may 27 - june 1 the journey bike trip dc to pittsburgh

Trip Agenda, Hotels,
& Meals
Pricing & Payment
Schedule
Training Rides
Bike, Equipment, &
Clothing
MAY 27 - JUNE 1
THE JOURNEY
BIKE TRIP
DC TO PITTSBURGH
Victory Family Church Small Group
Trail Information
Riders
VICTORY FAMILY
CHURCH
Men’s small group where we will bike from
21150 Rt 19
Cranberry Twp, PA 16066
Washington DC to Pittsburgh over 5 days
www.lifeatvictory.com
Matt Gates
[email protected]
724-612-9991
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Trip Agenda, Hotels, & Meals
Day 1 – Tuesday, May 27th
 We will drive our rented minivans from the Cranberry Twp. to
D.C. Vehicles will be returned to Ronald Regan Airport
(DCA). We will spend the afternoon in Washington
 Hotel: Holiday Inn Washington D.C. - Georgetown
Day 2 – Wednesday, May 28th
 Bike from Washington D.C. to Harper’s Ferry - 61 miles
 Lunch - Pick up a Subway sandwich in DC and stop near White Ferry (MM 35
or 36) after Lock 25 and have lunch
 Dinner - Harper’s Ferry has a lot of good places to eat
 Hotel: Econo Lodge (free breakfast)
Day 3 – Thursday, May 29th
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Bike from Harper's Ferry to Hancock, MD - 63 miles
Lunch - Williamsport, MD (MM 99-100) Lock 44
Dinner - Weaver’s Restaurant & Bakery
Hotel: Super 8 Motel (free breakfast)
Day 4 – Friday, May 30th
 Bike from Hancock to Cumberland, MD - 60 miles
 Lunch - Schoolhouse Kitchen in Oldtown, MD (MM 166-168)
and between locks 70-71
 Dinner - Crabby Pig (trail ride tradition)
 Hotel: Fairfield Inn (free breakfast)
Day 5 – Saturday, May 31st
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Bike from Cumberland to Ohiopyle, PA - 73 miles
Lunch - Rock City Café in Rockwood, PA (MM 43-45)
Dinner - Falls City Restaurant
Hotel: Yough Plaza Motel
Day 6 – Sunday, June 1st
 Bike from Ohiopyle to Pittsburgh - 77 miles
 Lunch - The Trailside at the West Newton
trailhead (MM 114)
 Families meet us at the point on Sunday
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Pricing & Payment Schedule
Total Price per
unit
Price per person
Dollar Rental Car
Minivan Rental Assuming 3 people
per vehicle
$106
$35 / Person
Holiday Inn Georgetown
Tuesday, May 27
$206
$103
Econo Lodge Harper’s Ferry
Wednesday, May
28
$96
$48
Super 8 - Hancock
Thursday, May 29
$60
$30
Fairfield Inn Cumberland
Friday, May 30
$156
$78
Yough Plaza Motel
- Ohiopyle
Saturday, May 31
$110
$55
$62
$62
Cycling Jersey
Totals
$411
 This assumes we have 2 guys
per room
 We have 3 guys in each minivan
 All hotels and rental cars have
been booked
 You can pay the entire amount
in advance. If the price changes,
I will refund you the difference or
let
you
know
if
the
price
increases
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When payments are due
1st Payment - Due Now
$65 - Pays for the Yough Plaza Motel which
requires payment upon reservation.
2nd Payment - March 1st
$60 - Pays for the jersey. All jerseys are
ordered at the same time so payment is needed
no later than March 1st. (See attachment for
jersey information)
3rd Payment - May 1st
$286 - Final payment. This may change based
on the number of people in the rental cars or
number of riders. In the event we have an odd
number of riders, we will split the cost among all
the riders. (Approximately $25-$35 more per
person)
Payments are made to Matt Gates. I will take care of paying for each room at the
hotel, ordering the jerseys and minivans. Payments can be cash, check or via
PayPal as long as you send it to “Friends & Family” as a gift. PayPal should be
sent to [email protected]
Not included: Meals, gas for minivan, extra spending money, bike equipment, etc.
Approximately $250
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Training Rides
With as many riders as we have, we will try to offer 2 rides on the weekend for guys
to choose from. Typically, rides will be on Saturday morning and Sunday.
Rides will be led by either Matt Gates or Len Weaver. Beginning locations can be
the church, Seneca Valley High School, North Park, North Boundary Park, etc.
Guys do not need to do both rides, but are welcome if they choose. Rides will be
similar in distance but not necessary the same ride. We will go on road and trail
rides.
We will begin in March and the rides will get longer as we get closer to the trip.
You are encouraged to ride on your own during the week so that you can get more
time in the saddle.
If you are unable to make a weekend ride with the group, please email Matt
([email protected]) the miles you were able to ride on your own. You must
be riding your bike if you are going to take the trip.
Beginning immediately, you can be doing some aerobic exercises and just about
anything that is going to get your heart rate up. This could include running, using
an elliptical, or join a spin class at a local gym.
In addition to riding and doing aerobic workouts, I would encourage you to do some
core exercises to strengthen your abs and back.
Nutrition: I encourage you to eat as healthy as you can for the next couple of
months. This will help you with your health and weight if you are trying to improve
this aspect of your life.
Directions to the trail head of the Montour Trail head in Coraopolis.
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Bike & Equipment
Most people ride hybrid or mountain bikes on these trails. They both work fine,
especially with tires are slightly knobby. A cyclocross or touring bike equipped with
slightly knobby tires will also work well. However, a road bike with slick, skinny tires
really isn’t suitable for this trip. It’s a good idea to have a trained mechanic check
your bike over before you start out. I have listed out different types of bikes at the
end of this handout as a reference.
Your bike will need to support a bike rack or be able to pull a trailer to take your
gear.
Tires - should be at least a 700x32mm but would recommend a 700x35mm.
Other items to take on your bike:
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Bike light for the Paw Paw tunnel
Bike pump or Co2 cartridge with pump
Spare tubes (3)
Bike fenders (depending if the C&O Canal is muddy)
You must take water bottles (2)
Bike shops are available along the way if you have any significant bike issues.
See the equipment list at the end of handout.
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Clothing
On the trail:
Shorts:
Padded bike shorts (2). These can either be cycling shorts or mountain
bike (MTB) shorts. Either way, be sure to have a good pair of bike
shorts that have a good padding in them.
Shirt:
Cycling jersey or dri-fit shirt. Something to keep you cool during the
ride.
(If you are going to spend money on your clothing for the trip, spend it
on your shorts)
Gloves:
Take one to two pair of comfortable gloves.
Shoes:
Either wear MTB shoes that clip into your pedals, or use pedals with toe
clips. Either way, make sure your shoes are comfortable. I wouldn’t
wear road bike shoes.
Helmet:
Although the trail guides state that a helmet is recommended, I typically
won’t wear my helmet except when in DC or Pittsburgh where cars
would be traveling. Thus, I take it with me, but don’t wear it much.
Rain & Cold Weather Gear: Rain jacket is good if it’s breathable and depending on
the weather and if you want to pack it. Arm and leg warmers are great for cool
weather because they are light packing and easy to remove.
Chamois Cream: Mandatory that every rider use this on the trip. (Chamois Butt’r)
I would take 2 - 3 riding outfits. We will be doing laundry along the way. Typically,
we will wash clothes every other day.
After the ride:
 Wear casual or comfortable clothes for the evening. Watch the weather forecast
and take appropriate clothes for the temperature.
 I take 2 outfits for the evening. It’s ok to wear something more than once.
 Jacket - depending on the weather.
 Extra pair of shoes or sandals. Be careful not to pack too much.
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Trail Information
How long is the trail?
The trail distance from Washington, D.C. to Pittsburgh, PA is about 335 miles. The
trails runs from Washington to Cumberland, MD on the C&O Canal towpath for
184.5 miles, then up from Cumberland to Pittsburgh on the Great Allegheny
Passage for another 150 miles.
What is the trail like?
The GAP is a rail-trail, paved with firmly-packed crushed
limestone, with a few asphalt section near urban areas,
including most of the 17 miles between McKeesport and
Pittsburgh. It generally has a smooth and even riding
surface. The southern 15 miles of the C&O Canal Towpath,
between Great Falls and Georgetown, are also paved with
crushed stone. The remaining 170 miles of the towpath,
however, are rougher - more like a one-lane dirt road.
Expect ruts, tree roots and mud puddles when it rains.
Western Maryland Rail Trail - We will take this for about a 20 mile stretch before
and after Hancock, MD which is completed paved.
Are there hills?
The trail is built on old railroad and canal grades, making it fairly level. The
Towpath is perfectly flat except at the lift locks, where there are very short climbs.
The GAP sometimes has a noticeable grade, but nothing that you would call a real
hill. The 22-mile climb from Cumberland to the Big Savage Tunnel is noticeable
(about 1.6% grade)
The trail climbs gently over the Allegheny Mountains from each end point
(Pittsburgh and DC) to the Eastern Continental Divide, two miles west of the Big
Savage Tunnel. It climbs 2,375 feet over the 208 miles from DC to the Divide.
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Mileage Chart
Elevation
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Other resources about the trail (not necessary to purchase, only if you are looking
for more information about the trip and trails)
 Trail Book 2013/2014 (Official Guide to the C&O Canal and the
Great Allegheny Passage) - Amazon $7 plus shipping
 Linking Up: Planning Your Traffic-Free Bike Trip between
Pittsburgh, PA and Washington, DC - Amazon $4 plus shipping
You can visit the following sites for more information about the trails.
www.ridingisgood.com - information about our past rides and the agenda for our
ride. This document will be located on the website as well.
http://www.atatrail.org/
http://linkup.shaw-weil.com/
http://www.thegreatalleghenypassage.com/
http://bikewashington.org/canal/
http://www.nps.gov/choh/
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Riders
Riders
Email address
Cell Phone
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Equipment Options
Bike Rack
Ibera PakRak Bicycle Touring Carrier Plus
Sunlite Bicycle Welded Spring Rear Rack
Trailer
Aosom Solo Single-Wheel Bicycle Cargo Bike Trailer
BOB Yak Plus Trailer In Black (Includes Dry Sak)
Panniers
Sunlite Traveler 1 Pannier
Avenir Excursion Large Panniers
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Shoes
Pearl iZUMi Men's X-Road Fuel II Cycling Shoe
Pearl iZUMi Men's X-Alp Seek V Cycling Shoe
Pearl iZUMi Men's X-Alp Seek IV Cycling Shoe
Pedals & Toe Clips
Shimano PD-M530 MTB SPD Pedals
Shimano PD-M324 SPD Dual Platform Pedal
Sunlite Bicycle Mountain Bike Toe Clips and Straps
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Rack Bag
Sunlite Rack Bag Top Loader 95551
Bike Light
NowAdvisor®Q5 CREE 240 Lumen LED Bike Bicycle
Headlight Torch
Planet Bike Beamer 3 LED Bicycle Light with Quick Cam
Bracket Mount
Water Bottles
Camelbak Podium Chill Bottle
Polar Bottle Fade Insulated Water Bottle
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Examples of Bikes
These are only example of the different types of bikes that will work on the trail.
Before purchasing a bike, feel free to contact myself or Len Weaver for input on
your bike. Every bike is different and serves a different purpose for riding. It is
important to match your style of riding with the appropriate bike.
2014 Schwinn Super Sport 3 Flat Bar Road
Bike - Performance Bike $399.99
2014 Schwinn Supersport CX Cyclocross Bike
Performance Bike $899.99
2013 GT Timberline 2.0 29er Mountain Bike
Performance bike $356.99
Fuji SunFire 2.0
Hybrid, City, Trekking Adventure Bikes
Bikesdirect.com $599.95
Fuji SunFire 3.0 $399.95
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2013 Motobecane Fantom CXSALE $569.95
cyclocross Bike Bikesdirect.com
Local Bike Shops
 Trek of Pittsburgh - Cranberry Twp http://topgearbicycleshop.com/
 Ambridge Bike Shop - Ambridge http://ambridgebikeshop.com/
 Scholl’s Bike Shop - Warrendale
 Snitgers Bikes - Beaver http://snitgersbikes.net/
 Performance Bike - Pittsburgh (Penn Ave) http://www.performancebike.com/
 Bikesdirect.com - online store. www.bikesdirect.com
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