Liz takes a break on the C&O Canal.
Riding a bicycle has always been one of my favorite things to do and I got interested in bike touring and multiple day riding when I became involved with the Cumberland Valley Cycle Club. I rode locally as part of the “social ride,” a 12 to 17 mile ride close to Williamsport. Through the bike club, I heard about a ride called “The Greatest BicycleTour of the Historic C&O Canal” that benefits San Mar Children’s Home in Boonsboro. I registered for the four day 184.5 mile adventure and just completed doing the tour for the 10th year.
Riding on the C&O Canal is always an adventure. The beautiful Paw Paw Tunnel, Harper’s Ferry, and Great Falls are just some of my favorites. Georgetown is always a welcome sight when finishing the adventure. Depending on the weather, you can encounter mud that can feel like riding through “quick sand,” trees that have fallen, and dry gravel. This year, the puddles and mud we rode through caused me to get three flat tires in the first day. If it has rained, it is not uncommon to be covered in mud from riding through it. My bike had gotten so muddy at times, I could not see the derailleur.
Going on this long of a trek can sound daunting and I often get asked, “how do you do that?” Honestly, you begin by breaking down the mileage for the day. Rest stops were usually 10 miles apart, so instead of thinking about 40 or 50 miles, you consider the miles from one rest stop to the next. When you break it down, it does not seem so daunting. “The Greatest Bicycle Tour of the Historic C&O Canal” has two 50-mile days and two 40-mile days. The shortest distance between two rest stops was nine miles, and the longest was 17. In order to ride long distances, you build up endurance. I usually ride anywhere from 10 to 17 miles on a casual ride where I live near Cascade a few times a week. You have to train your legs and body as much as you need to train your mind. Otherwise, your mind will be your own enemy. You also want to make sure your bike is comfortable to ride. If it is not, you are going to have knee or back problems from the seat not being the right distance from the peddle. Always wear a helmet and drink lots of water and Gatorade to supplement fluid lost in sweat.
The happy end to another successful tour!
If you want to explore bike riding further, there are several bicycle clubs, including Cumberland Valley Cycle Club and Franklin County Cyclists. These clubs offer rides for all levels on evenings and weekends. To try it, it is usually free. To join, there is a minimal fee. There are several bike shops in Hagerstown – Mercury Endurance on Oak Ridge Drive and Hub City Cycles on Pennsylvania Avenue. DICK’S Sporting Goods is a good place to get biking gear, as well as Walmart.
–Liz Farmer