Embarking on the Gapco Tour:

This cycle-friendly Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers bicycle vacation begins at Pittsburgh’s waterfront.  Bike GAPCO is a six-day ride. 

Bike GAPCO – Riding Conditions

While riding Bike GAPCO you will not be cycling paved trails.

Depending upon annual spring rainfall, come potentially prepared to get muddy. Most find reverting to their childhood and getting muddy fun.  Bicycle fenders can limit the mud and keep both you and your bike cleaner.

The GAP part of Bike GAPCO (Sunday and Monday) you will be riding on a fairly smooth unpaved crushed limestone path.  The C&O part of Bike GAPCO (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) the trail is hard packed mostly single-track ground which will not be as smooth of a ride as the first two days.

For this tour, it is advisable to opt for bikes suited to dirt and gravel roads. Bikes with a minimum tire width of 32mm and street tread seem to be best. Fenders with mud clearance are popular. Road bikes and trikes are not recommended.  Sturdier EBikes models tend to be best reviewed. 

Day 1

On the first ride night, the group stays in charming Ohiopyle. Ohiopyle is known for its beautiful surroundings, highlighted by the vast Ohiopyle State Park.  

Day 2

Many contend that the section traveled on the second day is the marquee section of the Continental Rails to Trails. The day ends in the charming city of Cumberland, MD. Nestled amidst the majestic Appalachian Mountains, Cumberland developed into a transportation hub hosting multiple railroads and the western terminus of the C&O canal. The group will be staying in a Marriott hotel located just a few feet from the trail. The hotel is conveniently situated near a variety of dining choices in the historic area. After Cumberland the trip transitions to the C&O Path.

Day 3

The third day is a stretch from Cumberland to Little Orleans. The rugged mountain terrain surrounding the trail provides stunning vistas and plenty of shade. At the end of the ride the group will enjoy the hospitality of the Town Hill B&B, originally built in 1916. The scenic overlook offers an astounding view of three states and seven counties. The chef takes great pride in his kitchen, ensuring that riders are provided with a delicious home-cooked dinner and breakfast. 

Day 4

On the fourth day the tour departs Little Orleans and travels to Williamsport. This day offers the option of traveling on the Western Maryland Rail Trail which runs parallel to the C&O Tow Path for a portion of the journey to Williamsport. The short return route to the C&O will be marked for riders who choose to sample this trail. 

Day 5

On Thursday, the fifth day, the tour will depart from Williamsport and pass through Harper’s Ferry on the way to the next overnight town, Brunswick.  On this day, the path continues to demonstrate the natural beauty of our Appalachian Mountains.  During your ride, you will come across the town of Harpers Ferry, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. This historic town has been designated as a National Historic Park and is filled with captivating exhibits and displays that showcase its rich past. The ride allows ample time for riders to explore Harpers Ferry.

Day 6

Leaving Brunswick Friday, the sixth and final riding day, you will ride past Great Falls and onward to the tour’s end in our nation’s capital Washington, D.C. This will be the second year of our new format where riders will overnight in D.C. where we will have our farewell dinner.  Your Saturday morning maybe spent exploring the wonders of our nation’s capital on your own, a comfortable motor coach is included with the tour which will conveniently transport both riders and bikes back to Pittsburgh.  The bus will get back to Pittsburgh in the early evening on Saturday.  We look forward to welcoming you on this memorable adventure.

The trip has a limit cap to participant riders. Uniquely BPP tours offer daily mileage options, hey you’re being Pampered!

Price Increase:

In response to the effects of increased prices associated with general industry trends in the hotel and hospitality industry post Covid, we have found it necessary to raise our prices.  The GAPCO ride now includes the final night in Washington, DC, and a dinner. The improved ending to this fantastic ride has also directly affected the pricing change. Thanks for your understanding and consideration of our tour.

Take advantage of Early Bird pricing and register ASAP!

Pricing is based on receipt of registration and deposit. Mail-in registration/payment must be postmarked by the early bird expiration date. Online payment must be received on or before the early bird expiration date.

Note: Double/Triple/Quad rate is only available to those sharing a single room with two beds.

Starting in 2024, Bubba’s PAMPERED Pedalers will offer a limited number of bicycles available for rent.  Our inventory primarily consists of hybrid bikes, with a small selection of gravel bikes, sorry but no EBikes at this time.  If we have enough advance notice, we can typically find a bike that fits your needs.  Our goal is to offer customers well-maintained bikes that are not new, but are priced affordably.  If you’d like to rent a bike from us, please reach out to discuss our inventory and determine if we have a suitable option for you. Keep in mind that if you decide the bike doesn’t work for you when you arrive for the ride, you won’t be able to switch it out.