Planning Ahead--Riding the Whole C&O Canal

[Zen]

From the Canal Association newsletter:

Bike Rides Scheduled
by Tom Perry
Again this year, we will offer Mini Bike Rides that provide opportunities
to experience bike camping on an introductory basis.
They are designed especially for first-timers but, of course, are
open to any of our other members as well. The first of these is set
for Saturday and Sunday, May 6-7, in the Williamsport area. On
each of these days we will take a leisurely ride.

Bike Rides Scheduled
by Tom Perry
Again this year, we will offer Mini Bike Rides that provide opportunities
to experience bike camping on an introductory basis.
They are designed especially for first-timers but, of course, are
open to any of our other members as well. The first of these is set
for Saturday and Sunday, May 6-7, in the Williamsport area. On
each of these days we will take a leisurely ride. On Saturday evening,
we will camp and be joined by Scott Gordon of the River
City Cycles, Inc., who will demonstrate basic bike maintenance.
The second introductory ride is set for Saturday and Sunday,
July 29-30. We will ride from Hancock to Little Orleans, a
distance of 17 miles. Participants will have a choice of camping
in a tent or staying at a B&B, and we will plan to visit Bill’s Grocery
on Saturday evening. Last October, the governor of Maryland
signed legislation providing for the extension of the Western
Maryland Rail Trail from Pearre to Little Orleans, through the
Indigo Tunnel. As part of our weekend experience, we will check
out progress on this project. On Sunday, we will return to Hancock.
A third Mini Bike Ride is planned for later in the year in
the Harpers Ferry area, and will be announced in a future issue of
Along the Towpath.

The annual 185-mile Through Bike Tour of the Canal is
more than six months away, but we are already announcing it so
that would-be participants can put it on their schedules. It is set
for October 4-9, finishing in Georgetown on Columbus Day
(observed). We accommodate both campers and B&B people,
and provide safety “sweeps” by the Bike Patrol volunteers. Breakfasts
and suppers are taken in very reasonably-priced eating places,
and lunch is whatever each rider chooses to take along for that
day. Participants must provide their own transportation to Cumberland
on Wed., October 4. However, we do engage a shuttle
service to take us back to get our vehicles at the conclusion of the
ride. There is a non-refundable $25 registration fee, and each
rider is required to sign a waiver form.
To register for these very popular rides, or to obtain more
information, please contact Tom Perry, 116 S. Conococheague
St., Williamsport, Md. 21795-1517; phone: 301-223-7010; or email:
leperry@starpower.net.