Planning Ahead--Riding the Whole C&O Canal

[withm]

Well I've been planning to buy a hybrid for a long time, but just haven't gotten around to it yet. I enjoy my road bike too much! Since I can only test ride bikes on weekends - it's a tough decision cause I'd rather just ride my own bike. Then when I'm done, well the thought of test riding then is out the window. This might be the incentive to finally do it.

I'd rather do a small group as well - not with hordes of other cyclists on the path.

[7rider]

Ooo....Can I join?? (or is the group getting too big?)
The hotel/B&B option sounds good to me! I'm such a muffin! I'm not much of a camper, but with the support and coaching of a more experienced group, I'd be game.
But, I do own a tent and a sleeping bag - although none quite meet those weight limits, but my tent is big enough to share, if y'all don't snore, so what I carry, you don't have to, and vice versa!
My mtb can't carry a regular rack, but I'm sure I could put one of those seat-post mounted jobbies on it.

[withm]

I'm looking at hybrids now. I'm liking the Trek 7300, which can be fitted out with racks and stuff. It comes with 35mm tires - will they be suitable for the canal ride?

I'm also wanting to try a Trek Portland, and a Trek FX 7.6. These are 3 very different price points, and actually I'll probably end up buying 2 bikes. One hybrid to use to do the errands, and maybe some groceries. Short trips but carrying stuff. I'll keep using my Pilot for long rides and commuting to work (only once a week or so, but it 's a start). Then I'm thinking of either the Portland or the FX to leave at the summer house so I don't have to haul bikes on 700 mile road trips. I do some long rides, and have to deal with dirt roads on occasion up there so wondering of the 28mm tires on the Portland will work out. But since I would often do 30-40 mile rides, wanted the drop bars.

This must be what its like to be addicted to drugs. Gotta have a new bike!

[Cyclesome]

Please keep me in the loop of your plans. Since I teach, Summer would be a better time for me, but Fall is not totally out of the question. I perfer B&B as well and have been considering the trip for some time. Good luck with your panning.

[seizethebay]

Hi all, just joined the forum and lo and behold the trip of my dreams is being discussed. Still have room? I too am a school person so summer works for me.

[Zen]

I guess I have to say this.

Most of us have been here a while and most of us have ridden together at least once.
Because of the nature of the trip we have to be careful who we share information with. No itinerary will be discussed on this forum.

Get to know us, let us get to know you. Ride with one or two of us over the summer. We (me anway) mainly want to know that you're really a female
I think we still have one or two spaces.

[seizethebay]

I appreciate the honest feedback. I have done a couple trips back in the younger day out west and after a week with one who did not fit in..... we were all ready to flatten her tires and leave her behind.
Maybe we can connect during the Goose ride. I am also doing the MS150 in June.
Right now my bike is in storage as I am in the process of moving. I am chomping at the bit as indoor spinning does not cut it. Come on Spring!

[Kalidurga]

We (me anway) mainly want to know that you're really a female

I seem to recall you looking for a man last summer. Are you sure you want to make this ride female-only?

And, y'know, you're running the risk of offending any trans-gender folks out there.









Sorry, couldn't resist

[Zen]

Well, yeah but I'm only looking for a man for about an hour or so

As for transgender, that's cool with me.
As long as the transgenderee ends up sans penis.