Stimulus package to fix up C&O towpath

[Kalidurga]

This little tidbit was in the latest notice from the Potomac River Paddlers group:

Also, as an aside, tonight I had a meeting at the Brunswick Lions Club. Present threin was Kevin Brandt, Superintendent of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. I had a good talk with Kevin, and he said that he got a Stimuls Grant to fix up the boat ramps on the Potomac River as well as the entire C&O Towpath. The Brunswick boat ramp (among others) will be enlarged and it will have added bays in the river for boats as well as new trailer parking. The roadways to the boat ramp will also be enlarged. I have a huge, detailed engineering map in my car, courtesy of Kevin, that I will carry with me on future trips in case anyone wants to see it.

I sure hope they begin putting that to use soon! Their current list of projects is fairly extensive.

[AnnieBikes]

It sure needs help! My DH rode it the first week of May and says it is full of potholes, uneven surface, and is washed out in some areas but the recent heavy rains. I am glad some of the money is going to things besides executive retreats, planes, and bonuses!

[Kalidurga]

It sure needs help! My DH rode it the first week of May and says it is full of potholes, uneven surface, and is washed out in some areas but the recent heavy rains.

Personally, I like it that way. If I want a smooth ride, I'll hit the road or a paved rail-trail. Washed out sections definitely require repair, but the potholes and uneven surface are fine-- they add a bit of challenge

The recent improvement that I appreciate the most is all the new restrooms being built at access points to replace the usual porta-johns. The park service keeps their porta-johns surprisingly clean and well stocked, but those things are a bit cramped when you're trying to change into or out of cycling gear.

[Zen]

It sure needs help! My DH rode it the first week of May and says it is full of potholes, uneven surface, and is washed out in some areas but the recent heavy rains.

It's kinda supposed to be that way.
The one area where there is a detour has been that way for years and will eventually be repaired.

[7rider]

Darn the ADA and their reasonable accommodations!!

[Zen]

That's been addressed over at the Yahoo group. Don't worry, the towpath isn't going to be crushed limestone.

[Kalidurga]

I'm having a prolonged brain-fart here at work today. Should I know what the ADA is?

As for crushed limestone, it's in some ways worse than anything on the towpath. The York Heritage rail-trail is a fairly smooth, level trail of limestone/cinder and every time I ride there, I come off of it with both my bike and myself covered in a thick layer of grey dust. Gunks up the drive train somethin' awful. And I'd hate to see what it does to my lungs.