Things you should know….

· Keep this Ride Guide with you on the bike each day during the trip. It provides the basics of what you need to know for each day of the ride. Although you may be familiar with the route, you may not always be with a group and you may not remember exactly where to get off the trail and how to get to your lodging for the evening. The directions are designed to get you there even if you’re a first-timer and have no idea where you are. You may be a veteran of many trips, but take it along. You may be glad you did.

· Lodging accessibility – All of our evening’s lodging, with the exception of Leesburg and Little Orleans are easily accessible by bike. There will be a shuttle at both of these stops for those who want a lift and a road for those who don’t.

· Our Support and Gear (SAG) van is generally not accessible except at lunch. Don’t count on being able to stash things in the van or retrieve things from your luggage at other times. Of course the van will be available for emergency situations if the need arises, but cell phone coverage is spotty and it’s often miles between places where the van can get to the trail. You should plan to complete each day’s ride on your own, but if the genuine need arises, the van is available at lunchtime or the beginning of the day, so you can ride with the driver for half a day. Keep in mind it’s generally not accessible other times, and your commitment if you choose to SAG will generally be for a half day.

· Luggage Instructions – Your luggage will be transported for you each day to that night’s lodging. It is your responsibility to have your luggage out to the van/trailer by 8:30 AM each morning. Where we are staying in multiple places of lodging, you will be provided a packet of colored luggage tapes for marking your bags so that they can be delivered to the correct lodging place. Be sure you check the appropriate color for your lodging place for each day and tag each piece of your luggage for correct delivery. Luggage tag colors are noted in the tape packet and also in each day’s guide, on days when it matters. You may also use a white tape on any luggage items that you wish to leave in the van and not be delivered with your other luggage. Remember, our support van can only handle so much, so please pack only what you need. There will be a supply of coolers on hand, so you do not need to bring your own. It’s an adventure, not a safari.

· Departure time is 8:30 AM. You can leave earlier or later, but 8:30 generally will get you to the lunch stop when the support van is there. Let as many people as possible know if you are leaving significantly earlier or later so we can look out for you.

· Lunch Logistics – Each day there will be a designated lunch stop location, announced as we leave in the morning. Most folks will purchase a sandwich or other

lunch in the morning each day to be eaten at the lunch stop. Suggested places to buy your lunch are included in each day’s guide. The van will meet us at this location with cold drinks available, and you may store your lunch in the van’s cooler for the morning if you desire (and if you can get it into the ice chest before 8:30 AM). If you plan to stash your lunch in the ice chest, bring Ziploc bags or some other way to keep it dry. However, you are free to do your own thing and have lunch wherever you would like to. There are some interesting and unique cafes and restaurants all along the trail, and you’re welcome to try them as you wish.

· Cold drinks and limited snacks will be available in the van/trailer each day and are included as a part of the shared costs you paid at registration.

· Cell phone coverage is spotty to non-existent along the isolated stretches of the trail. Most of the larger towns or communities will have some degree of reception, as do the evening stops. Some of the hotels have Internet. Most do not. A broadband card is recommended if you need to bring a laptop.

· Bike repairs. Most of the communities we pass through will have some capacity to provide bike repairs, parts and so forth. It can be a long walk between bike shops, however, so be prepared to fix a flat, tighten a bolt or whatever else it takes to get to the next stop. It’s a cooperative trip, so if you see someone with a sick bike, stop and help them out.

· Spiders, snakes poison ivy and other nasties are everywhere. But don’t let that stop you. Reasonable precautions are all that are necessary. The C&O canal in particular is infested with poison ivy, so know what it looks like and where you’re stepping if you decide to explore some landmark off the trail. Some good bug repellant is helpful, if not essential. The snakes you’ll occasionally see sunning themselves on the trail (try not to run over them, they’re our friends) generally are of the non-poisonous variety, but don’t take chances. Rattlesnakes and copperheads like to hang out on and in rocks, so make sure you know where you’re stepping.

· Rain gear. You’ll need it.

· Attitude. Positive required. This is a cooperative ride, not a guided one. Go with the flow. Remember, the person who complains the most gets to be coordinator next year. A great time is practically guaranteed.

SATURDAY

June 14, 2008

Arrive at Georgetown

Those of you who want your bikes/gear hauled to DC should plan to meet at Boston Waterfront Restaurant at 9:30 AM for the trip to D.C. From the Boston Bridge, turn LEFT onto Smithfield St., 0.6 miles. Turn LEFT onto St. David Dr., <0.1 miles. End at 2422 Saint David Dr.

Meet at Boston Waterfront Restaurant at 9:30 AM for the trip to D.C. There will be a limited number of seats in the support van that will be available for an additional $25 on a FIRST COME BASIS, as an incentive to get your reservations in early. For everyone else, transportation to Georgetown is your responsibility.

Park at the far end of the lot, as directed. The van will leave PROMPTLY at 10 AM. Be there or be square!

Today’s Highlights:

· Travel to Washington DC

· Tour the WW II Monument and other sights

· Visit the infamous M Street Steps (Watch “The Exorcist” first)

· Enjoy a leisurely dinner at “The Tombs”

Tonight’s Lodging:

Best Western New Hampshire Suites Hotel

1121 New Hampshire Avenue NW

Washington, D.C. 20037

202-457-0565

800-762-3777

Rate is $169 per night. Note: All prices are excluding taxes

Dinner Tonight:

The Tombs 1226 36th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
Phone (202) 337-6668

Our reservation is for 5:30 PM. Please be prompt. Dinner cost is not included in your fees

Breakfast:

Complementary continental breakfast at the hotel or on your own.

After a leisurely breakfast, make your way to Thompson’s Boat House for the traditional Mile 0 photo at Noon on Sunday. We’ll leave later in the day to allow for those who might want to come down on Sunday, or those who want to do church in the AM.

SUNDAY

June 15, 2008

Washington, D.C. to White’s Ferry, Md.

35.5 mi on C&O Towpath

Shuttle (or bike) to lodging, roughly 5 miles

Today’s Highlights:

· C&O Milepost 0 marker (the original “Watergate”…)

· Well-maintained trail along restored canal that quickly exits you from the city

· Great Falls area, Olmstead Island boardwalks

· White’s Ferry ride to Virginia.

Tonight’s Lodging:

Best Western

726 East Market Street

Leesburg, VA, 20176-4401

(703) 777-9400

a.hayes@guestsinc.com

Please call or e-mail to get the group rate. Tell them you are a member of Yockatomac Trek.

In order to accommodate those who may have chosen to come to D.C. on Sunday, we’ll leave at 12 NOON today. Unless your gear is on the van already, be there with your gear, luggage, and bike, ready to ride, at the parking lot adjacent to the entrance to Thompson’s Boat Center, at the intersection of Rock Creek Parkway and Virginia Avenue, in the Georgetown area, Washington DC. Look for a full-size 15-passenger van, with a large enclosed trailer, marked WILDERNESS VOYAGEURS. The van and trailer should arrive between 11:00 and 12:00. After loading our gear, we’ll gather for the traditional group photo at Milepost 0, and be off for our ride.

The actual towpath trail begins as a brick-paved walkway leading off Rock Creek Parkway down to a restored and re-watered stretch of the canal through Georgetown. There is a fair-sized National Park Service-style wooden sign at the entry. It is possible to get off on other bike trails in the area, so we suggest you stick with the group as we get started.

The canal's first few hundred yards are lined with shops and a series of lift locks. The towpath begins as a red brick walkway along the north side of the canal bed. After a few blocks, the towpath's gravel/clay towpath surface begins. The path is very narrow here, and considering all the pedestrian traffic, makes it very difficult to navigate by bike. Walking is acceptable.

At mile 0.9, there is a steel footbridge. CROSS HERE TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TOWPATH. The path you are on will end shortly. You may need to walk your bike here. From here on, the canal will be on your right and the Potomac will be on your left. If the situation is reversed, you’re going the wrong way!

Between miles 8 and 10 is the area known as seven locks (since there are seven lift-locks here). The canal passes under the Capital Beltway at mile 9.3 and you enter the area known as Carderock. The half mile long building to the north is the David Taylor Model Basin where the Navy tests scale models of new ships.

Great Falls is just past the wide water area at about mile 14.5. Park and lock your bike and take the boardwalk to view the falls.

Once you pass Great Falls, the towpath quickly becomes less crowded. Swain's Lock is a nice place to stop for a break. At mile 22.8 are the remains of the Seneca Creek Aqueduct. This three arch aqueduct is the first of eleven such structures along the canal.

White’s Ferry is at mile 35.5. Take the ferry to the other side of the river (Bikes $1.00). Call the hotel for the shuttle or ride the road. BEWARE: The main road has a nice wide berm, but traffic is heavy, fast and couldn’t care less about cyclists.

For those veterans of the C&O who would like to try their hand at the W&OD trail, information is available at http://bikewashington.org/trails/wad/wad.htm.

The W&OD Trail begins in the Shirlington area of Arlington County, just off I-395 Exit 6. It ends "way-out" in rural Purcellville, VA. Along the way, it passes through quaint villages like Falls Church and Leesburg, and high-tech centers such as Reston and Herndon. You can easily reach the Best Western from the trail.

MONDAY

June 16, 2008

Leesburg, VA to Shepherdstown, WV

37 Canal Miles

Today’s Highlights:

· Monocacy River aqueduct (MP 41) – The second most notable historic feature of the towpath, recently restored.

· Point of Rocks railroad depot – restored Victorian station, one of best on the trail.

· Scenic confluence of Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers at Harper’s Ferry, viewed from the footbridge across the Potomac; Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park.

Tonight’s Lodging:

Bavarian Inn

164 Shepherd Grade Road
Shepherdstown, WV 25443

(304) 876-2551

(breakfast not included, but available in the restaurant)

Shepherdstown is also centered in the Historic Civil War area. Three miles northeast of Shepherdstown is Antietam Battlefield, where the bloodiest single day's battle of the Civil War was fought.

At mile 72.8 towpath crosses under the Shepherdstown Route 34 bridge. At the bridge, there is a paved walkway from the towpath to the bridge. The bridge has a walk on one side. After crossing the bridge, the Bavarian Inn is the first driveway on the right hand side.

*Dinner is on your own or in groups at the Bavarian Inn or in Shepherdstown. The Bavarian Inn is casual dress in the ratskeller, which serves the same great food as the fancy place upstairs.

*Breakfast is on you own or in groups at the Bavarian Inn or in Shepherdstown.

The beautiful Monocacy Aqueduct, a 500 foot, seven arch, stone bridge used to carry the canal over the Monocacy River. The aqueduct took 4 years to build and was completed in 1833.

Point of Rocks is in Frederick County, Maryland. It is named for the striking rock formation it sits on top of, which is only visible from boats on the Potomac River, or from the southern bank of the river in Virginia. The rock formations are exposed by the river cutting through the ridge in a water gap, a typical formation in the Ridge-and-valley Appalachians.

Point of Rocks Station

Point of Rocks is a stop on the MARC Brunswick Line. The station, designed by E. Francis Baldwin, was built by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and completed in 1876. Marking the junction between the current main line and the Old Main Line, it remains one of the B&O's signature landmarks, and is a popular subject of railroad photography.

Harpers Ferry, a town in Jefferson County, West Virginia (formerly in Virginia; see Civil War below), is situated on the banks of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers where the U.S. states of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia meet. Located at the bottom of the ravine created by the two rivers, it is thus nestled within the surrounding mountains. Historically, Harpers Ferry is best known for John Brown's raid on the Armory in 1859. As of the 2000 census, the town had a population of 307.

Harpers Ferry is located within Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and is also one of the few towns the Appalachian Trail directly passes through.

TUESDAY

June 17, 2008

Shepherdstown, WV to Williamsport, MD

27 Canal Miles + 2 road miles

Today’s Highlights:

· Serene sections along the trail with excellent river views

· Dam 4 overlook and detour

· Williamsport NPS C&O Canal Visitor’s Center

· Lawn party and laundry

Tonight’s Lodging:

Red Roof Inn

310 East Potomac St.

Williamsport, MD 21795

(301) 582-3500

Waffle House nearby for breakfast.

Lunch for today may be picked up at the various shops on the way back through town. Because it is a short day, the support van will not be meeting us.

There is a Sheetz in Williamsport on the way to the Red Roof Inn that is a good bet for a quick bite.

There is a long-standing detour at an impassable section of the trail between MP 84 and 88. This detour is on lightly traveled country roads and can actually be a pleasant diversion after 80 miles of towpath. As you approach Dam 4 you will see a large orange sign (if it’s still there) directing you to exit the towpath. Read and understand the sign and then ignore it. Continue on a short distance on the towpath to the Dam 4 area and take a break to enjoy the scenery. When you’re ready to continue, use the included directions, map, and hand drawn diagram from the sign.

Williamsport is at MP 100 (You’ve done a hundred miles of trail!). Get off the trail at Cushwa Basin (the big turning basin) just before the aqueduct at MP100. Go straight out of the parking lot onto E. Potomac St. Follow E. Potomac St for about a mile to the Red Roof Inn on the right, behind the Waffle House restaurant. The first few blocks are uphill, and then it levels out a bit. The road is nice and wide, but as always be on the lookout for vehicles that may not be on the lookout for you.

Return to the trail via the same route that you came. Be careful going down the hill into town!

Bikes should be taken to your room tonight.

Dinner is on your own in groups at area restaurants. In past years, some of the riders have had pizza and/or Chinese food delivered to the Red Roof Inn for a lawn picnic “smorgasbord”. Some folks regard this impromptu party as the highlight of the trip.

Dam 4 Detour

Cross over the bridge to the right of the building, go right on Dam 4 Rd. up short steep hill, and then continue on road for 3.4 mi. There’s one tricky place where Dam 4 Rd zigs right and immediately zags left. You may be tempted to go straight on Shaffer Rd where Dam 4 Rd zags left. Stay on Dam 4 Rd here.

Turn left on Dellinger Rd. for 0.5 mi. (see below for additional detour possibility during high water)

Turn left on Avis Mill Rd. (shown as Charles Mill Rd.) for 0.7 mi until you reach the towpath. The last of this stretch is a steep downhill with a very tight curve, BE CAREFUL and watch for cars coming toward you around the bend.

Additional High Water Detour

If the Potomac is running at a high level, the towpath will be under water between MP 88 and 89, and the detour must be extended.

Continue on Dellinger Rd. for an additional 1.3 mi and turn left onto Neck Rd., follow for 0.7 mi.

Turn left on Spring Dell Rd., follow for 0.3 mi

Cut through a farm access lane to your right to return to the towpath.

Antietam Battlefield Detour

From the Bavarian Inn, you can continue on the Route 34, instead of going down to the towpath. A left onto Route 65 will take you to the Visitors Center. CAUTION: Route 34 is heavily traveled and may not be for the faint of heart.

Another option is to take Snyder’s Landing Road at mile 76.8, which will eventually parallel with Route 34. Take a left onto Route 65 and you’re not far from the Visitors Center. Once there, here’s a cue sheet you can follow to tour the battlefield.

Mile	Turn	Leg	Description

0.0		0.0	Leave Antietam Battlefield Visitor Center heading north on Old Hagerstown Pike - Follow Auto Tour next 6 Miles.
1.0		1.0	Mansfield Avenue
1.7		0.7	Smoketown Road (unmarked) at (follow arrow)
1.9		0.2	Cornfield Avenue
2.4		0.5	Old Hagerstown Pike (you've been here before)
2.6		0.2	Follow Auto Tour to Monument.
2.7		0.1	Circle Monument, then head back to road
2.8		0.1	Old Hagerstown Pike
2.8		0.0	Smoketown Road
3.0		0.2	(unmarked) - follow arrow. Passing Mumma Farmhouse ahead
3.9		0.9	Richardson Avenue at . Passing Bloody Lane and Observation Tower ahead
4.9		1.0	Route 34 at . (CAUTION!)

Mile	Turn	Leg	Description

5.4		0.5	Branch Avenue at (Begin long hill climb). Optional detour: Turn left here to Burnside Bridge
6.3		0.9	Harpers Ferry Road, leaving Auto Tour route
6.4		0.1	Millers Sawmill Road
8.2		1.8	At bottom of hill, cross grassy area to C&O Towpath
10.2		2.0	Route 34 Bridge. Access to Shepherdstown, WV across river (via hill climb)
14.4		4.2	Synders Landing Boat Ramp. (Seasonal Snack Bar/Store up on hill)
18.6		4.2	Taylors Landing Boat Ramp, cross bridge
18.6		0.0	Taylors Landing Road
18.7		0.1	remaining on Taylors Landing Road
19.9		1.2	Route 65, using shoulder.
22.1		2.2	Old Hagerstown Pike, returning to Visitor Center
22.2		0.1	End of Route

NOTE: This cue sheet can be customized to fit your specific needs. Just click on any line to automatically recalculate the route starting from that location.

After touring the battlefield, you can return to the trail or you can take the road, Route 63, into Williamsport.

WEDNESDAY

June 18, 2008

Williamsport, MD to Little Orleans, MD

41 mi on C&O Towpath

Shuttle to Town Hill B & B

Or bike 7 mi up the mountain to lodging.

Today’s Highlights:

· Isolated stretches of trail through natural settings

· Big Pool, Little Pool wildlife areas

· Dam 5 overlook

· Western Maryland Rail Trail alternative

· Bill’s Place at the thriving metropolis of Little Orleans

ISLAND PARTY AT TOWN HILL!!

Tonight’s Lodging:

Town Hill Hotel B&B

31101 National Pike

Little Orleans, MD 21766

(877) 696-2794

There are some points of interest here. Four Locks marks one of the few spots were the canal strays from the Potomac River Basin. Fort Frederick State Park, located at mile 112.4, was used for various purposes between the French & Indian and the Civil Wars. Today, it provides several recreation facilities including boat rentals and a launch. Big Pool Lake, just west of the park, was constructed to reduce the amount of digging required for the canal basin. The single arch Licking Creek Aqueduct is said to have the largest stone arch in the U.S.

The Western Maryland Rail Trail run parallel to the towpath between miles 115 and 124. This paved trail provides a nice alternative to the butt pounding towpath. The trail parallels the towpath for approximately 10 miles east and 12 miles west of the town of Hancock, and offers a pleasant alternative ride on a paved pathway. You can easily access the WMRT just beyond Big Pool at MP 115, ride through Hancock, and return to the towpath at about MP 136. To get back on the towpath, follow the rail trail past the “Trail End” sign to the yellow gate. Follow the dirt/gravel road for a few hundred yards and turn right on the towpath.

Lunch for today is in Hancock, MD. There are a number of lunch alternatives in Hancock, MD, including another Sheetz and several restaurants that border the trail.

A nice bike shop, C&O Bicycles, is available at Hancock, directly across the canal from the trail.

Other points of interest in this section include the Tonoloway Creek Aqueduct ruins, and the Round Top Cement Company ruins. The new Western Maryland Rail Trail runs parallel to the towpath between Hancock and Fort Frederick.

At about MP 141, exit the towpath at the Little Orleans trailhead, at the NPS’s Fifteen Mile Creek Campground. Turn right onto the paved road, away from the campground, and go under the railroad underpass. Bill’s Place will be immediately on your right, and shuttles will be provided from here by both our van and Town Hill’s shuttle. While you’re waiting, relax and go inside Bill’s to absorb some of the local color, put your dollar bill on the ceiling, and maybe even bend an elbow or two with a cold one.

Bill’s Place in Little Orleans, Md.

Dinner tonight is at the Town Hill Inn, in the pavilion at the back. Wear your best island garb for a Jimmy Buffett party. We’ve got Margaritas, (regular and virgin), Cheeseburgers in Paradise and appropriate background music. Prizes awarded for best costumes.

Breakfast also is at the Town Hill Inn. Baked oatmeal is a favorite.

THURSDAY

June 19, 2008

Little Orleans to Cumberland, Md.

Shuttle or ride 7 mi back to trail

44 mi on C&O Canal Towpath

Today’s Highlights:

· Paw Paw Tunnel (Bring your flashlight!)

· Old Town historic area

· Cumberland NPS C&O Visitor’s Center

· Milepost 184.5, end of the canal

· Queen City Creamery 108 Harrison Street, Cumberland, MD, 2 Blocks East of the

Scenic Railroad Station

Tonight’s Lodging:

Inn at Walnut Bottom

120 Greene St.

Cumberland, MD 21502

(800) 286-9718

(301) 724-8800

Ask for Kirsten.

iwb@iwbinfo.com

Breakfast is included.

The road from Town Hill back to the trail is steep and mostly downhill. Shuttles will be provided, but some hard-core folks may choose to do the screaming descent back down. CAUTION!! If you choose to ride down, you’ll have to be able to manage your speed. Pay attention on the shuttle up and decide whether you’ll really be comfortable riding down. Above all know and respect your limits.

Located between mile 155 and 156, the 3100 foot Paw Paw tunnel was constructed between 1836 and 1850 and was the final link joining Cumberland to the Chesapeake Bay. Be aware that the tunnel is VERY dark, so carry a headlamp or flashlight. Walking your bike is acceptable here.

The completed tunnel was only wide enough for one boat to go through at a time. When a boat arrived at a tunnel entrance, a boy would be sent to place a lantern at the other end to signal to oncoming boats that the tunnel was already occupied. Usually this sufficed. However, from time to time boats would meet in the middle and one would have to retreat. On one memorable occasion, the captains of the two boats which met in the middle were particularly stubborn. For days, neither would agree to turn around. Finally the section superintendent of that part of the canal could stand it no longer. He bought all the cornstalks he could and built a roaring fire at the upwind end of the tunnel. Both boats exited very quickly.

Don’t forget the traditional picture from the top of the tunnel.

The Paw Paw Tunnel, upstream entrance.

Lunch for today is at Oldtown, MP 167. Get some local community flavor today by purchasing lunch at Shirley’s Deli in the old schoolhouse building. Check out the hairstyles in the senior class pictures and the old cars in the auto shop.

Oldtown is the site of one the country's last privately owned toll bridges. Bikes are free, so take a ride over to West Virginia!

Be sure to visit the new Canal Place development as you come in to town in Cumberland.

Dinner is on your own in groups at area restaurants. Reservations for a large group will be made at a favorite nice restaurant in town, so join us if you like.

Directions to Inn at Walnut Bottom:

Exit the trail at Canal Place and follow the red brick marked walkway to the front of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad station. Continue through the parking lot to Baltimore St.

Turn left on Baltimore, cross the bridge, and turn left at the light.

Turn right at the next light onto Greene St., the Walnut Bottom is a couple blocks up on your left.

Alternatively (less traffic), walk your bike up onto the track level behind the station, go left down the paved walkways and cross the tracks to the footbridge. Continue on the walkway to the street, go right ½ block to the light, and turn left onto Greene St.

FRIDAY

June 20, 2008

Cumberland, Md. To Meyersdale, Pa.

32 Trail miles.

Approx. 21 miles of Allegheny Highlands Trail on a constant mild uphill grade to Big Savage Tunnel and eastern continental divide, followed by approx. 11 miles downhill to Meyersdale, PA.

Today’s Highlights:

· Cumberland C&O Visitor’s Center

· Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

· Brush and Borden Tunnels

· Big Savage Tunnel, cool, lighted and 3300 feet

· Keystone Viaduct

· Salisbury Viaduct

· Mason-Dixon Line

· Long downgrade cruise into Meyersdale

· Eastern Continental Divide, 2375 feet above sea level

· New-old Bollman Bridge

Uphill climb today! The trip from Cumberland to Big Savage tunnel is a steady uphill climb of 1625 feet. Despite short steeper sections, the overall rise is just 1.5% over the 21 mile climb. But if the knees are tired, you can cut out all but 6.7 miles by taking the Western Maryland Railroad. Here’s a table of elevations to help you decide.

Ride That Train: For those choosing this option, the WMSR train leaves at 11:30 AM from the Cumberland station. Be there no later than 11:00 with your bike and riding gear, ready to ride.

Location	Elevation	Change in Elevation	Distance (miles)	avg. grade
Cumberland WMSRR station	620	0	0
Woodcock Hollow Rd & Rte.36 Intersection	1033	413	8.1	1.0%
Woodcock Hollow Rd part way up	1176	143	0.8	3.4%
G.A.P. trailhead @ Woodcock Hollow Rd	1319	143	0.4	6.8%
Frostburg Trailhead	1810	491	5.7	1.6%
Eastern Continental Divide	2375	565	6.7	1.6%
Meyersdale	2100	-275	9.3	-0.6%
Total miles			31

Lunch: today is in Frostburg, MD. Take the switchback from the trail to the train station and you’ll find the Trail Inn and Café. Walk up the stairs into Frostburg proper and you’ll find several more options.

Tonight’s Lodging: Luggage Tags Required:

Levi Deal Mansion RED
301 Meyers Avenue
Meyersdale, PA 15552
814-289-7600 (phone)

Maple City Loft BLUE
130 Center St
Meyersdale, PA 15552
814-289-1447 (phone)

Rooms are reserved under Jim Rogers group, but you need to call and reserve your own.

Burgess' House

(Overflow only, no rooms held)

219 North St. ORANGE
Meyersdale, PA 15552

(814) 662-2436

Dinner: On your own or in groups. Dining options in Myersdale include the White House 515 Thomas Street, 814-634-8145; the Main Street Inn, on Main Street (might be renamed by the time we get there) 814-634-8236 and several pizza joints.

Breakfast: Included at Levi Deal Mansion. GI Dayroom on Main Street recommended for all others.

SATURDAY

June 21, 2008

Meyersdale, Pa. to Ohiopyle, PA

42 Trail miles.

Today’s Highlights:

· Smooth sailing on some of the nicest parts of the Great Allegheny Passage

Scenic river views

· Pinkerton High and Low Bridges

· Small town of Confluence

· Ohiopyle Falls

Microbrew Festival in Ohiopyle!!

Tonight’s Lodging:

Yough Plaza Motel

c/o White Water Adventurers

Ohiopyle, PA 15470

(800) 992-7238

The motel is just across the street from the trailhead.

Lunch: For today can be purchased at the Sheetz in Myersdale or at several places in Confluence. The van will be parked at the Ramcat put-in for the Middle Yough. Be forewarned, some to the establishments in Confluence, notably the Lucky Dog Café, have notoriously slow service. Nice folks, but not staffed to handle parties of four, or three, or sometimes one. For a real treat, if you’ve got the time, try the River’s Edge.

Optional Float Trip on the Middle Yough: Time to give that bicycle seat a break? Trade it in for a raft or a ducky for an easy float down the Middle Yough. Wilderness Voyagers will transport your bike the last 9 miles into Ohiopyle, while you paddle down one of the most scenic rivers anywhere. This is not the Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride that made the Yough River famous. The rapids here are Class I and II, and kids as young as four are allowed on this section of the river. The trip is unguided, but the rapids are easily navigated even if you are a novice. Just listen and heed the safety briefing and you’ll be fine.

The cost for raft rental is $20 per person and several raft options are available, from single duckies to large rafts. We’ll assemble groups of interested people early in the week, call ahead and have the rafts waiting for us when we arrive at the put-in.

Note: if you want to raft, you MUST make it to the Ramcat put-in by 1PM. There will be a safety briefing, after which you can head down river. Pick up your bike at Wilderness Voyagers at the end.

Dinner: In Ohiopyle, on your own or in groups. Nothing fancy here, but the food and beer at the Wilderness Voyagers café are good. The MICROBREW FESTIVAL will be there just for us the day we arrive.

Breakfast: Pretty much on your own as well. Falls Market is a must-see, and a place where you can buy cereal, hunting knives and practically anything else. Ohiopyle House Café has a breakfast buffet, and the Firefly Grill just across the street from the motel makes a pretty good breakfast sandwich.

SUNDAY

June 22, 2008

Ohiopyle, PA to Boston, PA

End of the Line!

55 Trail miles.

WEAR YOUR YOCKATOMAC SHIRT TODAY

Today’s Highlights:

Serene stretches of trail through Ohiopyle State Park

Connellsville Town Park and Cedar Creek Park

Coke ovens at miles 92-94.

Cruise through several small trail communities

New visitors center at West Newton Station

Dravo Cemetery rest stop

Food, fun and festivities at the post-trek celebration at the Boston Waterfront

Tonight’s Lodging: Your own bed.

Lunch: Can be purchased at the Sheetz in Connellsville, or at one of several restaurants near the trail. The van will meet us at the Connellsville town park, right on the trail. Fuel up! There are many miles and few amenities between Connellsville and West Newton.

Don’t forget to stop for ice cream at the Yough Twister in Sutersville. Don’t get too full, because you’re just ten miles from the finish line at that point.

Dravo Cemetery, just 5 miles from the finish line, is a popular stop for day trippers. Stop and amaze them with tales of your trip.

Post-trek celebration: at the Boston Waterfront starting at 3 pm. Turn right at first stop

sign past milepost 20. Follow driveway down to the pavilion on the right side of the building, where you parked your car. End at 2422 Saint David Dr. [ Google Map ]

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