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Weekend C&O Canal Bikepacking Adventure
Come join us for a thrilling weekend bikepacking adventure along the scenic C&O Canal! This event is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nature, challenge themselves, and make new friends. We’ll start our journey at Georgetown Waterfront Park and pedal our way through picturesque trails, enjoying the beauty of the canal and surrounding landscapes.
Whether you’re a seasoned bikepacker or new to the sport, this event is suitable for all skill levels. Pack your camping gear, snacks, and a sense of adventure as we embark on this unforgettable trip together. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the great outdoors!
Date/Time:
May 10, 2024 9:00 AM → May 12, 2024 4:00 PM
Days/Nights:
3 days/2 nights
Start/End Location:
Georgetown Waterfront, Washington D.C. → Cumberland, MD
Total Mileage:
180+ miles
Cost to Participate:
$45
Type of Adventure:
Unsupported, group bikepacking
Terrain:
The entire C&O Canal is smooth and flat gravel (there are no hills along this ride). A gravel bike is ideal for this path, although almost any bike will survive given how well groomed this trail is. There is pavement at the beginning of the trail and towards the end. Any biking within D.C. and Cumberland, or off the trail, will be on paved roads.
Difficulty:
Easy/Intermediate. While the terrain and elevation profile are very easy to ride on, we will be biking for +/- 6 hours each day. Decent fitness is required for this trip- this is not a race, but with lunch, rest and refill stops planned along the way, a 10mph pace with all these stops included will result in an 8-9 hours of moving day.
Gear Required:
A full gear list and detailed itinerary will be emailed to all participants before the start of the event. You should expect to carry everything that you think you will need on your bike for this trip. That includes, but is not limited to, a fully functioning bike, a tent, biking clothes and camping clothes, food and water, spare bike parts and tools, etc.. If you would like to see everything I brought to New Zealand for a 3 month tour (different from bikepacking, but packing lists are similar) you can watch a full breakdown here https://youtu.be/g60vVx2L2i8?si=nXkYML5pjf_DU2Yz.
FAQ
What is your refund policy?
If you cancel your trip 5+ weeks before our departure date, then you will get a full refund. If you cancel between 3-5 weeks before our departure date, you will not get a refund (this is due to any registrations I must make for lodging, shuttles etc.). However, if you come on a different trip in the future, I will take the cost of what you paid for your cancelled trip off of the cost of the future trip. If you are a no show or cancel less than two weeks before departure date, you will not get a refund (unless special circumstances occur).
What Happens If It Rains?
Unless there is torrential downpour and a gigantic storm looming, this event is rain or shine, so pack accordingly!
Can I Rent a Bike/Gear?
Short answer- no. This trip is dependent on you packing/bringing your own bike and gear. I will send out a gear/equipment list before departure to all registrants. I do have a limited bike/gear supply closet, so if there is something you need, I might be able to offer a bit of help!
Who Is This Trip Targeted For?
I would like anyone of any skill level and identity to feel welcomed on this trip. Just remember that your guide- me- is a 24 year old quirky girl who loves bikes and nature. Also remember that discrimination and hatred of any kind will not be tolerated whatsoever!
How Do I Get To/From The Event?
The Amtrack/Marc (for Maryland folks) can take you to Union Station where you can ride about 3 miles to the Georgetown Waterfront Park. If you plan on driving, I have no idea where you should park your car in D.C. (if you find a good solution please let me know so I can share with others)! As for returning from Cumberland, I personally will camp an extra night, then bike to Martinsburg the next day and catch the Marc to D.C., then the next Marc back to Baltimore. If you need to leave Cumberland the same day that we finish biking, I would recommend renting a car via Enterprise (there is no ZipCar in the area sadly) and splitting the cost with a group member (about $100 for a car that can fit 2-3 people and bikes)- I will make a temporary group chat with everyone who signs up for the trip, so I am sure you will be able to find someone to share a car with!
More information about renting with Enterprise: There is a singular Enterprise location in Cumberland, but it is closed on Sundays. This means you can either bike to Keyser, WV, the next closest location, which is open on Sundays, or camp an extra night at the Cumberland site and leave first thing in the morning with an Enterprise vehicle.
Location
Georgetown Waterfront