Frostburg to Little Orleans; Transition to the C&O Canal Trail

 [This post covers Tuesday morning thru Wednesday morning]

By the time we climbed on the bikes at the Airbnb in Frostburg, the sun was out and temperatures were rising quickly. Easy, fun ride down the hill from town to the trailhead - on the trail just before 11am. We started out quick, on a gravel trail alongside train tracks. About 5 miles in, I had my first mishap - a popped rear tire after hitting a rock. With the help of the guys, we had a new tube in and were back on the trail in about 15 minutes.

Frostburg Airbnb, ready to hit the trail

Railside trail east of Frostburg

We still had 55 miles to go and knew we needed to stop at the bike shop in Cumberland for some repairs, so we hustled. It definitely helped having a 1-2% downhill grade in our favor. We got to Cumberland, about 16.5 miles from Frostburg, shortly after noon. Took care of a few minor repairs/purchases at the bike shop, got coffee, and grabbed sandwiches to have for lunch further down the trail. 

Cumberland marks the end of the GAP Trail and the beginning of the C&O Canal Trail, and is home to the western end of the canal. 

Trailside in Cumberland

Richard at start/end of the C&O Canal in Cumberland

Back on the trail, we resumed our pace - still downhill, but much more gently. The C&O Trail is rougher than the GAP - bumpy, narrow at times, with occasional obstacles (mud puddles, sticks, tree roots, snakes!). Going ~15mph with obstacles was actually really fun and quite an adrenaline rush. It helped that the scenery was gorgeous and the sun was shining. We stopped for lunch 90 minutes later in a field next to lock #69 on the canal - a welcome break, sandwiches were delicious. 

Lock-side lunch stop

Soaking up some sun

Trail following the canal

Next stop was 3,118' long Paw Paw Tunnel, which was completed in 1856 and built using more than 6 million(!) bricks. The trail through the tunnel was dark, narrow and very bumpy, with a wooden railing separating us from the dark canal waters - a little unnerving, but still fun. I was thankful Rick had brought a bright headlight.

Selfie-mode while riding (don't try at home)

Entering Paw Paw Tunnel

Scott, Rick and Richard climbed the stairs to the top of the tunnel

Granite wall on the east side of the tunnel 

About 7 brisk miles later, we finally arrived - tired, sore, and exhilarated after 61 brisk miles - at 15 Mile Creek park, near where we were to be picked for the 7 mile shuttle ride to the Town Hill Bed & Breakfast in Little Orleans. Stopped at the only open restaurant - a roadside diner - to pick up dinner to take to the B&B. Enjoyed dinner and beers in the dining room, unloaded our bags from the shuttle, showered and then had a few more beers in the lovely sitting room, before heading to bed around 11.

Slept pretty well - definitely still tired, surprisingly not too achey. Up before 7, quick shower, packed up, blog update, then sat down to an amazing breakfast. 

Gracious owner (and shuttle driver) Dave giving the 8am sharp breakfast presentation

A light snack before hitting the trail - oh my!

Town Hill B&B - a great spot

Today is supposed to be an easier ride - about 41 miles to Williamsport, with a large portion of paved trail. It's sunny and cool, forecast calls for temps in the 70's - looks like we're in for another great day!