Cycling the C&O and GAP Bike Trails
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- Ride along as I bike from Washington DC to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on the C&O (Chesapeake and Ohio) and the GAP (Great Allegheny Passage) trails. The C&O is a canal towpath that follows the Potomac River from DC to Cumberland, Maryland. It's a great bikepacking trail with lots of free and rustic campsites along the river. There are also plenty of B&B's or hotels as well. The GAP is a rail trail from Cumberland to Pittsburgh. Less rustic, but still a great bikepacking trail with plenty of camping and B&B's. Together, the C&O and the GAP make a delightful 330 mile bike path through the woods.
Read:
Get Up and Ride: A Humorous True Story ... amzn.to/3IhNtS4
Basic Illustrated Bike Touring and Bike Packing amzn.to/3tJvsrQ
Links to some of my gear:
Arkel Panniers shrsl.com/3cpv0
Trek Bicycles www.avantlink....
Nashbar www.avantlink....
REI www.avantlink....
Showers Pass Rain Jacket www.avantlink....
Eastern Mountain Sports shareasale.com...
CampingMaxx shrsl.com/3cpv8
Nutcase Helmets www.avantlink....
DJI Mini Mavic 2 Drone click.dji.com/...
DJI Pocket 2 Gimbal 4K Camera click.dji.com/...
Wald 1066 Handlebars amzn.to/3fLRHVH
RedShift Shock Absorbing Handlebar Stem amzn.to/3IBu3If
Cateye Velo 9 Bike Computer amzn.to/3AhqDag
Terry Liberator Y Men's Bike Saddle amzn.to/3FNp0Cq
High Visibility Vest amzn.to/3rFgIrw
Reflective Safety Triangle amzn.to/32kJN2M
MSR Pocket Rocket Ultralight Camp Stove amzn.to/3AdNB26
Sea to Summit Bowl amzn.to/3AhqDag
Canon M50 Mirrorless Camera amzn.to/3tIEIwy
GoPro Hero 8 Camera amzn.to/3rywX9x
Rode Video Mic Pro + amzn.to/3IohlMv
Neewer Compact Travel Tripod amzn.to/3qLalTW
Anyone who rides that far on a bicycle wearing a Harley Davidson trucker hat is my kind of people. Best video I've seen so far about the C&O and GAP. It actually makes you want to ride and see it for yourself. Thanks for the inspirational video!
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. The GAP and C&O is the best rail trail in America, in my opinion. Go for it! Stay safe and ride on!!😎
Love the Root River Trail. Beautiful.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!
Really enjoyed this one. The older I get the more I appreciate trails and the lack of cars and trucks. Nice video of your tour.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I like a nice long trail as well. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!
Looks lovely 🥰 thanks for the video ❤🎉
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!😎
i have found this video to be the best review of the C&O and GAP trails and what to expect along the way. Your narration and video work makes this trip even more of a compelling experience to enjoy. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see the rest of your journey.
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words. It's a great trail, hope you get to ride it! Thanks again!
that was awesome, love your just-go attitude with not overthinking things -pure grit. Great knowledge, vocabulary, advice, scenery, energy, voice and confidence. Keep Living! Thank
You!!
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!😎
Another amazing and well done video of your cycling adventures Paul! I showed my buddy, we hope to follow in your footsteps soon! Thanks again for all the editing and American History! Love it! 🇺🇲🍻🇨🇦
Thanks for watching! I hope you get to ride them all. See you down the road.
My father was stationed at Bolling AFB in the late 60’s. My brother and I would ride our bikes to the Potomac…it was filthy. Glad it was cleaned up, and I’ll have to take a trip to check it out and refresh some memories.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. The GAP and C&O make a great bike packing route. I'm glad they cleaned it up since the 1960's also. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!
Awesome video and your narration was really good!
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it!
thanks so much I'm about to bike it. your video helped a lot 🙂
Have fun! It's a great ride. Thanks for watching. Stay safe and ride on!!
Nice editing and narration, and a very scenic and interesting pair of trails I knew little about until your video.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching. The GAP and C&O are 2 of the best bike trails in America. Stay safe and ride on!!
that's my kind of bike path, thanks for sharing Paul
It's a great path. Thanks for watching!
Fantastic. You prompted me to look at the Great American Rail Trail site. Looks like there's lots of nice trails already. It will be amazing when it's done.
Got to get out and enjoy it now. Most of the eastern US sections are in good shape. That's where most of the population is. In some of the western states where population density is low, progress is slow. If there was a Coast to Coast bike path, I would ride it!! Thanks again. Ride on!
Thanks for including details about your tire size. This summer I plan to ride the 400/Elroy-Sparta/LaCrosse trails from Reedsburg to LaCrosse and I was nervous my 35mm wide tires were too thin. Guess not. 👍
Glad it was helpful! Those are some awesome trails up there in the Driftless area. 35's should get you through. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!
good stuff, brother!
Thanks, buddy!
Cool narration & informative. My favorite bike route
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching. It's one of my favorites too.
What an adventure. Very nice video.
Thanks for watching. I appreciate it.
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks again!
Looks great, but I will wait until after August. I already put up with too much too-hot weather.
Sorry about the slow response. Been out biking. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Seems like the weather is almost never perfect. It's almost always too hot or too cold. LOL! Stay safe and ride on!
thanks you make great cycling videos
Glad you like them! Thanks for watching.
I always enjoy your videos. We did the GAP/C&O at the same time, starting from Pittsburgh and ending up in DC on July 4th. Wish I knew where we crossed paths! Probably somewhere around Williamsport the best I can calculate.
It's a great trail. Some sections are very remote and you hardly see any riders. Other sections are bustling with riders. Hope to see you on the trail. Thanks for watching.
I found your excellent videos as I am planning to ride this route myself in the Spring, apart from the good information I love that you ride a vintage bike set up how you like it without following the latest fashion in bicycle touring. Keep up the good work and if you fancy something similar outside of the US look up the Inland Waterways in the UK which is where I am from, we have over 2,000 miles most of which you can cycle, there are also thousands of miles of public bridleways you can ride with some great long distance trails.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I hope to bike tour in the UK some day. Sounds great. Greetings from the US. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!!
What a Gem!
Thanks again!!
Great video. I'm planning on doing the GAP this year.
Thanks for watching. The GAP is a great ride. Have fun, stay safe.
Hello Paul, thank you so much for sharing your adventures. I enjoy your style and on a recent tour when I found myself lost and without any navigation tools due to a sequence of what I'll call learning experiences, I had to keep reminding myself, "when you go looking for adventure, don't complain when adventure finds you."
I'm planning a modified Trans Am route across the country next year. I live in Asheville, NC and will start by taking the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive north which will get me very near the C&O. I'll follow the C&O / GAP to Pittsburgh and then make my way to Dayton, OH (family). From Dayton, I'm exploring options to connect me to the Trans Am. I'm curious about your Ohio River route, as I could potentially use that and pick up the Trans Am near Carbondale. So I'm very interested to view the video you've teased us with 🙂.
Just posted it. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. Have a great ride, I hope to see you down the road!!
@@paulsuchecki3985 Thank you, I've already watched!
I hope you enjoyed the ride defiantly a great experience. I rode the gap and c&o in early June. Hit lots o mud throughout the c&o. But had a great time and will do it again.
It's a classic ride and I would definitely do it again. I hit it in early July and it was still muddy. Thanks for watching and I hope to see you down the trail!!
Another great video! Hope that ending didn't end badly for you.
Thanks for watching! It was a minor spill. I was pedaling down a level path at about 9 mph when I crashed. Can't do too much damage at that speed. I even landed on my feet! Thanks again.
Thank you for documenting your rides. I know the "sweet" spot for videos is 12-15 minutes, but your videography is pretty sweet! I think you could get away with 20+. Your narration and inserts are spot on and only going to get better. I love your map drawings! But would also love follow ups on your actual route mapping. Keep the rubber side down.👊
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate your comments, because that's kind of what I'm going for. Of course I'm not a professional film maker, I just a guy having fun making videos. I admit that the videos are light on details. My goal is to motivate people to go touring and I don't want to ruin the adventure of discovery. Just enough detail to get you out there and you'll discover the rest. I've always been a little unsure about those map drawings in the videos. I'm not an artist, but I don't want to infringe on any copywrite blah, blah blah. So I just whip them together and making them move looks pretty cool. Kinda like Indiana Jones. As far as exact road choices, that would become pretty detailed and cumbersome in the video. The way I decide on roads, I take out a good old Rand McNally map and try to pick out the best, most scenic least traffic way I can go. Honestly, I love maps and I could stare at them for hours. But where maps fail, GPS and MapQuest pick up the slack. My favorite part of the videos is the music. I've gotten some comments from people saying tone down the music, and in my earlier videos I had trouble balancing the voice track and the music track which made it unpleasant. I've got a better mic so the voice track is clearer now and the music can be softer and still heard. The music is free off of UA-cam and I like making the video fit the music. The music sets the mood and keeps things clipping along. Thanks again for watching and I hope to see you down the road!!
@@paulsuchecki3985 Paul, please don‘t be unsure about your maps. I absolutely ADORE your handdrawn maps. They are absolutely fantastic! Personal. detailed. unique! just amazing!!
Enjoyed watching your ride to Pittsburgh. As you say a must do for cyclists……
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. My opinion, the GAP and C&O from Pittsburgh to DC is the best bike trail in America. Over 300 miles and NO cars. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on! (Sorry for the slow response).
"Most of the bad guys sleep in on Weds mornings". Good to know
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I get nervous in big cities. Stay safe and ride on!
Maybe you could do a video of your bike , rig and gear that you use?
I'm thinking about it. I need to find the time. Trying to figure out how to not make it boring as dry toast. Not sure it can be done. Thanks again.
Not the ending i was expecting . Hope you and the bike are ok.
Thanks for watching ... all the way to the end. I wasn't going fast enough to get hurt. I even landed on my feet. Thanks again!!
Again another well done video of your biketours. I always thought that it is very bad to ride a bicycle in the States. But I guess I'm wrong.
Thanks again for watching. I've done almost all of my touring in the US, so I don't know what it's like any where else. I have heard that Europe and Asia are very biker friendly places. I suppose it's probably the same everywhere, but here in the US there are some very discourteous drivers that can really diminish the riding experience. To them, bikers are just a nuisance that slows them down as they drive 70 mph. Stay safe out there.
@@paulsuchecki3985 Thanks for your answer. The friendliest nation for cyclist are the Netherlands. In that country the bicycles-paths are seperated from the motorways. In Germany we are on a better way of building more and more cyclepaths. So keep on and stay healthy.
Awesome video. What kind of handlebars do you have? I would love something like that to take the pressure off of my hands.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. here's a link to the HB's I use. Wald 1066 Handlebars amzn.to/3fLRHVH Stay safe and ride on!!
Just found your videos and I do enjoy them. My impression is that your pedaling cadence is high. Do you know your normal cadence? Can you tell me the approximate weight of your loaded panniers? Wish you the very best.
Thanks for watching! I think my cadence is about 70. I'm more of a spinner, not a grinder. Not as strong as I used to be. I've never weighed my gear, but i guess about 40 or 50 pounds. Thanks again. Stay safe out there and ride on!!
After watching these videos, got on Amazon and ordered a bicycle phone holder. And, a rear view mirror. For my current touring bike. Its, German, like me. A Hienman, now out of business, rebuilt and refurbished by me, Johann Kuester, ("Custer").
Ride on!
@@paulsuchecki3985 Gettin' into my old age these days. Don't know how much long touring I can do anymore. 76 y.o.
What is next? I love your videos!
Ohio River Scenic Byway. Pittsburgh to southern Illinois (home). Video coming, stay tuned. The editing process is very time consuming. I also rode the Katy trail this summer. Also video coming. Next summer? Not sure. Pacific coast? Sierra Cascades?
Paul these videos are so awesome! Which did you think was harder, the GAP and C&O, or the Ohio to Erie Trail? I have wanted to do the GAP and the the C&O from PGH to DC then take the train back for some time now.
Thanks for watching! Neither one is particularly harder than the other. Other than the long slow 25 mile uphill on the GAP out of Cumberland, there are really no big hills. But if I had to choose, I would say the GAP and C&O is easier than the OTET. Only because the GAP and C&O are continuous trail and none (almost none) are on roads. The OTET is about 85% trail with the rest on paved roads. There are a few good hills on the off-trail sections. That might change. I got tunnel vision on the GAP and C&O, but not on the OTET. The OTET is more varied, some city sections. Very little city riding on the GAP and C&O. Never at a loss for camping on the GAP and C&O. On the OTET, north of Columbus and south of Akron, camping options can get thin. But both are awesome and worth doing. Have a great ride!!
paul - where did you get your front pannier rack ? what model # ? thanks
Arkel AC Lowrider Front Rack. about $120. Don't know the model #. I bought mine through Adventure Cycling Association. But if you go to the Arkel website, they are their also.
@@paulsuchecki3985 thanks & good timing. got ebay never been used ln for 78 delivered. am in central ny near erie canal. fumbled across this vid closer to you. i am newly retired & try to go new amtrack to haul bikes b4 & after ride like pittsburgh to wash. cant wait to see yur vid on ohio river ride. ua-cam.com/video/2eCG6Ozz-oE/v-deo.html
what month did you ride when it was 90F and humid?
July 7-20. Can get very hot and humid in the Ohio Valley that time of year.
As always, awesome Paul. I'm planning a trip up there to ride a sectionof the C & O portion. Did you have to make reservations at any of the campgrounds?
Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it. I never made reservations for camping. But the weekends can get busy and it might be a good idea. Stay safe out there and ride on!!
@@paulsuchecki3985 thanks Paul.
Paul is there a reason why you don’t wear a helmet ?
Freedom of choice, that's all. But I have had some vey close calls lately, so I invested in a helmet. And in the future when riding on roads with cars I will be wearing it. Thanks! Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!
@@paulsuchecki3985 thanks Paul. I have country roads around me but, there is always a cross or ghost bike near all my main routes. I couldn’t decide to wear or not to wear one. Your comment cements my idea that I need one. Please keep making your videos. I have been sick for three weeks and your videos have been my escape.
Good narration and video views.
Note:
•Paw Paw tunnel detour is 1.6 mile mountain detour (not as shown in video)
•Cumberland to Eastern Continental Divide is 23 miles of around 2% grade
(Some have commented that the scenes are not chronological. 1st time on a path can get views out of order. But maybe your intent was not to be chronological. Good video though.)
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate the feedback. Sounds like you know that trail pretty well. My wife also thinks that all of the shots should be in chronological order. And I agree with her mostly. But in the heat of the moment, the editing process can get fast and furious. Thanks again.
@@paulsuchecki3985 i understand. Please know I wasnt knocking on your video or skills...just feedback. Man you do and did an awesome job!
@@pppjourneyonabike5992 Didn't take it as a knock. I appreciate the feedback. I need to know what you're seeing. sometimes I get lost in it. Thanks again!!
Paul you shod have rode the Montour and pan handle trail why you were in Pittsburgh
Way ahead of you, Bro'. From Pittsburgh I took the Montour to the Panhandle on my way to Wheeling, WV. Then followed the Ohio all the way home. Video coming, stay tuned! Thanks again for watching!
Your last name tells your ancestors were Polish... 😉
My Dad was full Polish. Mom's side is from Germany. I'd like to go see both one day.
@@paulsuchecki3985 only in America! 😉
Everything in this video about the trails is great. What was weird was the phrase you used at the Mason-Dixon Line. “You can go one way but not the other” (paraphrase) was a nonchalant reference to runaway slaves. Just FYI…
I'm a science teacher. I work with a history teacher. He told me that the southern soldiers used it as disrespect to the northern soldiers. They could cross the line for free, but it would cost them to get back. Thats the way I understood it. It had nothing to do with runaway slaves. But I could be wrong.
Rode this bike path about 4 years ago. My wife, myself, and a few friends. One of the most enjoyable bike ride ever. Had a blast! We’re in our 60’s.
Thanks for watching! I'm 58 so I'm not far behind you. It is a great trail. Keep on pedaling! Thanks again.
Fantastic video. "I'm on the C&O...gotta go".
Thanks for watching! It's all about the story!
Awesome journey. Im going to have to watch this one again. Thats a pretty a big loop you're doing, I have researched along The Ohio River thru there planning routes. It's great your'e going to do a video about it, looking forward to it. I grew up in Pittsburgh.
Thanks again, Man! I love a trip that starts and ends on my own front porch. The Ohio River Scenic Byway is very cool. There are some industrial sections to be avoided if possible, but there are some cool old river towns and long stretches of Ohio valley bliss. Video coming, stay tuned.
Great videography, and I love your no-nonsense information and honest evaluation of the trails. Thanks.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it! Sorry about the slow response. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!
I got started with this trail this summer, I rode from DC to Harpers Ferry. The next year I'm planning to ride to Cumberland or maybe all away, we'll see. Thanks for sharing your adventure. :)
Thanks for watching. It's a great trail. Enjoy!
I have to ask you because I've been watching so many of your videos.
How do you get those "Paul driving by the camera" shots. Do you literally just put your camera down, then drive by, then come back, pick it up and do a lot of post processing? I wonder how many more miles that adds to your trips! :)
Keep it up. These are great.
Yes. I take many breaks during the day. It only takes a few minutes to set up the camera on a tripod or clamp it a tree or fence post. I drive by and go back and get my camera. I might do that 2 or 3 times a day just to get a "video snap-shot" of myself ridng through the scenery. The more angles and perspectives, the better. It only takes a few minutes and maybe adds a mile or 2 to the day. It makes the video more interesting. Editing is all part of the movie making process. Thanks for watching. I appreciate it!
@@paulsuchecki3985 Thanks, that makes sense. I appreciate the inside view.
I wonder if you could do one of these and focus on how to do good cycling videos with GoPro and other tools. I'm a lifelong cyclist but I'm just starting with GoPro myself.
Best C&O ride video I’ve seen. Nice job, dude!
Wow, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Hey, Paul. I am just getting started in my bike-packing adventures and using your videos for research. I saw this one was in my neck of the woods! Great videography and commentary. Very inspiring. Keep doing what you’re doing!
Hey Paul! My wife and I have ridden it a number of times. We just got back from a 1800 mile tour from Wyoming back to Ohio.
Your bike?? Is it a 1000???
Thanks for watching. Yeah my bike is a 1000. It's upgraded with modern components and a great set of wheels. But I will admit, seeing some other peoples nice new bikes makes me feel like a dinosaur sometimes. Congrats on the 1800 mile ride this summer. Ride on!
@@paulsuchecki3985 Great bike! I had a 610 but it was a bit too big. I ride a Long Haul Trucker with 26" wheels. Some tours I wish for a 700c but we are often on really crummy roads.
I used to happily ride thousands of miles a year on the road, but did the C&O and GAP to Pittsburgh and back last year and now I’m spoiled. Hard dirt and crushed gravel, no cars everyone smiling... riding on the road feels like a work out only now. Pawpaw closure kicked my butt, hit the closure detour sign after a very long 80 mile day in high 90 degree heat and that hill made it feel like 180 miles. Worst part was when I got down the other side I spotted some people coming out of the tunnel...it was wide open. Gap was a breeze nice and smooth, I like the dc to Pittsburgh direction the best fun dirt path first and just about when you have enough you get to the easier gap trail
It's easy to get spoiled on the Rail Trails and Tow Paths. I went over the hill at the Paw Paw tunnel only to find out afterwards that I could have rode my bike through also. It was worth doing once, but only once. The GAP and C&O are one of the best! Thanks for watching. Ride on!
@@paulsuchecki3985 I was just there and took the time to walk to the other end of the tunnel just to make sure that it wasn't passable, and it wasn't. Had to lug my bike with trailer over the detour but I kind of felt like the whole adventure was appropriate considering the history of the canal and this not being the first time the tunnel was a difficulty for someone.
I did this tour in 2011. The AC group started right after Hurricane Irene went through DC ... and the rain was still coming down. The C&O was a linear swamp. Third night out the camping area was at the base of a slope. I trudged up the hill and pitched my tent at a flat spot. Others stayed on the lower ground. That night there was a deluge. I exited my tent in the early morning hours to discover my tour cohorts' tents underwater and in general disarray. I'm from Oregon - I understand how rain works.
In wet weather, the C&O can turn muddy. Being from Oregon, you are probably used to it, but I hate camping in the rain. Thanks for watching and stay dry!
I'm watching your video again since I'm heading back to C&O this month, great stuff. You're saying your problem is that you're stopping too often to check out the trail side attractions. My problem is that I don't check out trail dide attractions enough just keep peddaling. 😅
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I'm not a racer and I guess I get distracted easily. Now that i'm making videos, i'm always looking for something interesting to record. Thanks again. Stay safe and ride on!😎
Amazing! I rode on everything except Mile Marker Zero (east of Georgetown). And it was SO hard to find. My father & I are planning to walk there this month. We liv in Rockville, MD anyway.
Mile Post Zero is tucked away behind the Boat Shop. It's hard to find, but there are signs. Thanks for watching!
this guy's voice is so aggressive. I love it!
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!
I love Paul’s straightforward/borderline gruff delivery (again that’s a compliment) and his storytelling. He has a great rapport with the camera and does a great job editing. Keep up the good work, Paul.
Another great video! Really enjoy your narration style. The little crash at the end was great too...Can't wait to begin my adventures as well
Thanks, I think you were the first to see it, and you definitely watched to the very end. Ride on, I hope to see you on the road!! Thanks again!
Greetings from Pakistan. I love your videos.
🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
Sorry about the late response. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Greetings from the USA. Stay safe and ride on!! 😎😎
Paul has great rides, always a great to ride along! Thanks for your work Paul!
Jim, thanks again, Bro'. I really appreciate it. Hope to ride with you again. Stay safe and ride on!!😎
Paul, my wife and I love your videos...very well edited and informative. Thanks for your work. Keep them coming!
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe out there!
Enjoyed meeting you on the C&O. Looking forward to seeing the rest of your trip.
Thanks for stopping and saying hello! I love talking to fellow bikers. Thanks again for watching!
My husband and I are going to ride both trails from Pittsburgh to Washington DC next June to celebrate our 40th anniversary. This will be our first long distance bike trip and we are looking forward to it. Thank you for making great videos and inspiring us to get out there and ride bikes.
Thanks for watching and I'm glad my videos inspired you to go riding. That means it's working! You made my day. Thanks!!
The Paw Paw Tunnel rehab project is done now. The tunnel is open again.
Good to know. Thanks. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!
Hey Paul. I really like your personality. Watching your videos I feel like you are one of best friends growing up. If you are up for it, I'd like to ride with you sometime. I'm in Gaithersburg, MD. I'm going to ride the C&O Canal and GAP trail either the end of April or sometime in May. I'm just waiting for the weather to get a little nicer. I see you are a Science teacher and you ride during the summer break. We should catch up and ride. If you are cool with it.
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Currently I've been training on my local rail trail, the Tunnel Hill. Getting ready for some summer touring. I love the GAP and C&O, great trails. I need to get out west. I would like to hook up and ride with people. Sounds like fun. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!
Bad guys sleep in on Wednesdays. I must remember that. Thanks :)
Makes sense to me! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it! Stay safe and ride on!
Paul, I'm planning on riding one of these trails in June of 23. I only have time to ride one. I'm torn between the C&O and GAP. Which would you do if you could only ride one?
Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it. The GAP is a better groomed trail, but it is mostly uphill one way. The C&O is rougher, but more interesting. Hard to choose. If you have time, ride them both! Stay safe and ride on!!
I need to retire! A few more years and I will be pretty much recreating almost ball of your videos
I've got a year and a half to go and then I can retire too. I hope to see you down the road! Thanks for watching!
Love your videos and your down to earth way in general. You very much remind me of my dad. Well I was wondering about your mirror set up. All the mirrors I have tried suck. How is yours mounted? Is that something you designed yourself or if purchased, where can I find a similar set up?
Thanks for watching. I haven't found a mirror yet that I really like either. I always trying something new. Right now my mirror is attached to a handle bar extender inside of the brake lever. It's not perfect but it gets the mirror up and away and I can see ok behind me. Stay safe and ride on!!
I've ridden the C&O both directions and you're right - that Paw Paw tunnel detour is quite the challenge, especially with a loaded bike! Great video
Thanks for watching. After I hiked over the hill and got to the other side, I found out the tunnel was open. The sign just said it was closed. Next time I'm going through the tunnel! Ride on.
@@paulsuchecki3985 The tunnel was closed in Sept. of 2022 . That much I know. That westbound detour was not easy.
ADD Fenders! Keeps the trail off the bike and your equipment. Its a no brainer.....
Sorry about the late response. Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. I tried fenders once. They only got in the way and didn't keep any water off me. On trails, I've seen fenders get clogged up with mud. Tried 'em, don't like 'em. Thanks. Stay safe and ride on!!
The only issue with the C&O campsites is that there are a lot of issues with criminal types and theft. Cars have been stolen, vandalized, and more. People's gear have been stolen. Just a word to the wise, be aware of your surroundings
Thanks for the warning. Reminder: Be careful everywhere you go. Stay safe out there and ride on!!
You should get ortlieb panniers. They are waterproof. No need for all of those plastic bags.
Thanks. I heard the water proof bags can gey moldy. They don't breathe. Plastic bags weigh almost nothing. Thanks for watching. Stay safe and ride on!!
This is the best C and O video I’ve seen out of dozens. Great job.
Wow, thank you! I really appreciate it! Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and Ride on!!
Awesome trails! I want to ride them. Nice little wreck at the end, lol, been there. Tunnel Hill pot holes haha
Thanks again Shawn. The Tunnel Hill trail is still one of my favorites. I hope to see you out there again soon. 😎
@@paulsuchecki3985 Tunnel Hill is definitely a favorite for me too! I just did 100 miles on it a few weekends ago. First century ride in 8 years but it was the first I’ve done it on a heavy mountain bike. Eventually I’ll upload the video and write a blog for it haha.
Plenty of places to stop along the GAP. I camped but plenty of B&B’s.
The GAP and C&O is a great ride. Thanks for watching! Hope to see you on the trail.
Be fun to ride that trail for a week in solitude. One day I am doing this!
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. It's a great trail. Stay safe and ride on!
Looking forward to all your videos
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it! Stay safe and Ride on!!
I keep telling myself ima make this trip lol one day ima make it a reality lol
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. The C&O and GAP trails are the best in the US for bikepacking, in my opinion. Hope to see you down the trail. Stay safe and ride on!
Youghiogheny pronounced Yock a gain ee or "the Yock/Yuck" for short.
I knew I was saying it wrong. Thanks. Beautiful river!
To anyone watching this let me say that you gotta do this trip. It's just a great trail .
It's definitely one of the best! Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!
You’re so awesome! Am really enjoying your videos. Be well, G
Thanks for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!
I think you need eye protection!! Great videos.
Thanks for the tip. And thanks for watching. Stay safe and ride on!!😎
I am doing this ride in July around the same time you did this.
Sounds great! Stay safe and enjoy.
Have you bike toured the west side of USA?
Yes. My favorite place to bike tour is the Pacific Coast Highway. I have ridden through the Sierras, Cascades and the Rockies. i hope to go out west this summer. Thanks again. Ride on!
Sounds like yock-agheny...
Thanks!!😁
Hey Paul, Love your videos! I have a question for you. I noticed that you sometimes have a drone with you for aerial pictures. Have you found the drone to be a good touring companion or not so much? I am planning a cross-country ride, my longest ride by far in 2025, and I am considering bringing a drone to record the adventure. What are your thoughts?
I love my drone, but only because I make UA-cam videos. It takes awesome aerial shots. If I didn't make UA-cam videos, I wouldn't carry it. I love recording the trip also.Thanks for watching! I really appreciate it. Stay safe out there.
I love riding the C&O and I really wanted to take my drone to get some footage. Turns out the entire C&O is national park and it's illegal to "launch" a drone from anywhere on the trail. Technically you could launch a drone from just outside the trail and fly into it
I'm local to the trail and with all of the craziness in life I'm anxious to complete the trail this year. I hope to make it to DC but with my health issues I will be happy to see the the parts I've not seen. I've completed Pittsburgh to Confluence.
My husband doesn't want me to go but I think I'm going to call an Uber get dropped off in Ohiopyle and pedal to Cumberland. He'll be mad when I tell him he needs to pick me up but he says he loves me because he never knows what to expect 😂
By the way I really enjoyed you video!
Thanks for watching! Sounds like you have spunk! Way to go. Don't let obstacles become barriers. Find a way. It's a great trail. Stay safe out there and ride on!! 😎
The tunnels are pretty cool, but the best tunnels by far are along the Sparta trail in Wisconsin, those are freakin' epic. I rode the route in reverse about 7 years ago, and managed to camp at the mile 0 marker the final night after some beers in downtown DC and checking out the monuments. We had to rent a car early in the morning, so didn't bother with hotels. I want to ride the route again and use a hammock, I used a bivy bag the first time.
I love the Elroy-Sparta trail. Just was there last summer. Check it out. ua-cam.com/video/CX1MVKDuBzo/v-deo.html
Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it. Hope to see you down the road. Stay safe and ride on!!
@@paulsuchecki3985 Check out the Mawson trail in South Australia if you get the chance. Long flight and all that, but if you have the time to fly over there, it's worth it. Basically you ride from the coast, through the SE forests, over the hills through wine country, and eventually into the barren desert. The fauna is pretty cool to experience, and you'll see the lakes have salt for shores instead of sand lol
Can I ask about your handlebars…you ride upright which I like as well and your handlebars have a nice rise and sweep…do you remember the brand and model?
The handlebars are Wald 1066. I just looked them up, $32.95 on Amazon. I think I paid less than that though. They are comfortable on my hands, shoulders and neck. It puts more weight on the seat and is probably a less efficient riding position. I like them because I can see the scenery better as I'm riding down the road. Thanks again.
@@paulsuchecki3985 thank you for the information on the handlebars…much appreciated!
You got a new subscriber
Thanks for your support! I appreciate it.
Thanks for making the video. Good info about the downhill heading east to west on the gap. Love to do this with my family.
Have fun! Thanks for watching! Stay safe out there and ride on!!
2022 What's up ?
Not sure. I'm thinking about the western US. Maybe the Pacific coast or Sierra Cascades or both.
Thank you
You're welcome and thanks again! 😄
Amazing!
Thank you! Cheers!
Awesome!
Thanks!😎
Me and my 5 yo son have watched this video and your Katy Trail adventure numerous times and doesn't get old. Love the positive attitude you have and very informative simple videos. Keep up the great content and see you soon.
Thanks again for watching. I really appreciate it. Stay safe and ride on!!