I covered a lot more mileage each day than I anticipated, largely because the terrain was very easy, and there is almost no thought required to navigate on these trails. It's a bit of a curvy line, but it's just a line, connecting the two cities, with good signage. Honestly, I probably overdid it on the mileage, as my left knee began to bug me on the last day, which was nearly 80 miles on the bike, dodging mud puddles, then cars and large crowds of homosexuals (and Allies) in DC (it was Pride Week, and I stumbled into an extremely large Pride parade).
PHOTO TIME!
Sorry for the mix of real camera and iPhone photos. I experienced two days of nonstop rain, and the real camera didn't come out to play during that.
I generally took too much stuff, but it's a bit misleading because the panniers were not completely full. Next time, no panniers. Completely pointless weight to be carrying around on a trip if they're not full. And, on a trip of this length, you just don't need that much stuff.
It was a blast! I'd ride the GAP again anytime, but I wouldn't ride the Towpath at such a pace if there was weather. I'd let it dry off a bit. It's kind of a shame that the Towpath exists in the state that it is compared to how wonderfully maintained the GAP is, but the trail surface and rain added a bit of adversity (and therefore adventure) to an otherwise super laid back route, so I suppose I can't complain too much.
This fall, I'm thinking about some dirt roads and national forests in the UP, or maybe just leaving from home and heading off on the ACA's Underground Railroad route, which runs within five miles of my parents' home.
I also have a journal formatted writeup over on Crazy Guy, which has details on each individual day.
Find it by clicking here: CLICK RIGHT HERE YO!
