TRIP REPORT Day 1 // Bikepacking the GAP and C&O Canal Trail in 4 Days | DC to Pittsburgh

Distance	Vertical Gain	Duration
83.6 Miles	1,257 Feet	8 Hours 17 Minutes

With grand ambitions of being in the saddle first thing in the morning, just after breakfast burritos and coffee, reality set in and we were not even close to being ready to go. And by we, I mean Ben. While Pat and I squared away everything the night before, Ben still had a litany of items to complete before we could roll away from his home in Alexandria, VA. The list included installing a new chain, mounting handlebars, installing brake levers, wrapping said handlebars, the exhausting task of mounting brand new tires that barely fit the rims, and ultimately, deciding what to pack for our four day adventure into the Appalachian mountains.

Eventually, at 11:00 AM, we finally set off on towards Georgetown to pickup the start of the C&O trail. The three of us looking like pack-mules turned heads as we pedaled through Old Town Alexandria with all our gear wobbling back and forth with each pedal stroke. We barely made it a mile before Ben needed to adjust his seat height for the first of many times, but at this point, it was just funny. Once squared away, we were off on the Mount Vernon Trail running parallel to the George Washington Memorial Parkway on our left and the Potomac and Washington DC on our right. Even though it was across the river, we could still see the capital’s iconic landmarks like the Lincoln and Washington Memorials. After 9 miles getting to the trail, we finally picked up the start of the C&O Trail in the busy Neighborhood of Georgetown.

Leaving the city behind us, the start of the trail was much bumpier than expected. With the large population center near by, this section of trail no doubt takes a beating, leaving the limestone path with ruts and potholes that would definitely leave you with a flat or worse, a bent rim. Even though it was mid-day on Friday, the trail was packed with walkers, runners, and other cyclists, resulting in a continuous chorus of, “On your left,” followed by, “Thank you.” This went on for the next 10 miles or so until we reached our first real stop on the trip that was not driven by Ben’s continuous fidgeting with his saddle height. This stop was to see the Great Falls, and what a spectacular view from the suspended bridges passing over all the white water below, rushing through the granite reliefs.

After a quiet start to the day, what was unexpected having not gotten together with the both of these guys in a decade, it slowly transitioned from biking because we have to, and into the phase of biking because we get to. We all began to settle into the most comfortable we’d be on this trip, with our butts and legs only going to get more and more sore throughout the weekend. To aid in our comfort, the trail transitioned during it’s 60 miles of uninterrupted trail, from rough limestone to incredibly smooth cinders. Along the way, with the canal on our right and the Potomac on the left, we passed Lock after Lock indicating we were gaining elevation at an incredible slow rate for a trail that was ever-so slightly pitched uphill the entire time.

With only 20 miles to go until we reached our destination of Shepherdstown, WV, I started to crash very hard. I hadn’t eaten since breakfast at 6:30 AM, with the exception of some Kind bars and some sweet treats, and it was well past dinner time. Checking the GPS for the nearest town, we pedaled uphill from the trail, over the railroad tracks, and into the town of Brunswick, Maryland to raid a convenience store for all the necessities. Of course, I mean a Mexi-Cola, Doritos, and some sugar wafers. This boost of sugar and calories reinvigorated me and brought me that energy boost to push through the last few miles. It also helped alleviate my negative self talk that had been taking over my thoughts for the foolish mistake of not eating enough during the ride.

The trail wound along the more rural sections of Maryland and West Virginia across the river in the fading evening’s light. Gone are the busy suburbs, and we had officially entered what felt like wilderness compared to the busy streets of DC. Feeling like the day would never end, we finally crossed lock 38 and climbed up the bike path to cross The James Rumsey Bridge. Below the bridge, groups of fishermen were heading up river in their john-boats with massive engines, screaming exhausts, and big flood lights to hunt through the night. Rolling into Shepherdstown, we found this quiet main street decorated with small ghosts hanging from trees and jack-o-lanterns in all the storefronts. A once flourishing town, now home to a small university and the 3rd floor AirBnb where we’d stay the night. Completely drained of nearly all energy, we gathered our strength to walk down to the east end of town Tommeez’s for some massive cheesesteaks and pizza. Exhausted, but full stomachs, we were prepared for the next day.