YOU CAN WATCH THIS FILM FROM THE WEB/ YOUR LOCAL PBS STATION
or an alternative such as YouTube
I had no idea that there ever was a canal system that went from Washington D.C. area to the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, so this film was a surprise to me. Bikers from all over the world do some or all of this ride which connects two "towpaths. One is the C and O Canal Towpath that goes from D.C. to Cumberland Maryland, and the other is The Great Allegheny Passage, which takes the riders into Pittsburgh. The ride includes encounters with three rivers including the Casselman, Youghiogheny, and the Monongahela. The Allegheny Mountains have over a hundred species of trees and wild flowers. Riders go through much Colonial History territory, cross the Mason-Dixon Line, and wind through beautiful scenery - mountains and rapids. They can stop to rest, sleep over, or eat in many a small town.
A towpath is the path aside the canal, which holds water and the boat, from which, be it by humans. horses, or vehicles, the boat is towed - when needed.
The history of the canal is that it was used by boats to move products before the railroads and trains took over. Then it was forgotten. However, it was once vital to shipping and so along it lived many a "lock keeper." Since the Great Ride trail opened and bikers from all over the world are giving it their best, businesses in small towns have become more vibrant.
Some parts of The Great Ride are fairly level and not difficult, other's more rugged.
You'll go from Harper's Ferry to Canal National Historic Park to Potomac River falls into Cumberland, Maryland, eventually reaching Ohio Pyle, West Newton, and into the city of Pittsburgh and Point State Park.
The Great Ride happened because
