Come join us for a thrilling weekend bikepacking adventure along the scenic C&O Canal and Montgomery County outdoors and single track! This event is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore nature, be moderately physically active, have plenty of time to stare at the trees, and make new friends. We’ll start our journey at Georgetown Waterfront Park and pedal our way through picturesque trails, enjoying the beauty of the canal, forests, county and surrounding landscapes.

Whether you’re a seasoned bikepacker or new to the sport, this event is suitable for all skill levels. Pack your camping gear, snacks, and a sense of adventure as we embark on this unforgettable trip together. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the great outdoors!

The Details

Date/Time:

Oct 4, 2024 9:00 AM → Oct 6, 2024 5:00 PM

Days/Nights:

3 days/2 nights

Start/End Location:

Georgetown Waterfront, Washington D.C. → Georgetown Waterfront, Washington D.C.

Total Mileage:

125+ miles

Cost to Participate:

$95 – available starting May 31st 2024

Type of Adventure:

Unsupported, group bikepacking

Terrain:

The entire C&O Canal is slightly chunky/loosely packed flat gravel, and when we branch off into Montgomery County, there will be some paved roads and singletrack. A gravel bike is ideal for this path. There is pavement for the first few miles of the trail.

Difficulty:

Intermediate. While the terrain and elevation profile is largely easy to ride on (some technical skill required for the singletrack), we will be biking for +/-5 hours each day. Decent fitness is required for this trip- this is not a race, but with lunch, rest and refill stops planned along the way, a 10mph pace with all these stops included will result in about 7 hours of moving day.

Gear Required:

A full gear list and detailed itinerary will be emailed to all participants before the start of the event. You should expect to carry everything that you think you will need on your bike for this trip. That includes, but is not limited to, a fully functioning bike, a tent, biking clothes and camping clothes, food and water, spare bike parts and tools, etc.. If you would like to see everything I brought to New Zealand for a 3 month tour (different from bikepacking, but packing lists are similar) you can watch a full breakdown here https://youtu.be/g60vVx2L2i8?si=nXkYML5pjf_DU2Yz.

FAQ

Who Is This Trip Targeted For?

Anyone can join, but this route is specifically suitable for beginner/intermediate cyclists/bikepackers, or people who simply want a bit of a chiller bikepacking trip, one with more downtime to enjoy the surroundings, but still some hours of pedaling to get a sweat going.

How Do I Get To/From The Event?

You can take the Amtrak or fly into Washington D.C. the day before if you are coming from a further destination. The Amtrack/Marc (for Maryland folks) can take you to Union Station where you can ride about 3 miles to the Georgetown Waterfront Park. If you plan on driving in, I have no idea where you should park your car in D.C. (if you find a good solution please let me know so I can share with others)!

Location

Georgetown Waterfront