What more do I need/need to do?

[Selkie]

I
I don't have rain gear or a jacket of any kind. I think I'll be okay without these items, since I'm riding in September and am taking my time on the trip; I should be able to wait out a thunderstorm. I cannot wait out a monsoon, but fortunately, those are rare in Maryland.

Remember Isabel? Just kidding, I'm sure you won't head out if we have a tropical depression heading our way.

Last Friday, we had monsoon-like thunderstorms. But they lasted about a half hour---I got soaked going from the car to my house. Luckily, I was coming from the pool and had my wet swim suit under my "dry land" clothes.

Remember to have a great time! I'm looking forward to reading your ride report and seeing your pictures.

[OakLeaf]

eIf it's too dark for sunglasses, wear clear lenses (whenever you ride). Don't risk your eyesight!

If your shorts don't dry overnight (and in most hotels, air circulation is poor and hardly anything will dry in less than 18 hours), bungie your wet things on the outside of your luggage. They'll dry while you ride.

Use hotel shampoo for laundry detergent. It leaves much less residue than bar soap and degreases better. After rinsing, roll your laundry in a bath towel and kneel on it to squeeze out as much water as you can.

Bring some "civilian" clothes - shorts or drawstring pants, undies, a dry bra, a t-shirt, and flipflops or Chinese cloth shoes for going to dinner.

Have fun!

[Cataboo]

I'd bring bugspray. Mosquitos can be vicious.

[Biciclista]

You're in bug country!

and yes, clear or yellow glasses for riding in shady areas. The last thing you want is a bug (or something else) in your eye.

I always wear glasses, in fact, the few times I didn't - I noticed my eyes getting dry and scratchy.

[Kalidurga]

I never use bug spray, but this summer's been so wet that the insect population has exploded. The towpath has been especially bad and I actually broke down and bought bug wipes at the bike shop in Hancock when I was riding up there two weeks ago. So +100 on the bug repellent recommendations.

For the same reason, +1 on the recommendation for sunglasses with interchangeable lenses. You'll be glad you have clear lenses if you ride at dusk. The gnat clouds get pretty big. And try not to ride with your mouth open unless you want an unexpected snack

Last, the number one rule of C&O riding, especially for a summer like this one: Never run over a stick unless you are positive that it is a stick.

[Eden]

You will likely want a jacket so some sort for mornings and maybe even knee warmers or tights, as it will probably be cool. The trash bags on your list can be used as a rain jacket in a pinch!

[Biciclista]

not sure I would recommend running over a stick even if it is a stick, one of the most experienced cyclists I know got a stick stuck in his spokes and went down and broke his collarbone.

[Selkie]

I never use bug spray, but this summer's been so wet that the insect population has exploded. The towpath has been especially bad and I actually broke down and bought bug wipes at the bike shop in Hancock when I was riding up there two weeks ago. So +100 on the bug repellent recommendations.

For the same reason, +1 on the recommendation for sunglasses with interchangeable lenses. You'll be glad you have clear lenses if you ride at dusk. The gnat clouds get pretty big. And try not to ride with your mouth open unless you want an unexpected snack

Last, the number one rule of C&O riding, especially for a summer like this one: Never run over a stick unless you are positive that it is a stick.

LOL, I saw my husband run over TWO snakes---one heading west and the other on the return trip east---on the C&O. Luckily they were little guys and my husband is a Big Boy.

I wonder how the ticks are along there? We are infested with them here in Arlington (urban area)....

[ny biker]

We're infested with ticks? How did I miss that?