Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 19
  1. #1
    Senior Member MedicineMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Roan Mountain,TN
    Hammock
    Traveler with HNO AirShip
    Tarp
    HNO AirShip
    Insulation
    Leiglo 5/50
    Suspension
    Everything Dutch
    Posts
    5,611
    Images
    76

    Ma/Pa>Great Alleghany Passage/ Aug 7-11

    Announcing the pre-planning for the 2014 GAP ride.
    Probably start riding Thursday Aug 7th after a lengthy shuttle.
    We're riding east to west, thus ending near Pittsburgh,Pa and beginning at
    Cumberland, Maryland.
    This ride is approx 150 miles give or take some.
    Last time we finished at McKeesport about 7 miles from the inner
    city of Pittsburgh and probably will do the same this year; last time we did this trail
    it was not quite complete all the way to the inner city.
    We used a shuttle van last time. It was just me and Neutron. The van could have
    carried many more. We'll firm us the shuttle van as we see how many might like to
    come along.

    A few things to know. The first 21 miles out of Cumberland is a giant climb.
    Load this page, look at the map, remember we're going right to left (E to W), that big
    bump is the first day
    But the second day is crusing down hill

    One reason for hot August is to carry as little gear as possible---it is a big climb.
    ALSO NOTE THIS TRIP IS TECHINICALLY ILLEGAL. WE WILL BE STEALTH CAMPING.
    The GAP seriously frowns on stealth camping; if you have a moral dilemma with that
    then just read/watch the trip report at the end. AND this trail presents challenges when
    stealthing, just so you know.

    Besides that it is a beautiful trail with some neat highlights

    Come along and pack light......start cycling for this now, you will need to be in shape
    What kind of bike? NOT a street bike. If it rains you will sink into the gravel and at best
    make 2-3 mph. A mountain bike is ok but not necessary, just something that can take
    wider tires.

  2. #2
    New Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Washington, PA
    Posts
    10
    This sounds excellent!

    I am a mountain biker, but I am a new hanger. What would I need for this trip?

    I have a good bike and a hammock. I would need a tarp, maybe some insulation. But I've never done a trip like this before so what else? Ie. how much money, other gear, would I need a stove and all the food or just supplemental nourishment?

    If I'm asking these questions in the wrong spot, please let me know.

  3. #3
    Senior Member MedicineMan's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Roan Mountain,TN
    Hammock
    Traveler with HNO AirShip
    Tarp
    HNO AirShip
    Insulation
    Leiglo 5/50
    Suspension
    Everything Dutch
    Posts
    5,611
    Images
    76
    Beamer sorry so late in reply.
    If you have a bike and a hammock you're 80percent there.
    Yes to a tarp. I've got an extra stove. On rail-trails like this we carry little food though; eating in towns we pass along the way, maybe
    one meal a day actually cooked. Insulation yes but how much only you can guess. It's in August so will be hot hot hot and that means
    little insulation but it also means lighter bikes. Dont know you age group or physical ability but for me the lighter everything is the better
    especially the first day out of Cumberland Maryland.

  4. #4
    New Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Washington, PA
    Posts
    10
    OK. Well I'm 24 and ride seriously during the summer. That being said, I am more of a circuit rider and have never done an endurance ride. But I have access to the Montour trail; which is a rail bed as well, that I can train on.

    Other than that it sounds like you don't carry a load of gear, the food is what I was worried about. So with some training and planning I think I'd be delighted to join you guys in this adventure.

  5. #5
    Senior Member Silverpalm2x's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Triad, NC
    Hammock
    Dutchwear HalfZip
    Tarp
    Squidbilly made
    Insulation
    HG 20º Incubator,
    Suspension
    Straps with beetle
    Posts
    844
    Images
    18
    you think a cyclocross bike with 700x 30 tires on it could handle this trip? or would you recommend wider tires?

    looks like a fun trip what exactly do you mean by "ALSO NOTE THIS TRIP IS TECHINICALLY ILLEGAL. WE WILL BE STEALTH CAMPING. The GAP seriously frowns on stealth camping" do they want you to stay in hotels or something?

    Something like this?
    MHart1.jpg
    Last edited by Silverpalm2x; 04-23-2014 at 18:29. Reason: add photo
    "Lets drive up to the Hills and get lost somewhere..." Chinatown by Folk Soul Revival
    Life is a Thru Hike... Hike Well. ΙΧΘΥΣ

  6. #6
    New Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Washington, PA
    Posts
    10
    I'm no expert, but if been on cyclocross bikes and I would think with those tires you'd be alright. Might slow you down a bit it it was raining.

    At any rate. I hope I get to ride with you in August.

  7. #7
    New Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Washington, PA
    Posts
    10
    I just ordered a Specialized Crave SL 29. I'll order panniers once the bike gets here.

    Silverpalm2x, I think MedicineMan plans to stealth camp rather they like it or not. We'll just have to be careful in choosing our hanging sites.
    Last edited by Beamer; 04-27-2014 at 07:39.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Silverpalm2x's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2011
    Location
    Triad, NC
    Hammock
    Dutchwear HalfZip
    Tarp
    Squidbilly made
    Insulation
    HG 20º Incubator,
    Suspension
    Straps with beetle
    Posts
    844
    Images
    18
    is there a sign up?

    I guess I will see @MedicineMan this weekend and we can talk some details.
    "Lets drive up to the Hills and get lost somewhere..." Chinatown by Folk Soul Revival
    Life is a Thru Hike... Hike Well. ΙΧΘΥΣ

  9. #9
    New Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    Washington, PA
    Posts
    10
    Any new info on sign ups? I think I might have to talk to MedicineMan via pm or phone. I'm setting up my bike and need some tips and pre planning advice.

    Where are you guys located? Could we meet up possibly and discuss the trip? I'm about 15 miles south of Pittsburgh.

  10. #10
    Crash's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Pburg, NJ (On the Delaware River)
    Hammock
    3 gathered ends
    Tarp
    JRB Hex
    Insulation
    Jacks R Better
    Suspension
    Whoopies
    Posts
    501
    Images
    7
    I've just come back from the GAP. Theres really no need to stealth camp. The distances aren't that far to ride. And the trail surface is great. The longest distance between places to camp is Rockwood,PA to Cumberland, MD. A distance of 43 miles. 23 miles of downhill if going west to east.
    "Courage Grows Strong at a Wound" - Stewart Clan Motto

  • + New Posts
  • Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

    Similar Threads

    1. Great Allegheny Passage
      By Soda in forum Northeast
      Replies: 0
      Last Post: 03-27-2013, 11:17
    2. Swamp Fox Passage Palmetto Trail
      By TATO in forum Hangouts, Campouts, and Trip Planning
      Replies: 10
      Last Post: 12-12-2011, 13:22
    3. Great Alleghany Passage...some hammocking
      By MedicineMan in forum Trip Reports
      Replies: 10
      Last Post: 08-17-2011, 03:50

    Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •