Is skiing on the canal towpath a reasonable trek? Maybe not groomed, but at least not all chopped up? Thinking of places between Fairport and Victor. Any opinions or experience?
So they've just opened a new bridge at the start of Lagan Towpath (beside Belfast Boat Club). I swear any time I walk on it and there's someone running or children jumping about, you can feel the bridge oscillating up and down under your feet. It just feels like the whole thing is going to come crumbling down. Just me?
I know there was some damage from Ida, but does anyone know if the towpath is passable by bike between New Hope and Washington Crossing?
What time does the towpath "close"?
Sleep System
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Bikepacking - Fantastic. I even bought the footprint that covers the vestibules (could be stuffed in bag with tent) Fit perfectly between the drop-bars of my Topstone. Light, easy to set up and break down and stow. Double vestibules/doors can be set up to catch the breeze from opposing directions. My only slight beef is that there is only a single cathedral vent at the top and it got a bit muggy when the vestibules were zipped closed. The gear stash above the foot end is great – you can just chuck bags/clothes at that end of the ceiling and they’ll catch in the pocket. Ground level pockets great for stashing stuff. The helmet holder is a bit gimmicky, but worked. I actually used the loops on the top of the to dry clothes as suggested in the propaganda. Overall 10/10, would buy again.
Marmot Nanowave 50 Semi Rectangular sleeping bag – I bought this bag for my last trip and it was a HUGE upgrade in terms of packed size and weight from my old bag (nameless huge thing). It’s comfortable, warm enough for the weather we encountered, packs small and isn’t all that heavy. I’d love to find a semi-rec down bag to save a few ounces, but I really can’t complain about this. I’m glad I had this.
NEMO Fillo Luxury Camping Pillow – This was OK, but I’m still on the fence about whether or not I’ll take it with me next time. It was too big and bouncy when fully inflated, but I managed to find a sweet spot that kept me from regretting the weight/money/space. I’m not convinced I couldn’t have done as well or better with just a bag of clothes.
NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad – This was louder than I anticipated, though it did quiet down quite a bit once I started adding a few breaths after inflating with the bag. It was comfortable enough, really easy to inflate and quick to pack up. My buddy had a thermarest ultralight equivalent that always took forever to stow. Not this one. I’d like to try a few different models before I said I would buy again, but it did the trick.
Bags/Gear Storage
Revelate Designs Feedbags – I liked these quite a lot. One hand open/close, lots of exterior pockets for empty feed wrappers. Plenty of space inside. Didn’t ever put a cold beverage in one, but they seem insulated enough to keep something cold for a while.
Revelate Designs MAG-TANK™ 2000 – I LOVE the functionality of this bag. Open/Close is a piece of cake. I got the bolt-on version and appreciated how it stayed put comp
... keep reading on reddit ➡Morning everyone. Was getting off early and thought I might bike from DC to great falls to see the high water. I was wondering if anyone has been on the tow path lately, is it pretty dry or is it a muddy mess?
Hey All!
I feel very lucky to have found this sub. Hopefully you will be able to impart your wisdom on me.
TLDR: What do the towpath conditions look like post Ida? Will my fully loaded Trek 520 with 700x32c tires be able to make it from from Williamsport to Cumberland?
I am riding from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh west along the Adventuring Cycling Chicago to New York Alternate. I should be arriving at Haggerstown/Williamsport today, 9/5, to start the C&O portion of my trip. I will be traveling between mile markers 99 and 184 at which point I was planning on picking up the GAP in Cumberland to continue onto Pittsburgh.
What do the towpath conditions look like post Ida? Will my fully loaded Trek 520 with 700x32c tires be able to make it from from Williamsport to Cumberland? Or would you advise that I try to navigate entirely around the C&O altogether for this portion of my trip because of flooded out conditions, muddy trails, downed trees, etc.
Additionally, what do the campsites look like? I was planning on sleeping at Fort Fredrick State Park/McCoy’s Ferry/North Mountain campground tonight, and Spring Gap campground tomorrow, 9/6. Are the campsites useable or are they damaged too?
Thanks in advance for your time and assistance!
