueled by a legendary breakfast

Russ Eanes Biking, C&O towpath, Great Allegheny Passage

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

Russ Eanes Biking, C&O towpath, Great Allegheny Passage

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)

Russ Eanes Biking, C&O towpath, Great Allegheny Passage

Day 2: Connellsville to Meyersdale—Slowing Down for a Gorge-ous ride (Sunday)

I woke up this morning after a good nights sleep, but for some reason I wasn’t feeling settled. I went downstairs in the Comfort Inn and got myself a cup of coffee and went and sat out on the back patio looking over the river while I drank it. It was a beautiful, peaceful spot, … Continue reading Day 2: Connellsville to Meyersdale—Slowing Down for a Gorge-ous ride (Sunday)

Russ Eanes Biking, C&O towpath, Great Allegheny Passage

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)