Riv Rally East 2012

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Montclair BobbyB

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Jan 12, 2012, 11:24:30 PM1/12/12
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OK, it's a new year, and I'm starting to get excited about Riv Rally
East 2012. Here's the quick skinny on this year's plan (so far):

This year I'm planning the 2-day Rally to ride along the Great
Allegheny Passage, from Frostburg, MD to Connellsville, PA.

To get you psyched up, here are a few links:

http://www.atatrail.org/index.cfm
http://www.flickr.com/groups/great_allegheny_passage/

This beautiful stretch of the GAP trail takes you through long
mountain tunnels, over high viaducts, though beautiful country along 2
scenic rivers (including through the Youghigheny River Gorge). The
plan is to converge in Frostburg, MD on Friday evening, Apr 20th, and
ride to Confluence, PA (47 miles of mostly smooth downhill to the
North) on Saturday, where we will enjoy a nice dinner and comfy bed
(although there is camping nearby for the hardcore). Sunday we will
roll into Ohiopyle, PA, home of the famous Youghigheny Gorge, where we
may take an an optional short excursion out of town to visit the
famous Frank Lloyd Wright house, FallingWater (a trip WELL WORTH
taking). We will finish day off in Connellsville, PA, where I am
making arrangements to shuttle ourselves, bike and gear back to
Frostburg. This will be a self-supported, credit card type of tour,
which means that unless you have a buddy, spouse or otherwise hired
person to meet you in Confluence PA on the first evening, you'll need
to carry a change of clothes, toothbrush and other essentials to get
you through 2 days of riding. A small duffle on a rack shoud suffice,
or go all out with front and rear panniers... up to you. Me, I hope
to toss a duffle in my big Wald basket... that's how I like to roll..

I have put out inquiries on shuttles and lodging; more on that
shortly.

In the mean time, if you are interested, please let me know. We had a
fair amount of interest early on for the 2011 Rally, but quite a few
dropped off. I hope we can get the same crew from 2011 returning this
year, along with a few of you who couldn't make it last year. To our
West Coast buddies, I'll bet we could get a few loaner bikes if any of
you would care to join us... We'd love to have you.

So mark the calendars, April 20-22.

Peace,
BobbyB

Montclair BobbyB

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Jan 13, 2012, 12:18:56 AM1/13/12
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More Scenes from the GAP trail:

- Big Savage Tunnel - http://www.wqed.org/ondemand/onq.php?cat=6&id=18
- High Bridge over Yough Gorge / Ohiopyle PA -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeaqI0wgp-Q&feature=related
- Salisbury Viaduct - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpC9fHOIgjk&feature=related
<i>(NOTICE the cameraman's cycling cap... wonder what he was
riding???)</i>
- Keystone Viaduct - End of Summer bike ride, 2 young girlfriends... I
really liked this - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlHjL4FQ47A

Oh boy this is gonna be great...

Peace,
BobbyB

On Jan 12, 11:24 pm, Montclair BobbyB <montclairbob...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> OK, it's a new year, and I'm starting to get excited about Riv Rally
> East 2012.  Here's the quick skinny on this year's plan (so far):
>
> This year I'm planning the 2-day Rally to ride along the Great
> Allegheny Passage, from Frostburg, MD to Connellsville, PA.
>
> To get you psyched up, here are a few links:
>
> http://www.atatrail.org/index.cfmhttp://www.flickr.com/groups/great_allegheny_passage/

Norman

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Jan 13, 2012, 12:09:26 PM1/13/12
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Wow! Can't wait.

On Jan 13, 12:18 am, Montclair BobbyB <montclairbob...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> More Scenes from the GAP trail:
>
> - Big Savage Tunnel -http://www.wqed.org/ondemand/onq.php?cat=6&id=18
> - High Bridge over Yough Gorge / Ohiopyle PA -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeaqI0wgp-Q&feature=related
> - Salisbury Viaduct -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpC9fHOIgjk&feature=related
>    <i>(NOTICE the cameraman's cycling cap... wonder what he was
> riding???)</i>
> - Keystone Viaduct - End of Summer bike ride, 2 young girlfriends... I
> really liked this -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlHjL4FQ47A
>
> Oh boy this is gonna be great...
>
> Peace,
> BobbyB
>
> On Jan 12, 11:24 pm, Montclair BobbyB <montclairbob...@gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>
>
> > OK, it's a new year, and I'm starting to get excited about Riv Rally
> > East 2012.  Here's the quick skinny on this year's plan (so far):
>
> > This year I'm planning the 2-day Rally to ride along the Great
> > Allegheny Passage, from Frostburg, MD to Connellsville, PA.
>
> > To get you psyched up, here are a few links:
>
> >http://www.atatrail.org/index.cfmhttp://www.flickr.com/groups/great_a...
> > BobbyB- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

Allingham II, Thomas J

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Jan 13, 2012, 11:42:39 AM1/13/12
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I'm in, Bobby. And if anyone feels like flying in sans bike, I've got loaners in the 59cm to 61cm range.

Pics on the Flickr group make it look like a GREAT ride.

http://www.atatrail.org/index.cfm
http://www.flickr.com/groups/great_allegheny_passage/

Peace,
BobbyB

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Kevin M

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Jan 13, 2012, 2:16:12 PM1/13/12
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There all also Amtrack stations near both ends of the trail for out of towners. We rode and camped along the GAP & CO trails in '10 on our tandem. I can't speak highly enough of the trails! Bring a camera and a swimsuit.

Kevin
Chicago, IL

Montclair BobbyB

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Jan 13, 2012, 3:46:03 PM1/13/12
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Kevin:

It's funny you mention this... Amtrak has been promising (and is so
far a year late in providing) roll-on/roll-off service on the Capitol
Limited train that serves the region. Despite numerous letters and
pressure on Amtrak, they're still supposedly working on it but will no
longer commit to a date.

I'm guessing you had to box up your bike (which you can do from Union
Station in Chicago), but I don't believe we can do this between
Connellsville and Cumberland... there are no baggage services in
Connellsville. It would be GREAT to park at EITHER end and roll on to
the train to transport to/from your car, but it apparently ain't
happenin' just yet.

Thanks,
BB

Kevin M

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Jan 13, 2012, 4:49:55 PM1/13/12
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I was wondering if the roll-on service ever happened... I remember that being an issue, but boxing the tandem wasn't too bad. We used the Amtrak stations in PGH and WAS to box our bikes. The only extra tool I needed was a pedal wrench.

When that roll-on service ever starts, it'll only make the trail that much more amazing. We're going through the same type of Amtrk delays in the Midwest as far as service to Milwaukee and Western Michigan. Grassroots campaign are underway.

Kevin
Chicago


William

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Jan 13, 2012, 5:14:32 PM1/13/12
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It seems like it could really be a slick marketing move by Amtrak to jump headlong into "We're the Cyclists Best Friend".  If Amtrak had roll-on service everywhere and anywhere, I'd be substantially more likely to do a tour that isn't out my front door, or do out-of-state brevets.  

Montclair BobbyB

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Jan 13, 2012, 6:37:17 PM1/13/12
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Yes, they could virtually create a new niche in the cyclo-tourism
industry... Many of us live close enough to some type of mass-transit
hub, where imagine simply rolling on your bike and gear, and getting
plugged into the national train network. Think of how many people
might leave their cars behind when they vacation.

I've enjoyed a small taste of this, between Princeton and Philadelphia
(and I can ride to Princeton by way of canal towpath).. NJ Transit
allows roll-on/off service on weekends and off-hours, as does SEPTA
(Trenton to Philly)... The train cars generally aren't REALLY equipped
to handle bikes, but they still allow it (kudos to NJ Transit and
SEPTA). There are a few double-decker trains on the NJ Transit line
that have an "accessible" area for wheelchairs and bicycles, if
there's room... This is much improved, although not nearly as nice as
the vertical bike racks found on some mass transit systems. But the
feeling of rolling out of my garage in the AM, riding to the train
over a beautiful route, spending a day in Philly or New York, then
traveling home the same way... what a fun adventure.

What a missed opportunity... shame on AMTRAK.

Larry Powers

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Jan 13, 2012, 7:13:29 PM1/13/12
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Sounds like a great ride.  I will warn people that the climb from Ohio Pyle park to Falling Water is about 3 miles of 300% grade.  At least that is how it seemed the year we tried it on a tandem with the wrong gearing and an out of shape team.

Larry Powers
 
Get a bicycle.  You will not regret it if you live. - Mark Twain

Lisa

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Jan 13, 2012, 8:04:41 PM1/13/12
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I rode the C&O / GAP from DC to McKeesport with my family this past summer (2011).  It was a great ride.  The C&O is rough and muddy in spots, but the GAP has a very nice crushed-stone surface.

I got on some mailing lists (paper, not email) connected with these trails.  From these, my understanding is that the last missing mile of the GAP was opened in November.  That would mean it's now possible to ride all the way into Pittsburgh (crossing Monongahela on the Hot Metal Bridge!)

The Pittsburgh Amtrak station does have baggage service and bike boxes -- my family used this option to return to DC.  Boxing a bike for Amtrak requires only minimal disassembly (remove pedals and turn handlebars).  I believe that Cumberland also has baggage service.  But it would sure be nice if the roll-on service were ready by summer.

Lisa

Montclair BobbyB

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Jan 13, 2012, 8:14:01 PM1/13/12
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Thanks for the warning, Larry... It may not be practical to do the
FallingWater side trip... it is quite a house, though isn't it?

BB

Larry Powers

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Jan 13, 2012, 8:57:49 PM1/13/12
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We never made it because we weren't prepared.  I am giving some serious thought to joining this trip just to try it again.


Larry Powers
 
Get a bicycle.  You will not regret it if you live. - Mark Twain


> Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:14:01 -0800
> Subject: [RBW] Re: Riv Rally East 2012
> From: montcla...@gmail.com
> To: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com

Steve Palincsar

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Jan 13, 2012, 9:41:43 PM1/13/12
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On Fri, 2012-01-13 at 15:37 -0800, Montclair BobbyB wrote:
>
> What a missed opportunity... shame on AMTRAK.

They are perfectly aware of it. They promised in public statements;
they delayed implementation, they said, because they had no experience
with roll-on roll-off service (even though they in fact have it in
places on the system) and then when the time came to deliver on the
promise and nothing happened, their response was "we've never heard of
that."

Shame on them indeed.

Steve Palincsar

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Jan 13, 2012, 9:45:41 PM1/13/12
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On Fri, 2012-01-13 at 17:14 -0800, Montclair BobbyB wrote:
> Thanks for the warning, Larry... It may not be practical to do the
> FallingWater side trip... it is quite a house, though isn't it?
>
> BB
>
> On Jan 13, 7:13 pm, Larry Powers <lapower...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > Sounds like a great ride. I will warn people that the climb from Ohio Pyle park to Falling Water is about 3 miles of 300% grade. At least that is how it seemed the year we tried it on a tandem with the wrong gearing and an out of shape team.


Funny: Joan, a riding pal and list member rode there when she did her
GAP tour and said the climb and the ride up there was no big deal. A
big contrast from the way the folks at the motel where I stayed
described the trip, as "death to ride."

islaysteve

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Jan 14, 2012, 3:03:46 PM1/14/12
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Even though I'm not that far from the area for the ride, I've never done even a part of it.  What's your estimate of the daily mileage, and how much climbing, not including trip to Falllingwater?  Fallingwater is well worth seeing, I've toured it 6 or 7 times over the years, so I could give it miss this time.  Sounds like a great trip.  Steve

islaysteve

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Jan 15, 2012, 5:54:09 PM1/15/12
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Since I took the time to explore the links that Bobby provided, I've answered most of my questions:  It looks like a moderate climb out of Frostburg for 10+ miles to the Eastern Continental Divide (cool), and then moderate downhill all the way.  Pretty good for an out-of-shape geezer like me.  The GAP looks incredible and I'd really like to ride it; if not on this trip, in the future.  If I decide to join, I will be riding my Bleriot fitted with Pari-Motos.  I assume that this would be sufficient?   I would also still be interested in any details of the ride, especially the first day.  Also, I'm not sure how the second day with possible side trip to Fallingwater would work, but most likely I would sit out that side trip.  Thanks for planning this Bobby.  Cheers, Steve

Steve Palincsar

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Jan 15, 2012, 6:04:46 PM1/15/12
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On Sun, 2012-01-15 at 14:54 -0800, islaysteve wrote:
> Since I took the time to explore the links that Bobby provided, I've
> answered most of my questions: It looks like a moderate climb out of
> Frostburg for 10+ miles to the Eastern Continental Divide (cool), and
> then moderate downhill all the way. Pretty good for an out-of-shape
> geezer like me. The GAP looks incredible and I'd really like to ride
> it; if not on this trip, in the future. If I decide to join, I will
> be riding my Bleriot fitted with Pari-Motos. I assume that this would
> be sufficient?

It would be perfect. The GAP is a crushed limestone surface, very well
packed, no loose top layer at all, and great drainage. It rained for 2
days when I was on it, and had rained heavily for days before we got
there, and we saw 1 puddle for the entire distance from McKeesport to
Cumberland.


> I would also still be interested in any details of the ride,
> especially the first day. Also, I'm not sure how the second day with
> possible side trip to Fallingwater would work, but most likely I would
> sit out that side trip. Thanks for planning this Bobby. Cheers,
> Steve
>
>
>

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robert zeidler

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Jan 15, 2012, 6:22:17 PM1/15/12
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I signed up for the Adventure Cycling tour along this route in
September, to do some riding in a "social setting", hopefully.

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Montclair BobbyB

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Jan 15, 2012, 9:57:51 PM1/15/12
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We still have a few things to work out, including shuttle, lodging,
etc...

The goal of the ride is to appeal to a wide group by making it
interesting and challenging, but not necessarily difficult. The
scenery will be spectacular. No rider will be left behind.

According to the GAP website, distances are as follows:

Frostburg to Confluence: 47 miles, the first 9-10 miles uphill
(gaining approx 500 feet of elevation.. not too severe); then it's all
downhill to Connellsville
Confluence to Connellsville: 28 miles

So the first part of Day 1 will be the most challenging part, and it
will be a fairly full day of riding, albeit at a moderate to leisurely
pace.
Day 2 should be much easier, with or without a sidetrip to
FallingWater.

BB

islaysteve

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Jan 16, 2012, 7:28:05 AM1/16/12
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Thanks for the info, Bobby and Steve.  Sounds like fun, I'm seriously considering it.  Steve

ascpgh

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Jan 14, 2012, 5:26:25 AM1/14/12
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Man, oh man. I'm 98% in (the work schedule pending).

Done the GAP/C&O and ride the Pittsburgh/Ohiopyle leg often. The GAP
trail mileage is shorter than the drive.

ANDY
Pittsburgh

On Jan 12, 11:24 pm, Montclair BobbyB <montclairbob...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> OK, it's a new year, and I'm starting to get excited about Riv Rally
> East 2012.  Here's the quick skinny on this year's plan (so far):
>
> This year I'm planning the 2-day Rally to ride along the Great
> Allegheny Passage, from Frostburg, MD to Connellsville, PA.
>
> To get you psyched up, here are a few links:
>
> http://www.atatrail.org/index.cfmhttp://www.flickr.com/groups/great_allegheny_passage/

dan gee

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Jan 14, 2012, 10:10:33 PM1/14/12
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The trail is still missing a small portion going through the
Sandcastle waterpark - it was supposed to have been completed by the
winter, but it ran a little behind schedule and is slated to be
completed in the spring now. They seemed to be mostly done with it
when last I passed, so that estimate certainly seems believable.
-Dan

Marc Irwin

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Jan 15, 2012, 9:56:00 AM1/15/12
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I'm.psych'd, it's on my calendar.

Marc

On Jan 12, 10:24 pm, Montclair BobbyB <montclairbob...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> OK, it's a new year, and I'm starting to get excited about Riv Rally
> East 2012.  Here's the quick skinny on this year's plan (so far):
>
> This year I'm planning the 2-day Rally to ride along the Great
> Allegheny Passage, from Frostburg, MD to Connellsville, PA.
>
> To get you psyched up, here are a few links:
>
> http://www.atatrail.org/index.cfmhttp://www.flickr.com/groups/great_allegheny_passage/

Gary

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Jan 17, 2012, 3:55:23 PM1/17/12
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Sounds like fun. It's on my calendar, and hopefully the work schedule will be cooperative!

gary

Zack

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Jan 17, 2012, 5:00:16 PM1/17/12
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Anyone driving down from New England?

I am in VT, would love to do this, but would probably want to split the costs/hassle of driving to MD with someone.  Message me offline if you want to figure something out!

Rusty

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Jan 19, 2012, 12:06:07 PM1/19/12
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I'm putting this on the calendar now!

New to Riv, and looking forward to a local(I'm from Pittsburgh),
ride. I'll follow this link for updates.

Anyone from the Pittsburgh area planning to join? We can head down
together.


Rusty

On Jan 12, 11:24 pm, Montclair BobbyB <montclairbob...@gmail.com>

islaysteve

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Jan 19, 2012, 1:28:49 PM1/19/12
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Bobby, I've been looking around on the GAP website and i went to some of the shuttle sites listed.  I see that there are limited choices.  For your advance planning purposes, please put me down for the trip, and I will need a shuttle for my bike and myself from Connellsville back to Frostburg.  Threre is a possibility of a second person coming with me also.  I hope that you can arrange shuttle service as I imagine it would be a make or break factor for many considering this trip.  It looks like a great rode and I'm looking forward to hearing more about the plans as they unfold.  Thanks for organizing this!  Steve
 

Montclair BobbyB

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Jan 19, 2012, 4:54:10 PM1/19/12
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Steve:

The success of this ride will depend on a solution for shuttling
riders (since it is a point-to-point ride). I've got inquiries out to
half a dozen shuttle services; between them we should be able to find
a solution. Depending on their capability, it may require shuttling
in advance or at the end of the ride; for example, meeting in
Connellsville on Friday evening, leaving cars and getting shuttled
(with bikes) back to Frostburg, or meeting in Frostburg on Friday
evening / Saturday morning, and getting shuttled (with bikes) from
Connellsville on Sunday. Hopefully they can offer both services, and
individuals can choose. We'll need to remain flexible.

The other critical factor will be reserving lodging on Sat night in
Confluence. I'm trying to reserve a guest house that should
comfortably accommodate 12, but we may need to supplement that with
other choices if we have a larger group.

At some point I may require a firm commitment in the form of a
deposit. That may be the only way to ensure our reservations. But we
still have time, so in the mean time I'll just keep exploring our
options.

BB

islaysteve

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Jan 19, 2012, 7:22:42 PM1/19/12
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Bobby, thanks again for your efforts.  I will be flexible for the situation.  Deposit is definitely a given.  
Steve

Allingham II, Thomas J

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Jan 20, 2012, 12:43:10 PM1/20/12
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Steve: Would Jack Brown Greens (the lighter weight version) be okay on the trail, or do I (ideally, anyway) need something fatter and sturdier? Tom

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Sean Whelan

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Jan 20, 2012, 3:01:06 PM1/20/12
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I have ridden this portion of the trail on Panaracer Pasela 32s Non-TG and was just fine. 5 of us rode from Pittsburgh to DC in 5 days and had nary a flat among us. Tires ranged from 28mm "touring tires" to lightweight Vittoria Cyclocross tires.

I think you'll be fine.

Cheers,
Sean

--- On Fri, 1/20/12, Allingham II, Thomas J <Thomas.A...@skadden.com> wrote:

Jim Thill - Hiawatha Cyclery

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Jan 20, 2012, 3:03:37 PM1/20/12
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The JB Greens work great on gravel and crushed limestone of the type Steve P described. No promises that you won't get a flat or six, but I never flatted them riding around Minneapolis several hundred miles last summer...until I went out to Oregon and flatted numerous times on thorns.

Steve Palincsar

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Jan 20, 2012, 5:02:31 PM1/20/12
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In my group, I was the only one to have a flat - on a CdlV - and that, I
think, was a fluke. The GAP surface isn't "sharp".

There's a GAP flickr group pool
http://www.flickr.com/groups/great_allegheny_passage/pool/show/
with over 2,000 photos. You can get a good idea of what the surface
looks like viewing the slide show.

Steve Palincsar

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Jan 20, 2012, 5:16:21 PM1/20/12
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On Fri, 2012-01-20 at 12:43 -0500, Allingham II, Thomas J wrote:
> Steve: Would Jack Brown Greens (the lighter weight version) be okay
> on the trail, or do I (ideally, anyway) need something fatter and
> sturdier?

Many people think 33.33mm wide tires are plenty fat for seriously bad
gravel roads like those on the Deerfield Dirt Road Randonnee - which is
far rougher than the surface of the GAP.

All "crushed limestone" is not created equal. I was on the Greenbrier
Trail in West Virginia, also paved with crushed limestone, last summer
(finished up on Earthquake Day). There, the top surface - maybe 1/2
inch or so - is loose, with a firm bottom under that. You get up out of
the saddle and whoopsie! the rear end acts like it's on ball bearings.
Nothing at all like that on the GAP. There, at least when I was there,
the surface is solid all the way from top to bottom. In other words,
you don't sink in much so wide floation's not so critical.

On the final stretch from Frostburg to Cumberland, the steep part, we
saw a couple of roadies on 23mm racing tires heading up towards
Frostburg.

Montclair BobbyB

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Jan 20, 2012, 6:43:10 PM1/20/12
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I'm waiting on several shuttle services to respond to my requests.
Only one has gotten back to me, and they require that we rent an
entire bus... Unless we have 40 people it may not be practical.

One option I'm considering will be to start in Cumberland, MD, booking
a hotel close to the Cumberland Amtrak station for Friday night (as
long as I can leave my bike and gear in my hotel room or some other
secure place). The Capitol Limited runs daily from Connellsville to
Cumberland (at 6:30 AM!!!).
We could drive our cars up to Connellsville early on Saturday, park
them and hop the Capitol Limited back to Cumberland, where we would
check out and ride to the trail. That's a $17 solution (plus a few
hours of lost sleep)... It also makes for a slightly later start on
Saturday morning, and adds 16 miles of uphill from Cumberland... no
big deal, right??

BB

islaysteve

unread,
Jan 20, 2012, 7:49:41 PM1/20/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
The early hour and drive I could do, extra uphill maybe.  But I need to get in a bit of shape before then. I know that sounds sorry.  Would prefer another solution if possible.  Steve

Montclair BobbyB

unread,
Jan 20, 2012, 11:28:40 PM1/20/12
to RBW Owners Bunch
Steve:

That's the fallback option... The first choice would be for Amtrak to
get their sh** together and allow roll-on/roll-off for bikes (but I
won't hold my breath)
Second choice would be to get a shuttle service to transport people
and bikes between the finish and the start (which I'm working on)
Third choice might be for people to use multiple vehicles to shuttle
themselves (if the first 2 options don't materialize)
And then there's another variation of the "last" choice: do it a day
early. In other words, get a hotel for Thursday night in Cumberland,
do the car-shuttle-train thing Friday morning, then spend the entire
day (Friday) taking your time, riding the climb at a leisurely pace,
spend the night in Frostburg and meet up with everyone Sat morning.
That might be a nice warmup ride.

I have also checked into bus service between Connellsville and
Cumberland, but I haven't found anything yet. That would be ideal,
especially if the bus operator would allow bikes unboxed in the cargo
area; you could drop your car in C'ville and shuttle down to C'land.

Boy, so many options...

Peace,
BB

islaysteve

unread,
Jan 21, 2012, 5:33:33 AM1/21/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Bobby, Yes, so many options. Thanks again for all the time and organizing you're putting into this ride.  I too was thinking about options and wondering if I could do something along the lines of your third choice (people doing the shuttle with a combination of vehicles).  Anyway, I'm hoping for the best solution, one that's close to the original plan.  Cheers, Steve

islaysteve

unread,
Jan 21, 2012, 9:45:56 AM1/21/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Bobby I was discussing the logistics with my wife this morning and she came up with a suggestion (sorry if you've already thought of this): What about renting a one-way U-haul truck from Connellville to Frostburg or Cumberland?  It would only require one of the riders (or two) to drive it back to the starting point.   According to the U-haul site, it's about $80 for a truck large enough, including mileage (that's to Frostburg).  Anyway, I know it doesn't solve all of the problems, but it sort of takes the bike part out of the equation.  Anyway, good luck and thanks again.  Steve

Bruce Oppenheim

unread,
Jan 21, 2012, 7:58:04 AM1/21/12
to RBW Owners Bunch
Bobby,
Logistics is an issue. It's still early for me and I've only had my
first cup of coffee....

My friend and I camped the entire route except one nasty rainy night
where we found a bunk house and spent the night. Nice primitive
campgrounds along the way.

Wonder if we can work this into a scenario - rent a U haul truck one
way. Start in Connellsville ride to Cumberland. Rent a one way truck
at the end (Cumberland) & pile all the bikes, gear and people in the
truck and drive back to the start. It's kind of a crazy and I'm not
sure the legality...

OR

I will need Rick to commit or grab another friend for this one...
We meet in Cumberland, rent a round trip passenger van. Once everyone
is in town, leave the bikes and gear in Cumberland and everyone drives
to Connellsville to leave their cars. Jump back in the van and return
to Cumberland, return van. Start the ride the next day.

Regards,
Bruce

Allingham II, Thomas J

unread,
Jan 23, 2012, 9:37:34 AM1/23/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
That climb might affect bike choice, though -- probably push me away from my current thinking that I might do the ride on my QB (as my son Sam was, as well). But we'll make it work, whatever the decision is.

BB

--

Montclair BobbyB

unread,
Jan 25, 2012, 6:57:59 PM1/25/12
to RBW Owners Bunch
Shuttle Update: Good news... Wilderness Voyageurs (WV) provided me
with what I consider a very reasonable rate for 2 vans (to shuttle
approx 25 passengers plus bikes and gear). They have a large rack on
top of one van, and a box trailer for the balance of the bikes and
gear. The price quote is $415, which translates to roughly $17 per
person (if we have 25), or $28 per person (if we have 15), etc... you
get the idea. We pay for the vans and trailer, regardless of the
number of people. Either way I think that's a very reasonable price
(compared to other quotes for large buses). I would like to propose
leaving our cars in Cumberland (or optionally Frostburg) and getting
shuttled back on Sunday (I will explain why in a moment).

WV is located in Ohiopyle. PA just off the trail. As we pass through
Ohiopyle on Sunday (Apr 22), we CAN opt to use WV to shuttle us up to
Fallingwater, IF folks would like to take a tour. The cost would be
$25 per van (from WV HQ), which adds only $2 per person. I have sent
in an inquiry to the Fallingwater people requesting a group tour rate
(normally $22 individually). We'll see if they can accommodate a
group of 25 for the Noon time slot; THEN it's up to us to decide
whether we'd like to include this tour or not. Another option would
be to have a nice, relaxing lunch in Ohiopyle. I'd like your
thoughts, please.

Next up will be a decision on lodging and shuttle options. The WV
folks made a pretty good case for leaving our cars in Cumberland MD,
citing better parking options, and actually by leaving cars in
Cumberland, another advantage would be to allow late arrivals on
Friday night (or even Saturday morning), by not having to pre-shuttle
at a predetermined time. Moreover, we can check in with WV at
Ohiopyle on Sunday, and provide a pretty accurate time estimate for
when we'll need pickup in Connellsville, which is 17 miles down
river. The disadvantage to this is that it tacks on additional time
and distance for our friends coming from the North. But Sunday will
be a shorter day, and I'd anticipate arriving in Connellsville around
3, putting us back in Cumberland by around 5 PM.

For those who would prefer to start in Frostburg (which is 16 miles up
trail from Cumberland), this would give you a later start on Sat AM
(while you wait for the rally to catch up) and it would spare you 16
miles of additional climbing (albeit at a gradual 1% grade or less).
I'm sure we can convince the WV crew to drop people in Frostburg on
the way back into Cumberland on Sunday, but they may tack on a small
surcharge. Another option for those wishing to start from Frostburg
on Saturday would be to arrive in Cumberland during the day on Friday,
leaving your car in Cumberland, then riding 16 miles to Frostburg "up
the climb" to a hotel in Frostburg... then you can "sleep in" on Sat
while the rest of us huff and puff our way up to meet you.

Finally, for lodging options in Confluence, I would strongly recommend
reserving the Paddlers Lane Retreat guest house, which can accommodate
at least a dozen, and costs about $425 a night (which is a bargain if
we fill it). Here's a link to their site - http://www.paddlerslane.com/id9.html.

There are other B&B accommodations that folks can make on their own,
with prices and quality of accommodations varying; Here's the link to
Google maps that lists and shows where these lodging choices are:
http://tinyurl.com/6wj6bgq You can decide.

SO WHAT I AM ASKING FROM THOSE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING RIV RALLY EAST
2012 INCLUDES:

- As soon as possible, a verbal commitment to attend (and I may
request a deposit for the shuttle and lodging (if I book the Paddlers
Guest House).
- A lodging preference, either: A. I would like to stay with the
masses in the Paddlers Lane Guest House (if avail), and although I am
guaranteed a bed, it may not be a queen bed, we'll draw straws... or
B. I would like to make my own lodging arrangements.
- Preferred starting point; Cumberland, MD (62 miles to Confluence on
Day 1, approx the first 25 miles are gradual uphill) vs Frostburg, MD
(47 miles to Confluence on Day 1, approx the first 10 miles are
gradual uphill). And for those preferring Frostburg, do you need to
A. Park in Frostburg or B. Park in Cumberland and ride to Frostburg
ahead of the Rally.
- A (Yes/No) vote on a Fallingwater tour - Assuming we shuttle via
bus, and take a Noon tour... Figure 1-2 hours total, and will cost
approx $20 per person.

Thanks, this information will greatly help me plan the logistics.
Later this evening I will provide a list of available hotel choices
for Cumberland and Frostburg, which folks can opt to stay at Friday
evening, or choose a hotel outside of the area, your choice, and you
can make those arrangements on your own.

If you have any questions, feel free to call me on my cell (908)
303-6887 or email me at Montcla...@gmail.com

Thanks,
BB









Montclair BobbyB

unread,
Jan 25, 2012, 10:09:24 PM1/25/12
to RBW Owners Bunch
Additional Info:

Lodging

In Cumberland, MD
http://www.atatrail.org/tmi/get_amenities_city.cfm?PassCity=Cumberland&Map=1

In Frostburg, MD
http://www.atatrail.org/tmi/get_amenities_city.cfm?PassCity=Frostburg&Map=1
http://www.atatrail.org/docs/frostburgbrochure.pdf

In Confluence, PA
http://www.atatrail.org/tmi/get_amenities_city.cfm?PassCity=Confluence&Map=2
http://www.atatrail.org/docs/confluencebrochure.pdf


Long Term Parking

In Cumberland, MD
- Under I68 at Howard St and S. Mechanic St (free long-term parking
for C&O trail)
- At N. Mechanic and Frederick - Public Pay Lot ($4/day?)
- Reference: Web Site - http://bikewashington.org/canal/plan-parking.php

In Frostburg, MD
- Trailhead parking on Depot Street
- Reference: Web site - http://www.atatrail.org/docs/frostburgbrochure.pdf

In Connellsville, PA
- Northern tip of 3rd St, under Hwy 119
- Reference: Web site - http://www.atatrail.org/docs/connellsvillebrochure.pdf

Peace,

BB



On Jan 25, 6:57 pm, Montclair BobbyB <montclairbob...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> we fill it).  Here's a link to their site -http://www.paddlerslane.com/id9.html.
> 303-6887 or email me at MontclairBob...@gmail.com
>
> Thanks,
> BB

Allingham II, Thomas J

unread,
Jan 26, 2012, 10:27:40 AM1/26/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com, MontclairBobbyB

- As soon as possible, a verbal commitment to attend (and I may request a deposit for the shuttle and lodging (if I book the Paddlers Guest House).  Sam Allingham and Tom Allingham are in; one additional rider is a distinct possibility.

- A lodging preference, either:  A. I would like to stay with the masses in the Paddlers Lane Guest House (if avail), and although I am guaranteed a bed, it may not be a queen bed, we'll draw straws...  or B. I would like to make my own lodging arrangements.  Option A preferable for us.


- A starting point; Cumberland, MD (62 miles to Confluence on Day 1, approx the first 25 miles are gradual uphill) vs Frostburg, MD  We'd prefer Cumberland.


(47 miles to Confluence on Day 1, approx the first 10 miles are gradual uphill).  And for those preferring Frostburg, do you need to A. Park in Frostburg or B. Park in Cumberland and ride to Frostburg ahead of the Rally.

- A (Yes/No) vote on a Fallingwater tour - Assuming we shuttle via bus, and take a Noon tour... Figure 1-2 hours total, and will cost approx $20 per person.  We'd love to do the Fallingwater side trip

-----Original Message-----
From: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com [mailto:rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Montclair BobbyB
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 6:58 PM
To: RBW Owners Bunch
--
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Allingham II, Thomas J

unread,
Jan 26, 2012, 12:11:44 PM1/26/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Another committed: 3 Allinghams total

-----Original Message-----
From: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com [mailto:rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Montclair BobbyB
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 6:58 PM
To: RBW Owners Bunch

Thanks,
BB

--

Minh

unread,
Jan 26, 2012, 2:13:55 PM1/26/12
to RBW Owners Bunch
Bobby,

With the updates, are the mileage estimates still valid for day 1 and
day 2? I'm just trying to plan and have a think about whether i can
handle the distance, especially coming out of winter hibernation.

Montclair BobbyB

unread,
Jan 26, 2012, 7:21:44 PM1/26/12
to RBW Owners Bunch
Minh:

The GAP Trail web site has lots of great info... check it out -
http://www.atatrail.org/

The mileage chart on the site indicates it's a total of 62 miles on
Day 1 from Cumberland to Confluence, or 47 miles from Frostburg to
Confluence.

The elevation chart indicates from Cumberland to the Continental
Divide is roughly 1800 feet of climb over 25 miles. (Don't be
dissuaded by the steepness of the terrain on the graph; the elevation
gain really averages out to only roughly 72 feet per mile, and the
grade gets no worse than 1.5% at any point. While it is technically
uphill, this is not Alpe d'Huez by any stretch of the imagination). I
hope you'll consider joining, whether from Cumberland, or you'll have
the option to start from Frostburg and rendezvous with the Cumberland
Rallyers. No rider will be left behind, and this will be a steady but
leisurely, fun pace, I promise.

Also, I hereby declare Winter as OVER... please come out of
hibernation immediately.

Peace,
Bobby

Sean Whelan

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Jan 26, 2012, 10:34:29 AM1/26/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Side Note:
We (group of 5 cyclists) stayed in the Paddler's Lane guest house in 2006. It was great. Highly Recommended.

Thanks,
Sean



--- On Thu, 1/26/12, Allingham II, Thomas J <Thomas.A...@skadden.com> wrote:

From: Allingham II, Thomas J <Thomas.A...@skadden.com>

Thomas Nezovich

unread,
Feb 3, 2012, 8:09:43 PM2/3/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Bobby, This is TOM NEZOVICH, RBW'er from Cleveland. I would like to be included in this year's Riv Rally East

I could start in Cumberland or Frostburg. I will be starting from Cumberland in either case.

I would like to be included in the Paddlers Lane Retreat guest house accommodation.

I will NOT need the shuttles to return to Cumberland. ( I'll be riding back...retired is nice.)

I will go to Fallingwater if you need another to fill out a group but I am not planning on it.

Tom Nezovich

Marc Irwin

unread,
Feb 6, 2012, 10:03:55 PM2/6/12
to RBW Owners Bunch
I intend to be there and will stay with the masses at the Paddlers. I
have no preferencefor the starting point. You know the terrain better
than I. I have no preference about the falling waters ( I've seen a
lot of FLW, but one more won't hurt either.). Let me know the what
when and where of the deposits and I'll make the rest of my plans.

Marc

On Jan 26, 10:27 am, "Allingham II, Thomas J"
<Thomas.Alling...@skadden.com> wrote:
> - As soon as possible, a verbal commitment to attend (and I may request a deposit for the shuttle and lodging (if I book the Paddlers Guest House).  Sam Allingham and Tom Allingham are in; one additional rider is a distinct possibility.
>
> - A lodging preference, either:  A. I would like to stay with the masses in the Paddlers Lane Guest House (if avail), and although I am guaranteed a bed, it may not be a queen bed, we'll draw straws...  or B. I would like to make my own lodging arrangements.  Option A preferable for us.
>
> - A starting point; Cumberland, MD (62 miles to Confluence on Day 1, approx the first 25 miles are gradual uphill) vs Frostburg, MD  We'd prefer Cumberland.
> (47 miles to Confluence on Day 1, approx the first 10 miles are gradual uphill).  And for those preferring Frostburg, do you need to A. Park in Frostburg or B. Park in Cumberland and ride to Frostburg ahead of the Rally.
>
> - A (Yes/No) vote on a Fallingwater tour - Assuming we shuttle via bus, and take a Noon tour... Figure 1-2 hours total, and will cost approx $20 per person.  We'd love to do the Fallingwater side trip
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com [mailto:rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Montclair BobbyB
> Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 6:58 PM
> To: RBW Owners Bunch
> Subject: [RBW] Re: Riv Rally East 2012
>
> Shuttle Update:  Good news... Wilderness Voyageurs (WV) provided me with what I consider a very reasonable rate for 2 vans (to shuttle approx 25 passengers plus bikes and gear).  They have a large rack on top of one van, and a box trailer for the balance of the bikes and gear.  The price quote is $415, which translates to roughly $17 per person (if we have 25), or $28 per person (if we have 15), etc... you get the idea.  We pay for the vans and trailer, regardless of the number of people.  Either way I think that's a very reasonable price (compared to other quotes for large buses).  I would like to propose leaving our cars in Cumberland (or optionally Frostburg) and getting shuttled back on Sunday (I will explain why in a moment).
>
> WV is located in Ohiopyle. PA just off the trail.  As we pass through Ohiopyle on Sunday (Apr 22), we CAN opt to use WV to shuttle us up to Fallingwater, IF folks would like to take a tour.  The cost would be
> $25 per van (from WV HQ), which adds only $2 per person.  I have sent in an inquiry to the Fallingwater people requesting a group tour rate (normally $22 individually).  We'll see if they can accommodate a group of 25 for the Noon time slot; THEN it's up to us to decide whether we'd like to include this tour or not.  Another option would be to have a nice, relaxing lunch in Ohiopyle.  I'd like your thoughts, please.
>
> Next up will be a decision on lodging and shuttle options.  The WV folks made a pretty good case for leaving our cars in Cumberland MD, citing better parking options, and actually by leaving cars in Cumberland, another advantage would be to allow late arrivals on Friday night (or even Saturday morning), by not having to pre-shuttle at a predetermined time.  Moreover, we can check in with WV at Ohiopyle on Sunday, and provide a pretty accurate time estimate for when we'll need pickup in Connellsville, which is 17 miles down river.  The disadvantage to this is that it tacks on additional time and distance for our friends coming from the North.  But Sunday will be a shorter day, and I'd anticipate arriving in Connellsville around 3, putting us back in Cumberland by around 5 PM.
>
> For those who would prefer to start in Frostburg (which is 16 miles up trail from Cumberland), this would give you a later start on Sat AM (while you wait for the rally to catch up) and it would spare you 16 miles of additional climbing (albeit at a gradual 1% grade or less).
> I'm sure we can convince the WV crew to drop people in Frostburg on the way back into Cumberland on Sunday, but they may tack on a small surcharge.  Another option for those wishing to start from Frostburg on Saturday would be to arrive in Cumberland during the day on Friday, leaving your car in Cumberland, then riding 16 miles to Frostburg "up the climb" to a hotel in Frostburg... then you can "sleep in" on Sat while the rest of us huff and puff our way up to meet you.
>
> Finally, for lodging options in Confluence, I would strongly recommend reserving the Paddlers Lane Retreat guest house, which can accommodate at least a dozen, and costs about $425 a night (which is a bargain if we fill it).  Here's a link to their site -http://www.paddlerslane.com/id9.html.
>
> There are other B&B accommodations that folks can make on their own, with prices and quality of accommodations varying; Here's the link to Google maps that lists and shows where these lodging choices are:http://tinyurl.com/6wj6bgq You can decide.
>
> SO WHAT I AM ASKING FROM THOSE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING RIV RALLY EAST
> 2012 INCLUDES:
>
> - As soon as possible, a verbal commitment to attend (and I may request a deposit for the shuttle and lodging (if I book the Paddlers Guest House).
> - A lodging preference, either:  A. I would like to stay with the masses in the Paddlers Lane Guest House (if avail), and although I am guaranteed a bed, it may not be a queen bed, we'll draw straws...  or B. I would like to make my own lodging arrangements.
> - Preferred starting point; Cumberland, MD (62 miles to Confluence on Day 1, approx the first 25 miles are gradual uphill) vs Frostburg, MD
> (47 miles to Confluence on Day 1, approx the first 10 miles are gradual uphill).  And for those preferring Frostburg, do you need to A. Park in Frostburg or B. Park in Cumberland and ride to Frostburg ahead of the Rally.
> - A (Yes/No) vote on a Fallingwater tour - Assuming we shuttle via bus, and take a Noon tour... Figure 1-2 hours total, and will cost approx $20 per person.
>
> Thanks, this information will greatly help me plan the logistics.
> Later this evening I will provide a list of available hotel choices for Cumberland and Frostburg, which folks can opt to stay at Friday evening, or choose a hotel outside of the area, your choice, and you can make those arrangements on your own.
>
> If you have any questions, feel free to call me on my cell (908)
> 303-6887 or email me at MontclairBob...@gmail.com

Montclair BobbyB

unread,
Feb 7, 2012, 11:58:25 AM2/7/12
to RBW Owners Bunch
Thanks, Marc.

We're just about at capacity at the Paddler's Lane, but there are
other B&Bs in town that hopefully will be suitable (see my previous
post with links).
Something else to consider: CAMPING (by the way) IS an option at
Paddler's Lane, if any of you are so inclined. It's inexpensive, they
have open lawn to pitch tents, use of the house facilities, and
they've built a brand new bath house that they are very proud of (with
nice showers and toilets). If the weather cooperates, this could be a
nice option.

We also are approaching capacity on our first shuttle van (we're at
10, with a capacity of 12). Some riders won't need shuttle service,
and instead will be doing the extended out-and-back. But before I
commit to a second van, we will need to have at least another 6 riders
(for it to be cost-effective). We'll find a way to accommodate
everyones' lodging and shuttle needs.

I've also booked a van for the Falling Water Tour. That will last
approx 2 hours. Those who prefer to opt out of the tour, of course
you'll be free to spend the time in Ohiopyle (or to just continue on
to Connellsville).

So if you're considering joining us for Riv Rally East, PLEASE try to
firm up your plans and let me know ASAP.

For those who have committed so far, thank you; I'll send out the list
of names that I have (this evening), and I will be asking for a
deposit. Stay tuned.

THANKS!!!!

BB

Montclair BobbyB

unread,
Feb 7, 2012, 11:05:59 PM2/7/12
to RBW Owners Bunch
The Paddlers Lane Guest House has 3 queen beds, 8 singles, a sofabed
and a sofa, so it will (arguably) sleep 12 comfortably, or 13 with one
on the sofa. Below is the list of the first 13 responses (Rusty, I'm
trying to keep your group together, I'm happy to take the couch)... we
can shift people around if they'd rather move to a B&B, but in general
any additional folks will need to reserve with one of the several
other B&Bs and Inns available in Confluence. Apologies, you should
have no problem finding a suitable place. If you have any unconfirmed
friends joining us later and you need to opt out for a different B&B,
please let me know. And there's camping available at Paddlers Lane
for about $7 per person.

Riv Rallyer Paddler's Lane Shuttle
Falling Water Tour Deposit Needed

Bob Birmingham Y
Y Y $75
Tom Allingham Y
Y Y $75
Hank Allingham Y
Y Y $75
Sam Allingham Y
Y Y $75
Steve Palincsar Y
Y Y $75
Norm Rosenbloom Y
Y Y $75
Bruce Oppenheim Y
Y Y $75
John Philip Y
N Y $55
Andy Philip Y
Y Y $75
Tom Nezovich Y
N Y $55
Rusty Click Y
N N $75
Rusty Guest 1 Y
N N $50
Rusty Guest 2 Y
N N $75
Mark Irwin N
Y Y $25

Total Confirmed 13
9 11

Any others who care to join us, please confirm when you can.

Would you kindly drop me a check in the mail at your convenience.
Thanks!

Bobby Birmingham
94 Matthews Farm Road
Belle Mead, NJ 08502

Peace,
BB


On Feb 7, 11:58 am, Montclair BobbyB <montclairbob...@gmail.com>
wrote:
> Thanks, Marc.
>
> We're just about at capacity at the Paddler's Lane, but there are
> other B&Bs in town that hopefully will be suitable (see my previous
> post with links).
> Something else to consider:  CAMPING (by the way) IS an option at
> Paddler's Lane, if any of you are so inclined.  It's inexpensive, they
> have open lawn to pitch tents, use of the house facilities, and
> they've built a brand new bath house that they are very proud of (with
> nice showers and toilets).  If the weather cooperates, this could be a
> nice option.
>
> We also are approaching capacity on our first shuttle van (we're at
> 10, with a capacity of 12).  Some riders won't need shuttle service,
> and instead will be doing the extended out-and-back.  But before I
> commit to a second van, we will need to have at least another 6 riders
> (for it to be cost-effective).  We'll find a way to accommodate
> everyones' lodging and shuttle needs.
>
> I've also booked a van for the Falling Water Tour.  That will last
> approx 2 hours.  Those who prefer to opt out of the tour, of course
> you'll be free to spend the time in Ohiopyle (or to just continue on
> to Connellsville).
>
> So if you're considering joining us forRivRallyEast, PLEASE try to
> > > For those who would prefer to start in Frostburg (which is 16 miles up trail from Cumberland), this would give you a later start on Sat AM (while you wait for therallyto catch up) and it would spare you 16 miles of additional climbing (albeit at a gradual 1% grade or less).
> ...
>
> read more »

Larry Powers

unread,
Feb 8, 2012, 10:24:11 AM2/8/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Could you please post the itinerary for this tirp?  I have tried to piece it together by looking through the messages but have not been able to do so.  I have been planning a DC to Pittsburgh trip on the trails and if I could plan it to overlap with the rally that would be fun.

Thanks.

Larry Powers
 
Get a bicycle.  You will not regret it if you live. - Mark Twain


> Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 20:05:59 -0800

> Subject: [RBW] Re: Riv Rally East 2012

Montclair BobbyB

unread,
Feb 8, 2012, 3:10:58 PM2/8/12
to RBW Owners Bunch
Larry:

Here's the plan:

First in a nutshell: We ride from Cumberland, MD to Confluence, PA on
Day 1 (Sat, Apr 21) which is 62 miles, then Confluence to
Connellsville PA on Day 2 (Sun Apr 22) which is only 28 miles, where
we get shuttled back to Cumberland (people, bikes and gear).

The distance on Day 1 is 62 miles, the first 25 of which are
technically uphill, although since this is a former railroad route,
the pitch is NOT steep, just gradual, approx 72 feet climb per mile,
which ain't too bad. Some may opt to tackle this climb in 2 stages,
by arriving in Cumberland earlier on Friday, parking, and departing
for Frostburg 16 miles up the trail, where they will spend Friday
night.

Saturday morning we'll assemble in Cumberland for an early start. I
will likely arrive and stay in Cumberland on Friday night, but it's up
to you where you stay, as long as you are in Cumberland for the start,
(exact time TBD). At some point we'll need to rendezvous with the
Frostburg group, depending on where they prefer to meet us; either in
Frostburg, or perhaps further up the trail (say at the top of the
Divide) if they would prefer to get an early start and ride the final
10 miles of incline at their own pace up to the Divide; either way we
will rendezvous. From the top of the Divide we will continue on
(nearly 40 miles of decline) to Confluence, where we'll check in to
wherever we're staying, then perhaps meet in Confluence for a group
dinner.

Sunday morning we'll assemble in Confluence for our first leg of the
ride to Ohiopyle, where folks can either: take a Fallingwater Tour
(approx $25 with bus), hang around Ohiopyle, or continue on to
Connellsville. After the tour, we'll continue to Connellsville where
our shuttle (back to Cumberland) will meet us.

You should expect to be back in Cumberland by approx 5:30 Sunday.

I hope that helps. More info contained in this thread, including
links to lodging options and parking info.

Peace,

BB



- Depart Cumberland, MD Saturday morning (April 21), ride 62 miles to
Confluence PA, where we'll spend the night.
- Depart Confluence, PA Sunday morning, ride

On Feb 8, 10:24 am, Larry Powers <lapower...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Could you please post the itinerary for this tirp?  I have tried to piece it together by looking through the messages but have not been able to do so.  I have been planning a DC to Pittsburgh trip on the trails and if I could plan it to overlap with the rally that would be fun.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Larry Powers
>
> Get a bicycle.  You will not regret it if you live. - Mark Twain
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 20:05:59 -0800
> > Subject: [RBW] Re: Riv Rally East 2012
> > From: montclairbob...@gmail.com
> ...
>
> read more »

islaysteve

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Feb 8, 2012, 5:24:55 PM2/8/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com

It’s increasingly unlikely that I will be able to ride this one, but I wanted to put in my 2 cents about Fallingwater for anyone who’s  considering (or not considering) the side trip:  Do it.  You may have seen other Wright houses and buildings, or Wright and architecture may not be on your radar at all.  But I can tell you that Fallingwater is the crown jewel.  I can’t imagine anyone not being interested/impressed/awed by the concept, execution, beauty and accomplishment of this house, built during the Depression.  I’d say that it’s the second most famous house in America, but some may argue.  Were I to ride RivRally East 2012, I might not take the Fallingwater tour, because I’ve toured it about 8 times in the last 35 years.  Last time was last June, for a major birthday, when I had a trifecta:  Fallingwater, Kentuck Knob and 3 days staying in one of the Wright apprentice houses (Balter House) at Polymath Park, a bit further north in PA.  A memorable birthday, which is an understatement to be sure.  I will say that the tour is quite structured now, but that is out of necessity because of the volume of visitors.  It is still very interesting, the guides are very knowledgeable and I learn something new each time.   You won’t be disappointed.  


Again, thanks to Bobby for organizing this.  Looking forward to riding with you all, if not this time, some time.  Steve  

Montclair BobbyB

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Feb 8, 2012, 8:17:00 PM2/8/12
to RBW Owners Bunch
I hope you will be able to join after all, Steve, but if not this
year, this rally, maybe next year or another Riv Rally. Let's hope
there will be plenty.

Fallingwater is not simply a house. It's an extraordinary place... a
place that I could spend every day enjoying, let alone a mere hour-
long snapshot. One day I dream of building a place for my wife that
captures even just a small whiff of the same essence that Fallingwater
embodies.... Hah, I'm dreamin...

Bobby

Montclair BobbyB

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Mar 23, 2012, 7:32:55 PM3/23/12
to RBW Owners Bunch
Riv Rally East is less than a month away!

I think we pretty much have a final count (at 17), but I'm hoping a
few more rallyers will "rally" and join us.

I have been in email contact (directly or indirectly) with all who are
confirmed. If you have NOT received an email from me but are planning
to join, please contact me ASAP. The shuttle service we have reserved
to take us from our ending point in Connellsville PA on Sunday back to
our starting point in Cumberland MD is currently at capacity, as is
the Paddlers Lane Guest House in Confluence for Saturday night. If
you wish to join us, you may need to arrange for your own shuttle
service, unless we can get 8 additional riders (at which point we can
add another shuttle van). There should be lodging options available
in Confluence PA, so IF YOU ARE still interested in joining the Rally,
please contact me.

We'll have 17 riders meeting in Cumberland/Frostburg on Day 0. Day 1
we will ride 60+ miles over the Eastern Divide to Confluence PA,
across some breathtaking viaducts and through several massive
tunnels. We'll stay in Confluence overnight. On Day 2 (only 28
miles) we'll have a leisurely ride to Ohiopyle and the Youghigheny
River Gorge, then possibly a side trip to the famous Frank Lloyd
Wright FallingWater house before continuing on to Connellsville, where
most of us will be shuttled back to Cumberland; others will ride back
or continue on to Pittsburgh.

I can't tell you how excited I am about this ride. I've long wanted
to ride the Great Allegheny Passage, and to be among a group of like-
minded enthusiasts and awesome bicycles will make this ride extra
special.

Peace,
Bobby
> > Could you please post the itinerary for this tirp?  I have tried to piece it together by looking through the messages but have not been able to do so.  I have been planning a DC to Pittsburgh trip on the trails and if I could plan it to overlap with therallythat would be fun.
>
> > Thanks.
>
> > Larry Powers
>
> > Get a bicycle.  You will not regret it if you live. - Mark Twain
>
> > > Date: Tue, 7 Feb 2012 20:05:59 -0800
> > > Subject: [RBW] Re:RivRallyEast2012
> > > From: montclairbob...@gmail.com
> > > To: rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
>
> > > The Paddlers Lane Guest House has 3 queen beds, 8 singles, a sofabed
> > > and a sofa, so it will (arguably) sleep 12 comfortably, or 13 with one
> > > on the sofa. Below is the list of the first 13 responses (Rusty, I'm
> > > trying to keep your group together, I'm happy to take the couch)... we
> > > can shift people around if they'd rather move to a B&B, but in general
> > > any additional folks will need to reserve with one of the several
> > > other B&Bs and Inns available in Confluence. Apologies, you should
> > > have no problem finding a suitable place.  If you have any unconfirmed
> > > friends joining us later and you need to opt out for a different B&B,
> > > please let me know.  And there's camping available at Paddlers Lane
> > > for about $7 per person.
>
> > >RivRallyer                      Paddler's Lane        Shuttle
> ...
>
> read more »

Robert Zeidler

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Mar 24, 2012, 6:00:16 AM3/24/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Bobby I'm sorry to miss it again this year. I signed up for the Adventure Cycling C&O Canal Tour in Sept which pretty much chews the same dirt. So, next year perhaps.

Sent from my iPad

Minh

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Mar 24, 2012, 11:47:20 PM3/24/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Hi all,

For the folks coming from Virginia, if there is a possiblity of a car-pool please let me know.  I can't offer a vehicle as my car only carries one bike but would be happy to carpool and split the gas costs.  I'm flexible for Friday and would prefer to stay in Frostburg friday nite, but i can ride from Cumberland if thats where you want to start saturday.  
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