With my proper trail bike in the shop but a real need to get out for an overnight, I turned to a C&O newbie… my trusty 12″ wheeled, very orange Brompton as my chariot to an urban(ish) stealth camping overnight. Would the trail chew up the Brompton? Would my orange gear prove too, well, orange for stealth camping? If you can’t get your adventure by the liter these days, may as well do it in sips…

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Concluding my western C&O loop adventure! Day 3 began with a chilly, rainy start. The loop had to be closed, but would anything other than rain and tunnels stand in my way?

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Continuing my western C&O loop adventure! On Day 2, I left the unique confines of Potomac Forks campground and looked to resupply in Cumberland and loop back. But would Cumberland offer me what I needed and would I get distracted from completing a full loop from where I began my day?

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Everyone’s universe has shrunk a lot since the beginning of the pandemic, and nowhere has it hit home more than bicycle touring. I’m fortunate enough to have one of the country’s crown jewel routes right around where I live. The first trip this year looped the eastern third near DC. This time, I roll out into the wilderness of the western third, looking for adventure and solitude. On Day 1, I picked up a freshly repaired bike in Hancock and rolled off. But would the bike behave and more importantly, would my body betray me after just a day on the trail?

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