GAP-C&O – Pittsburgh to DC

Pre-Ride report from Mimo – Chuck H and I will be doing an unofficial reverse “not quite a pre-ride” using RUSA perms on September 10-12 because we love riding bikes and have very forgiving partners. At dinner on Friday the 12th, we will share any last minute changes to the below information and/or the route that needs to be conveyed. This pre-ride report is based on multiple rides of the GAP-C&O rather than an actual ride this week.

Shuttle buses (aka three volunteers with cars/vans) will be leaving 2433 Fort Scott Drive Arlington VA 22202 at 1 pm on the dot on Friday, Sep. 12th. This location is about one mile from the Metro (Pentagon City) or you may park your car on the nearby streets (Oakcrest and Lynn primarily) with little fear of towing or theft.

Please get to the shuttle bus departure point by noon so we can get all the bikes loaded up and ready to hit the highway. Most bikes will be loaded on bike racks as is, but several will need to have front wheels removed to fit inside mini-vans. All riders must have lights and reflective gear which will be checked BEFORE we haul you to Pittsburgh.

Riders, volunteers, and bikes should arrive at the start location (Holiday Inn Express 658 E Waterfront Drive Munhall, PA 15120) at approximately 5:30 PM. We’ll check into the hotel, fidget with bikes, and then plan to walk (or drive) to a local joint for dinner at 6:30 PM or so.

The ride starts at 5 AM on Saturday, Sep. 13th. Volunteers will be in the hotel lobby at 4:30 AM and you may hand off a small bag with your Friday attire, post-ride stuff, and gear you’re not bringing to the volunteers. This bag will be transported back to the shuttle bus departure point in Arlington for pick up after 2 PM on Sunday. There is NO DROP BAG service for this ride and you will not be provided with any support on the route, so make sure you pack whatever you need for long days in the saddle on Saturday and Sunday. With the extra RUSA gravel time, you must finish within 44 hours and 10 minutes (1:10 AM Monday morning).

Now onto the actual ride / route information…

Mile 0 – We leave the hotel and head into Pittsburgh to take selfies at Point State Park Fountain. The route into the city is usually chock full of detours, so we’ll see how it looks this year. From the fountain, we turn around and head back to the hotel.
Mile 18 – We roll right past our hotel where breakfast is possibly being served. This rider 100% plans on eating, potentially using his hotel room loo, and handing off his room key at this time. You do you.
Mile 30 – Boston. Water bottle filling station.
Mile 44 – West Newton. Things may be open when we get there.
Mile 68.8 – Connellsville. Water bottle filling station and grocery store on the right, lots of eateries. Bike shop too.
Mile 86.4 – Ohiopyle. Water bottle filling station and expensive ice cream / eateries.
Mile 96.5 – Confluence. Confusing trail markers and eateries. Bike shop nearby.
Mile 108.2 – Markleton detour. The GAP is closed and we’re taking you straight up a cliff. At least you get to finally use a different gear and adjust your riding position. You MAY NOT take the shuttle and still receive RUSA credit for this ride.
Mile 114.3 – Rockwood. Detour ends, supplies across the river as needed.
Mile 126.2 – Meyersdale. Water bottle filling station and eateries downhill.
Mile 158 – Cumberland. Lots of eateries and a potential overnight stop. From here on out, water pumps on the route are NON-POTABLE.
Mile 187.2 – Paw Paw tunnel. Scary as crap to ride through, but you can do it!
Mile 205.1 – Parallel paved section begins. (You may take the paved or unpaved route, your choice.)
Mile 218 – Hancock. Lots of eateries and a potential overnight stop (probably the wisest choice).
Mile 228 – Parallel paved section ends.
Mile 243.2 – Williamsport. A few eateries including a Sheetz.
Mile 270 – Shepherdstown. Inconvenient, but it’s there if needed.
Mile 288 – Brunswick. Eateries, but limited hours. King’s Pizza closes at 9 pm, garlic knots for the win.
Mile 307.5 – White’s Ferry grill closes by 6 pm. Soda machines open all night.
Mile 329 – Great Falls. Water bottle filling station.
Mile 339 – Paved section on the Capital Crescent Trail (or stay on the towpath if you want).
Mile 342.3 – Official route ends (just as you enter Georgetown). There will be no one here to laud your accomplishment since it’s a loud spot under a highway.

After you cross the finish line, ride your bike back to the shuttle bus departure point where your bag and vehicle should be awaiting you. Here is the route with a small detour to potentially take a pic with the Mile Zero signpost for bragging purposes: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52377895

See everyone in Pittsburgh!!

Mimo