The Journal: Brompton GAP tour preview

Brompton Setup Video

Cheap bus to PGH!
I’m looking forward to trying out Megabus as a bike touring possibility.
Bought an extra ticket to be safe

Skipping the C&O
Trail conditions have improved, but there are too many question marks for how the Brompton would handle the muddy parts, so I’m going to condense the trip. All GAP!

Modified setup
All dry bags on the rear
Made a mod to the front luggage rack and I don’t know why I didn’t do it before… the Ortlieb hangs perfectly from the top rung of the rack, so I’m skipping the ties.
Low end of the pannier is well above the front tire, although it is lower.
Keeping a non-waterproof soft pannier on the rear side of the frame. It gets compressed by the head tube, but I can fit two water bottles in there.
New water bottle holder fits where the head tube meets the handlebars, so I can carry three. Will help me carry enough water on a trail that sometimes has big gaps between places to fill up.

Weather outlook
Foliage is late this year, but it looks like I’ll be a week too late for peak. Still should get some good shots on the social feeds though!
I’m hoping for the streak of dry weather to continue. It’s been getting progressively colder and I expect the elevations to be super chilly. I’ll be prepared for wet weather though.

Clothing
Trying to keep it simple since it’s a short tour, but bringing more than bare minimum in case things get wet.
Two long sleeve base layers
Merino wool sweater
Rain pants
Convertable pants
Three pairs of underwear
Two sets of socks (one waterproof)
Rain jacket
Warm hat
Gloves

Camping
Night 1 – Roundbottom? Connellsville?
Night 2 – Wildcard: Confluence? Wild camp near Pinkerton tunnel? Rockwood?
Night 3 – Cumberland YMCA

Food
Stove and cook kit is coming just so I can have something warm in the AM.
There’s a grocery store a mile away from where I’m staying in PGH so I plan on getting a little set up there.
First night camping is hopefully in Connellsville, which also has a grocery store right there.
I’ll carry a dinner ready to go in case night 2 is someplace without a decent option.

Amtrak back from Cumberland reserved
I don’t need a bike reservation or have to pay the extra money because it’s the Brompton.

I’ll know it’s been a great trip if….
I get to Cumberland before sunset on the third day and haven’t had to use my rain jacket for anything but the chilly 10 mile ride down the big hill.

I’ll know it’s a Type II Fun trip if…
I end up sleeping in something other than a tent after PGH

The Little Clown Bike rides again!

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