C&O on a Horse

 What?!?

Yeah, I have a bike...a strong, sturdy mountain bike..an Iron Horse Warrior 5.0. It's from a defunct, American boutique company. It's really a good, strong unit, just a bit heavy. It’s aluminum, but thick and with the front suspension and hydraulic discs and only 26” wheels, it’s heavy! I got it in 2007 and I still love it! In April of 2020, I did the 184.4 mile C&O towpath with tent and bag, from Cumberland down.

I had tried a couple times before, in JULY! DC in July...hot, humid and since the towpath is near still water...myriad bugs and flying critters! My first attempt was from my home to DC then up the canal path. I got as far as Shepardstown, stopped for the night, and returned the next day. Hot and humid! I carried and drank so much water. I carried more water than other gear, but I was thrashed. My son picked me up in Georgetown. That was a pair of 75 miles, back to back in July east coast humidity. Ugghh.

Next attempt, also, in July. Again...too hot. When I would stop for water or to snack, gnats and mosquitoes would swarm me. How am I going to pitch a tent in this?? I bailed. I crossed over at White's Ferry and came back the W&OD trail for an 85 mile, loaded day!

This 3rd try though..I started in April (I think) and started in Cumberland with my tent and bag. It was 2.5 days and 2 nights of fun! I didn't take any pictures though, but I did complete the ride from Cumberland to my home...about 200 miles.

And I still have NOT seen the mile marker (MM) 0 in Georgetown.