Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer and a fitting time to touch base for our C&O Canal Bike Camp. We are looking forward to a fun week (July 7-12) covering 184 miles for the full length of the canal, where we will explore places of historical and environmental significance. We will also get a great workout!
I am attaching a pack list for this camp. Since we are packing everything on our bikes, it is important that we be prepared, but at the same time judicious in what we pack. If you have questions about what to bring or not bring, feel free to contact me. Because we can not control the weather, I suggest that you separate and pack clothes (and other items you want to stay dry) in gallon ziplocks and put sleeping bags in trash bags. I will bring a couple extras of each so that if plastic bags get compromised along the way, I can replace them. If you do not have panniers or a bike rack, check out Amazon where there are very reasonably priced options. For other items, consider going to Casual Adventure and mention that you are with SolPlay to get a store discount.
PLEASE make sure you have a properly fitting mountain bike for this trip (if you don't have one, I'm sure you have a friend who does!) I'm guessing everyone on this trip is tall enough to be on a 26 inch wheel or bigger. (If you have a smaller bike with 24 inch wheels, I want to know) Have the bike checked out by a bike mechanic and get it tuned if necessary. Check out Phoenix Bikes for reasonably priced for tune ups. We will be scheduling a bicycle inspection and dry run pack date in the near future to be sure everyone is comfortable with their gear.
Finally, we will be arranging carpools to Cumberland - if you are available to drive up Sunday morning, please let me know.
PS - this camp still has a couple slots if you have friends looking for an adventure!
