The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail runs 132 miles through the heart of Pennsylvania, from McKeesport, just outside of Pittsburgh, to Cumberland, MD. The AP trail connects to the 185 mile long Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath which runs along the Potomac River from Cumberland, MD, to Washington, DC. Together, the GAP and C&O Canal add up to over 300 miles of trails.
We were invited to join nine of the ROMEO’s (Retired Old Men Enjoying the Outdoors) to cycle the GAP and C&O Canal the end of April 2010. This was a ride for hybrids and mountain bikes; definitely not skinny tire road bikes. The trail surface was a mix of hard packed dirt, crushed limestone, rocks, gravel, and a few miles of paved path. At times, we found ourselves dodging potholes, tree limbs, and low hanging branches. We even had to maneuver over and around a few downed trees. Including the miles we cycled to and from our lodging each day, we rode a total of 372 miles over 5 days.
Ride will begin approximately 8:30 a.m, shortly before walkers depart from Farrington Field. We will finnish up by joining the walkers at Trinity Park Pavillion for a cookout again this year. All participants need to fill out a registration form prior to the event.
We are trying a new location for the spring meeting.
DATE: Tuesday, March 30, 2010
TIME: 6:00pm
PLACE: Panera Bread (located just north of Walmart at the corner of Harwood Rd and Precinct Line Rd in Hurst)
The room will be reserved beginning at 5:30pm so feel free to come early and grab a snack or dinner. Meeting will begin at 6:00pm
Items for discussion include the Spring Get-Together and Ride, participation in the March of Dimes, other upcoming rides and events.
Let's join GDB as they host the 25th Annual Super Bowl Sunday ride to the West End. This year the host location will be Dick's Last Resort. Thirteen different ride locations will be taking part in this annual tradition. This is a lively location so bring the smiles, cheers and laughter as you see your friends, meet new ones from the metroplex and have lunch together. Wear your club or cycling shop jersey and throw in the bike lock for security while eating. We look forward to seeing everyone on February 7th.
