Trip will be run RAIN OR SHINE. Mt. Bikes are ideally suited for inclement weather with fat tires and good traction. Please come prepared for the weather. A full day of riding in cold rain can still be enjoyable, if you have the proper equipment. Again, shuttle space will be insufficient for transporting large number of participants simultaneously. If for some reason we must cancel the trip, you will receive a full refund.
HOTEL accommodations are requested (not guaranteed) to be non-smoking. This trip is planned to provide a non-smoking environment for participants. Rooms include two double beds and will be filled as double-occupancy. Participants have the option to room together, up to four persons per room. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS will be provided with trip confirmation.
Trip may be run by MOUNTAIN OR HYBRID BICYCLE ONLY. The canal towpath surface is not favorable for road bikes. The towpath is crushed rock in the early miles giving way to more of a dirt path in the central section, and returning to crushed rock for the conclusion. The path is ribbed with tree roots and rough surface in a few places.
BICYCLE RENTALS are available for $75.
HELMETS ARE REQUIRED EQUIPMENT. Not only do they protect from serious injury in case of an accident in this remote area, they also protect from low branches overhead, and just plain make sense. If you are using a rental bike and need a helmet provided, please inquire about availability.
TRAIN BEFORE THE TOUR, to ensure you are prepared to sit on the bicycle for 60+ miles of rough surface trail each day. Shuttle support will not be capable of simultaneously accommodating a large number of people who cannot complete the distance, and a moderate pace is required to complete the full distance each day. During the fall, daylight hours are reduced.
GROUP EQUIPMENT for the trip is provided (coolers, bike tools, etc.). You must PROVIDE YOUR OWN personal gear. Gear, up to a medium size (about 4000 cu. in.) duffel bag, will be shuttled to the hotels and back to the start by the shuttle vehicles. Please keep personal gear to the minimum needed for the three-day trip (but do not spare cold weather clothing).
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST, PICNIC STYLE LUNCH, TRAIL SNACKS, a variety of DRINKS, and HEARTY DINNERS are provided each day. Saturday is a full dinner, while Sunday dinner is a tour group "pizza fest" at Pizza Hut just a block from the hotel. It is recommended that you have two WATER BOTTLES on your bike (or a Camelback), for drinking between stops.
It is your responsibility to transport your own equipment to the starting point near Georgetown. A map of the starting point and weekend parking information will be provided with trip confirmation and tour details. Return transportation will drop off at the starting location.
camera and film (optional) |
