Gap and C & O

[ny biker]

I don't know the answer to your question; I've only ridden the towpath on my mountain bike.

But I wanted to mention the towpath yahoo group, if you haven't found it already. You can get lots of information from the folks there.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/coTowpath/

Good luck!

[owlice]

+1 on the towpath yahoo group; lots of good info there. Also read here: http://bikewashington.org/canal/ I found both resources valuable when planning my C&O tour a few years ago.

The C&O is much rougher than the GAP; you'll want wide tires for it.

[Psycler]

Thanks.
I have spent the last few hours reading posts from others who have had similar questions. I have also checked out some videos on Youtube.
From the looks of it, it will depend on the kind of summer we have.
If it is dry and I have my heart set on my bike, I can do it with the wider tires.
However, if it is a wet summer, I should seriously consider using my daughters.

[AnnieBikes]

My husband did the whole thing in May 2009 and he was riding 700 x 32. You will not have any problem on 35's. Go for your favorite Jamis!! He has a journal on crazyguyonabike. Here is the address...
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/2009Retirementride

Good luck and use the bike you are comfortable on!

[Psycler]

Thanks Annie,

I read your husbands journal. It was very enjoyable. Seeing how much rain he had to ride in, I am definately more encouraged to ride my Jamis.