Planning has commenced for my 2013 Bike Ride. I can’t believe it’s been three years again already. The biggest obstacle will be finding a way around logistics. This seems to constantly be a problem for me on these trips since the start and end are so far apart. I WILL NOT use a shuttle service as I have learned they can be unreliable and expensive. Car rentals can be equally expensive. I want to leave my car someplace safe and easy to get to from the trail in the DC metro area. Possibly at Reagan airport or with one of many friends in the area. But my problem is, I can get myself, my bike and my car to DC easily, it is getting to the starting line in Pittsburgh that will be the issue.
SOLUTION ONE: Have a potential rider living in the Pittsburgh area drive to DC and meet me. They leave their car in DC we drive my Jeep back to Pittsburgh (or vice versa). We then ride the trail to DC, pick up their car and drive it back to Pittsburgh, I pick up my Jeep and drive home.
SOLUTION TWO: I drive to Reagan and park my Jeep. I then rent a car/suv/pickup and drive to Pittsburgh. I drop the rental there and have friends/family get me to the starting point. I ride the trail back to the Jeep and drive home.
SOLUTION THREE: A week before the ride I drop my bike off at my parents house with all my gear. I drive home without the bike and the week of the ride leave my Jeep somewhere easy to bike to near DC. I then take the train (I like trains) to Pittsburgh. Somehow get my bike and gear to the start and bike the trail back to my Jeep.
Any other suggestions?
Now for the tentative itinerary.
DAY ONE: TRAVEL/PITTSBURGH
DAY TWO: CEDAR CREEK -mp110- 40miles
DAY THREE: OHIOPYLE -mp73- 37miles
DAY FOUR: ROCKWOOD -mp43- 30miles
DAY FIVE: CUMBERLAND -gap0-co184.5- 43miles
DAY SIX: DEVILS ALLEY (Little Orleans) -mp144.5- 40miles
DAY SEVEN: JORDAN JUNCTION (Williamsport) -mp101.2- 43.3miles
DAY EIGHT: HUCKLEBERRY HILL (Harpers Ferry) -mp62.9- 38.3miles
DAY NINE: HORSE PEN or LOCKHOUSE 22 (Great Falls) -mp26- 36.9miles
DAY TEN: WASHINGTON DC & TRAVEL -mp0- 26miles
With the exception of Cumberland (and possibly Ohiopyle) I plan to camp the entire way. I will be entirely self contained with camping gear, food and water all hauled on my bike. For those that may be joining me for this trip that might not like the idea of camping, I included the names of nearest towns where lodging may be found. Only one of the campgrounds on this trip (possibly two depending on what I do for Ohiopyle) will be a commercial facility and that is Husky Haven in Rockwood. If you say you are coming but don’t want to camp at that campground, let me know. I will be setting up a Facebook event for this trip like I did for the last one.
UPDATE: I looked into Lockhouse 22. As of right now, it is available. It costs $85 and can accommodate eight people. More Details about Lockhouse 22 can be found HERE if you are interested. Please let me know if you are going to spend the night in the lockhouse on day 9 or if you want to camp.
Questions, comments? Let me know in the comments below.
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