The GAP

[Catrin]

I am seriously considering riding the GAP this October with Kmehrzad, and perhaps someone else from TE. I do understand that it is crushed limestone, and I need to find some limestone to ride on to see what I think of it. I've heard of an appropriate trail in Ohio that is 20 miles or so in length that would likely give me an idea.

I do have arthritic hands - have other ridden this trail with the same problem? Of course I would have a steel bike - probably my LHT, but am wondering what it might do to my hands to ride so far on limestone - so it would be quite interesting to read experiences of those who have gone before me

[malkin]

I thought maybe you needed panniers or a trailer for a trip to the mall.

[indysteel]

Have you thought about riding the Canal Tow Path in Indy? It's crushed limestone--or at least I think is.

[Catrin]

Have you thought about riding the Canal Tow Path in Indy? It's crushed limestone--or at least I think is.

Thanks for the reminder. I had forgotten about the Tow Path - it will be a good first test. I still want to check out the trail in Ohio as it is longer and will give me an even better idea.

[Trek-chick]

I ride crushed limestone with my steel Trek 520... on my commute and I do not think you will have any issues. It is actually a pretty smooth ride and the steel soaks up any bumps. The only time it is a bit more bumpy is after a big rain.

I can actually cruise pretty fast on the limestone section of our MUP. The only thing with this surface type is all the whitish dust the bike collects. It gets pretty dirty so , I find myself cleaning the bike and drivetrain a lot. If you have fenders it will cut down on the dust though.

Let us know how the test ride goes... Sounds like a great ride if you decide to go.

[Roadtrip]

Catrin- Are you talking about the Ohio & Erie Towpath up near Cleveland that's crushed limestone?

http://www.ohiobikeways.net/erietowpath.htm

sounds like a fun ride!!

Shannon