What more do I need/need to do?

[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.

[MomOnBike]

My basic rule is not to carry a tool or supply unless I know what to do with it. I, personally, would leave the spare spokes & spoke wrench at the beloved LBS. A broken spoke isn't necessarily a show-stopper for a short trip.

I was taught to never to anywhere without matches & a knife. They are light, and if you need either one, there is no good substitute.

I'd take one extra tube and a patch kit. Change out the tube (if necessary) and that evening, in the comfort of your hotel room, patch the other.

I'd take 2, maybe 3 total bike outfits - shirt, shorts, socks, bra. Pack each outfit in a plastic bag and off you go. Some hotels have washers and dryers (!) for guest use, use those if you can.

Off-the-bike loose clothing is vital. Just take something lightweight and loose.

You will forget something you need. You will also take things you don't need. Don't worry about it, but learn from your experience.

Take your camera. Don't forget to take pictures. Take a notebook and journal your day. You'll appreciate the record of what you've done some dreary January day.

Take a spirit of adventure and a sense of humor.

[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?

[Kalidurga]

I've never picked up a tick on the C&O. Not that that means no one else ever would, but it's probably less of a problem than bugs.

mickchick: Awwwww, shame on your husband. Poor little snakes...

You will forget something you need. You will also take things you don't need. Don't worry about it, but learn from your experience.

+ a gazillion

[sfa]

I'd bring a rain jacket. We don't get many monsoons in Maryland but when we DO get them, it's in September. Lots of spin-off storms from the Atlantic coast hurricanes--they hit the fall line and stop, dumping a steady rain all day or numerous small storms throughout the day.

+1 on the bug spray. You may not even need it particularly on the bike when you're moving and they aren't so active, but in the evening when you're just hanging around and they are flying around looking for something to devour, you'll be glad of it.

Sarah

[Selkie]

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

Count your blessings. They are all over--at least in my neighborhood (N. Arlington). This summer, I've had to "detach" several of them from my body. The dogs now get K9 Advantix every three weeks instead of once a month.

[FlyingScot]

I just bought a package of those "Space Bags" to try. You know what I mean, those storage bags that you hook your vacuum hose and suck the air out. There is a "travel" version of this bag that does not require a vacuum. You just roll it toward the end where there's a one way valve that lets the air out. I am doing a 50 mile charity ride tomorrow and it's supposed to rain so I packed a change of clothes in it and it compressed really flat. Since they will be storing our duffles outside (in the rain) I will be glad to have dry clothes to change into. I'm thinking this might work really well in your panniers both to keep your clothing dry but also to allow you more room for things like bug spray and a rain jacket!!

[owlice]

Thank you all!! I really appreciate the advice, WILL bring bug repellent, and Flying Scot, why I didn't think about the vacuum packing bags for this trip, I don't know -- I just used a couple to pack the car for my spawn's college dropoff! That's a great idea (and doh on me!); thanks!

Re: bike shoes, I don't have clips, just regular ol' pedals, so whatever shoes I wear are good for general use, too. (And my saddle is a horror! I'll switch it out some day, but not before this ride.)

sfa and divingbiker, it came to me last night that I have rain ponchos packed away with camping gear. I'll tuck one of those in someplace.

The rear trunk I ordered has been shipped; once I have that, I'll know exactly how much space I'll have. I'm thinking that after I've gotten someplace and showered, the shirt I'll wear that evening will be the shirt I bike in the next day. I'll take old underwear and throw it out along the way (just so I can say, "Drat! I left my underwear in [name of town here]" at parties), and check into where I'm staying midpoint. A washer and dryer would certainly come in handy about then!

There's no getting around having to wash out a bra each night, though, so if anyone reads a report of a wide slow woman flying a boobie-holder flag as she travels down the towpath, that'll be me trying to ensure the thing dries. Heck, if there's a tailwind, I'll use it like a sail to propel me forward!