Things You Learn on the Canal Towpath

Now that I've had a couple of days to relax, I wanted to jot down some thoughts about the trip. You know, the kind of stuff you WISH you would have known or planned for.  I think our crew did pretty well with planning but there are always some things you just don't think about.

Here's a running list:

1. On a trip like this, it's ALWAYS smart of have a head lamp on hand.
2. Speaking of headlamps, no one ever said there was a big ass tunnel we had to bike through.  Kinda creepy. This is why you need a headlamp!
3. When in Paw Paw, WV - eat at Grandma's Kitchen.  The country fried steak was the BOMB!!
4. Carry cash and at least one credit card that can handle emergencies (or cool things for your bike). While we didn't face any emergencies, Jake and I spent $100 or more fixing issues with a bike, buying biking shorts, getting bar ends, buying seat cushions, etc.  You just never know what you'll want or need.
5. There's a bunk house in Hancock at the C&O Bike Shop.  Word to the wise: Don't stay there alone (creepy drifter dude maintains the bunk house) and CHECK THE PORT-A-POTTIES!  These were by far THE worst port-a-potties I've ever seen in my entire life!  While it was only $10 to stay in the bunk house and we got a hot shower (which was nice), the port-a-potties made me want to throw up!
6. Understand that the Canal Towpath is a national park.  The port-a-potties were all pretty clean-FYI they clean them often.  When we started on Thursday, they had JUST cleaned them. oh so fresh!
7. When you're in Hancock, eat breakfast at Weaver's Restaurant.  REALLY GOOD BREAKFAST and nice sized portions for a more than fair price.  Oh, and they bake all their own breads!
8. Don't tow anything on your bike if you don't have to.  Towing extra weight is for the birds.
9. Camping along the path is fun. I recommend it. I also recommend bug spray, sparklers and a camera that you can slow down the shutter speed. SUCH FUN!
10. Be willing to talk to people. Think of it as a game where these strangers might offer a clue to the next stop.  Talking to strangers helped us out a few times.
11. Visit non-chain restaurants in each town.  Eating can be pricey (especially in Harper's Ferry) but you deserve it.  Your body will tell you want it needs. 
12. When it rains, it gets muddy.  Don't care about the dirt, just go with it.  Oh, and a rain poncho?  Leave it at home.  Waste of MONEY!
13. You only need two pairs of shoes. The ones you have on while biking and a pair you put on while you're not biking. 
14. Socks. Bring double the amount for the trip. # of days x 2 pair of socks. Dry feet are good feet.
15. Don't bike in a t-shirt. Buy clothing made of dri-fit material. T-shirts hold all of the sweat and get heavy.
16. No need to bring a full size towel. You'll never use it.
17. Bring a bar of soap. You can use it to wash up your clothing so it's not as rank and you can also freshen yourself up.
18. Men, your nipples may get raw from the shirt rubbing them while you're biking. Put bandaids or tape on them to prevent unneeded pain. It is uncomfortable!
19. Day one - your ass will be sore no matter HOW MUCH you've trained.
20. Day two - your ass will be REALLY SORE - it'll pass within the first 5 miles and you'll learn the butt shift dance.
21. Day three - You are in the ZONE. 
22. The last day - You'll wonder, is this over yet?
23. Whatever you do, don't buy too many things on a whim.  Those padded biking shorts? Worn them only once.
24. Be prepared for detours and distractions. 
25. You'll see lots of wildlife.  Deer and geese will often challenge you to a stand off. You'll win but it'll still be a little scary.
26. There is well water about every 5 - 7 miles. Not all water sources are created equal. 
27. Bring sports drink powders. It hides the flavor of the well water AND will give you much needed electrolytes. 
28. Speaking of electrolytes.  Shot  Blocks are sold in the bike shops. They are tasty and performance enhancing.  Don't buy the GU brand. It's so gross!
29. If you bring anything expensive, carry it on you at all times. You'll be tired and could possibly leave it somewhere or it gets stolen (I miss my camera). 
30. You may experience numbness in your fingers weakness in your arms. If you do, you probably need to be fitted properly on your bike. When you stop at a bike shop, have them check the fit for you.  It's been two days and my right arm is still weak and fingers numb.
31. When you're in Williamsport, MD be sure to eat at The Desert Rose Cafe.  It was a nice restaurant with AWESOME service.  Alan was our server and he hooked it up. Very friendly staff. Once we walked through the door they offered us cold water because they knew we had been biking.  They also introduced us to their regulars, a priest and a city councilman.
32. Bring your cell phone charger. Every restaurant had outlets near our table to charge up our phones and MP3 players.
33. Music makes the biking go by fast. The beat of the music will help you keep a pace.  Just don't have it up too loud. You'll want to hear people around you and animals near you.
34. Eat bananas and drink more water.  Cramping is NEVER fun.
35. You will stink and may never realize how bad you DO smell - so bring along baby wipes and deodorant.
36. Nothing says refreshing like a cold beer after 30+ miles of biking.
37. I highly recommend changing your underwear daily.
38. When you're at Harper's Ferry, also check out Jefferson Rock by walking up behind the Catholic church in town.  Cool views at the top.
39. Speaking of ferries, White's Ferry didn't have food on hand to prepare meals. Be prepared to roll with the punches and make do with what you have - very few food options outside of there. Carry snacks, fruit, granola, etc. 
40. While at White's Ferry don't be tempted to take the ferry unless you want to bike an extra 3 miles there and back.  Leesburg, VA is over there and so is the food - but it is a nice ride in busy traffic. Oh, and there are hills! If you do take the ferry, check in on Foursquare - you'll get the "I'm on a Boat" badge cause I know I did.  :0)
41. Buy a rack for the back of your bike.  It's really nice to bike with nothing on your back.
42. Be sure to check out Great Falls.  Awesome views.
43. I highly recommend beginning the trip in Cumberland, MD.  The first half of the trip is really "Blah" in comparison to the second half. Plus, wouldn't you like to end the trip in a major city as opposed to a small town?