Bikepacking Dilemma - Great Allegheny Passage GAP / C&O Trail - Riding My Priority 600 - What I Pack
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- Опубліковано 5 жов 2024
- Preparation to ride the Great Allegheny Passage GAP and C&O trail. This awesome "off road" trail extends 334 miles from Pittsburgh PA to Washington DC. If you are looking for a long scenic fairly flat trail, this my be the adventure for you. I will be riding my Priority 600X bike.
Trail Guide: gaptrail.org/b...
Infinity Bike Seat - PROMO CODE: MYSEAT infinitybikese...
Music: www.epidemicsound.com
Stock clips in video: Licensed by Pexels www.pexels.com...
Hi Steve! Great meeting you along your trip and have dinner together. Safe travels!!
Thank you Gabriel! It was nice meeting you, your family and friends. All the best and thank you, Steve
Hi Steve. We met in Kingston, NY last year when you did part of the Empire State Trail. We rode a few miles together... I did the GAP/C&O in 2022. If your schedule works out the Little Boston Inn in Boston, PA was a delight. The hosts, Joshua & Joanna, are kindred spirits having done some bicycle touring themselves.
Hi John and thanks for the tip. Unfortunately I passed through Boston 85 miles ago. Stayed in a Hostel in Rockwood PA last night. Cycling to Cumberland today. Looking forward to the downhill run from there. Thanks again and it’s great to hear from you. I hope all is well, Steve
Good luck on your trip Steve! I’ll be talking it from DC to Pittsburgh in September.
Thanks John, finished the second day and it’s a great trail. You will have a great time in September. Thanks again and all the best, Steve
I look forward to following along the GAP with you.
Thanks John!
Nice set up Steve. Good luck with your trip and I look forward to seeing the vids. Jay
Hi Jay, I hope all is well with you. I'm really looking forward to this trip. Thanks again and have a great weekend, Steve
Steve that looks like a wonderful ride. I hope you have a great time
Hi Rob, just completed the second day. Great trail and yes I’m enjoying it. Thanks again, Steve
Can't wait to see videos of your ride.
Thanks and I'll start posting the videos a few days after my trips over. Take care, Steve
Good luck on your bike packing trip. Not the best time to do the C&O as it can get muddy especially with the wet weather we have been seeing recently. I have the goal of doing the same trip next year to celebrate my 75th birthday. Enjoy your site ... keep safe and look forward to your videos. Another oner 70 cyclist from Connecticut
Hi there and thanks for your comment! I hope the C&O isn’t too muddy. All part of the adventure. I’m sure you will enjoy the trip too. All the best, Steve
Your are an inspiration!
Thanks and have a great day, Steve
Looks like a great adventure that you have planned, have fun.
Thanks and have a great day, Steve
I just received the Trail Guide for my Gap Trail ride in July.
Good, watch for my video reviews in a few weeks
Great video, my friend, I will be following you a bit in a couple of weeks. I will be there the first week in June!! I plan on car camping it, so I will do it in sections. I always look forward to your trips, you are such an inspiration!! I have an infinty seat, but I am trying out a Brooks saddle. I think I am going to put the Infinity back on.. Keep pedaling, my friend...
Hi Amy, I hope all is well with you. Looks like a really nice trail. Car camping looks like a good idea. The weather is calling for a lot of rain next week. I may stay in more motels than planned. Even though the Infinity seat is more comfortable, I still wear padded shorts on a ride over 25 miles. Makes it even more comfortable on longer rides. Thanks and have a great weekend, Steve
Wow, his luggage is very complete, always healthy and happy, Grandpa
Hi there and thanks for watching. All the best, Steve
As I am sure you know there are many picknick tables along the way with well water pumps every 5-10 miles. There are also many toilets, do take some toilet paper or use a "special" water bottle like they use around the world.
How many days are you planning? I was 66 and did it in 5 days, some younger people did it in 4 days. I want to go this MAY month, but will take 7-9 days, I want to enjoy the sights and read all the history boards along the way.
Best of luck Steve.
Hi Jim and thanks for your comment. Yes, I am aware of all the services on the trail. Thanks for reminding me about the lack of toilet paper. Like you, I plan on 9 days to relax and take in all the history and sights. Thanks again and all the best, Steve
Thank you for a great video and the guide recommendation.
Hi Damien and thanks for watching and your comment! It was an awesome ride. Have a great day, Steve
I'm so relieved you have the bear spray. I live in FL & encounter the occasional gator. It's bears 🐻 I really fear!
Hi Kathryn and great to hear from you! I'm always prepared for the bears and any other 4 or 2 legged creatures. Thanks again and all the best, Steve
You seem to know what you're doing. But commenting as someone who knows these trails specifically, I have a couple thoughts on your gear list:
* The chair is likely unnecessary. All campgrounds on this route have at least a picnic table with benches, and many have significantly more seating options available.
* If you are camping at Round Bottom on the GAP or any of the primitive campsites on the C&O, you're going to need a water filter and/or purification tablets. This is higher priority than the third water bottle. All campsites have a water pump or better - but the groundwater is not always potable.
* While you should be bear aware with your food storage and trash, bear spray is a lower priority than sunscreen and basic first aid supplies. Actual bear encounters along the trails are quite rare.
* These trails are frequently very muddy. Be sure to have ways to stay dry, and to clean your drivetrain. (Although this should be much less of an issue with Priority's belt and internal gearbox)
Hi Josh and thank you for the suggestions. My Helinox chair is light, low to the ground and very comfortable. It's not necessary but I have the space to carry it. Great for relaxing and comfortable to read a book next to my tent.
My water filter is already packed. I always bring bear spray but have never needed it. And sunscreen is a must since I have had skin cancer in the past. I always carry basic first aid supplies. The extra water bottle will come in handy to clean my bike, drive belt and feet. They're calling for rain next week so it may be a muddy trip. All part of the adventure!
Thanks again and have a great weekend, Steve
I have done some of the research on this saddle. Believe it to be a great saddle for the straight bar adaption of the hybrid or mountain bike style of riding. I have the gravel bike with drop bars and therefore the slightly forward positioning of the upper body might inhibit comfort.
Hi Michael. According to the Infinity Bike Seat website, the saddles are used on many Race Across America drop bar bikes. I also use one on my drop bar gravel bike with extreme comfort. Thanks again and have a great day, Steve
I live within cycling distance of the C&O Canal and finally did the entire thing ten years ago as part of a supported fundraiser. Conquered the GAP in 2019, with daily shuttles from nearby WV. I’m in awe of your willingness to haul so much gear, even on a relatively flat trail, not to mention your willingness to camp!
I’m already looking forward to seeing your video(s?). Have fun!
Hi Jain and thanks you for sharing! I'm taking my time on this one since there's so much to see. I will start posting videos of the trip in about three weeks. Thanks again and take care, Steve
Have a great time Steve! I’m doing this ride from Pittsburgh end of the month and really looking forward to it! Happy trails!
Hi there and thanks for stopping by. It looks like a great trail. Good luck on your trip. Thanks again and all the best, Steve
It's a very pretty route, I rode it 2016 on my way across the U.S.from Anacortes, WA to DC.. It was a nice feeling to finish a long route by pedaling through woods and off road trails into DC. Note: the camping areas on the C&O canal have old hand pumps for water, some of them do not work; and the well water is treated with iodine that tastes bad. I carried water through that section. There are plenty of services along the route. At your experience level it is an easy route. Have a great ride!
Hi Mike and thank you for the advice. I will carry most of my own water. It will be an easy relaxing trail. Thanks again and take care, Steve
Hey Steve! I’ve been checking everyday to see if you’ve posted. Good luck on your trip. I’m excited to see how it goes!
Hi Dan and great to hear from you! I'm taking 10 days for this trip. Short days to really enjoy the outdoors and check out the history of the trails. I will start posting videos of the trip in about three weeks. Thanks again Dan and have a great day, Steve
We're headed there in June, but the other direction! Definitely interested in your perspective on great places to stop and visit! This was a good reminder of some of what we'll need to bring. You may not have to pre-pack all your food as there are lots of towns along the way, especially on the GAP.
Hi again and thanks for your comment. It will be a great trip. Taking my time and bringing most of my food for evening dinner while camping. I'll start posting videos of the trip in 3 weeks. Take care, Steve
Very nice set up and a great bike. Partially tore an Achilles tendon so long rides are out right now for the next couple of months. Good luck with your ride and take care, Al
Hi Al and great to hear from you as always. Sorry to hear about your Achilles and I hope you're back in the saddle soon. Take care and all the best, Steve
Can't wait to follow you on your next adventure
Hi Russell and thanks for watching! I'm looking forward to this trip and will start posting videos in about three weeks. Thanks again and all the best, Steve
Hi Steve can’t weight to follow your journey,always look forward to your videos.
Old Bob Gold Coast Australia
Hi Bob and great to see you again! I appreciate your comment. Taking about 10 days for this trip and will start producing videos in three weeks. Thanks again and all the best, Steve
Steve - from Downunder … looking forward to videos of the ride … so much downhill 😁😁😁😁
Hi Ian and great to hear from you! It will be a nice relaxing 10 day ride. Taking my time on this one since there's so much to see along the way. I will start posting videos of the trip in three weeks. Thanks again and all the best to you and your family, Steve
Next time you’re in Cumberland you should check out Dan’s rock
Hi Travis and thanks for your suggestion. Looks interesting. Have a great day! Steve
That was an enjoyable video, thanks. But you mention both your Garmin AND phone support your recommended map app. So why bring the Garmin? You mention a "forward-facing camera" - is that to imply you also have a rear-facing camera? I'm thinking about a helmet-mounted camera. Have you ever tried that? You mention a light on your rear. Unless you're riding on roads at night, is it necessary? I love cycling the C&O/GAP but I feel annoyed by everyone's blinking lights during the day! Thanks for mentioning your infinity seat. I'm going to try one out.
Hi Don and thanks for your comment. I use my Garmin to record and monitor my speed and cadence. I always try to maintain a cadence of 75-85 RPM. This cadence allows me to maintain proper low gearing to avoid over stressing my leg muscles. The phone allows me to see my route on the "Ride With GPS" app. Even though I have the app on my Garmin, I don't have to switch screens on the Garmin while riding. I use this configuration on all my long distance trips. I do not use a fixed rear facing camera. My handheld camera allows me to record whats happening in the rear. I always have a light mounted on the front and rear of my bikes. I don't use them on Rail Trails. I agree it can be very annoying. I will be riding on the road during the trip and using both lights. Good to hear you will be trying an Infinity Bike Seat. Use my discount code at checkout MYSEAT. Thanks again and have a great day, Steve
Enjoy!
Thank you Beck!
@@steveretiredandcycling I'm sure you will bring it to us 😀
@@BIKESnSKILLETS I will start posting videos of the trip in about three weeks. Thanks Beck!
Hey Steve you're prepared! The gap trail has easy climb, you don't almost notice it, I did it last year. I'm gonna be riding the C&O not next but following week, who knows maybe we'll see each other if you're still on the trail. Have a great ride!
Hi Thomas, I will be on the C&O the 19th-21st. Maybe I'll see you. I would like to meet up with you during your Connecticut ride. Take care, Steve
@@steveretiredandcycling I'm gonna miss you by a few days. Hopefully I'll see you in Connecticut.
I love infinity bike seat i been using them for 6 years on all my bikes
Hi again Mark, yes, they are the best seats ever. I even take one with me when renting a bike in Europe. Can't leave home without one! Thanks again, Steve
I haven't needed bear spray on GAP/C&O. Cycle often in past 10 years there.
I have many notes on a Facebook post...I can share them if u have facebook.
Hi there and thanks for your comment! I take bear spray with me on all my long distance rides. Getting ready to leave in the morning. Thanks and all the best, Steve
I like your bike setup-I also have the Priority 600x. What water bottle cages do you have? Also, is your rear rack the Priority 174 Hudson?
Hi Mike and thanks for your comment! The cages are so old I can't remember when or where I bought them. Yes, the rear rack is the Priority 174 Hudson model. Hope you're enjoying your 600X, its a great bike. Thanks again and all the best, Steve
Steve - I am looking at the Infinity Bike seat and wondered if you just bought one and put it on yourself or did you get it as part of a "bike fit"? It is kind of daunting looking at all the information they have of proper fit and I wonder if getting the seat is going to require having that done to make sure it is setup right.
Hi Tom, when I bought my seats I made slight adjustments until they felt right. Tilt is especially important. I found that making small adjustments to the tilt during long ride was good enough for me. If you order one make sure to use my discount code MYSEAT at check out for a discount. Also the owner of Infinity is available for one on one zoom calls to discuss fit. Thanks and have a great day, Steve
I live 13 miles from C&O mp 99 & 73 if run into difficulty.
Preston
Hi Tom and good to hear from you. I appreciate your thinking of me. I also saw your offer as a Warm Showers host. Thank you, my itinerary won’t allow me to stop in your area. Thanks again and all the best to you and Paula
Hey Steve. Great vid. Have a question. Do you know the total weight of all your gear, bags, food and water? Steve from Canada
Hi there and thanks for your comment! Total weight of gear, bags, Food and water is about 40 lbs. it's a heavy load but the trail is easy with no hills over 2.5%. Normally I would keep the total load down to under 30 lbs but this is a very easy trail. Thanks and have a great day, Steve
Brillant channel
Hi Mark and thanks for your comment! Have a great day, Steve
Hi Steve. I also ride a Priority 600X. I’d like to know what brackets, racks or whatever you use to attach panniers or bags on the front (Wren) fork?
Great bikes! The brackets are on Amazon. "Topeak Versa Bike Mount (2 Piece per Set), Black, 20-60mm" They work well on the Wren fork, although I wouldn't trust them with much weight. I attach "Salsa Anything Cages" to the mounts. Thanks and have a great day, Steve
Thanks Steve. What do you consider the weight limit ? (I’m retired and 71. Been trying to learn for a year and a half. Have about 2900 miles on my 600X.)
Credit card touring reduces the weight load. J/k.
Hi Fortes and thank you for your comment. I totally agree. However, I want to take my time and enjoy being self contained and sleeping outdoors. Thanks again and have a great day, Steve