Weekend C&O Canal & MOCO Bikepacking Adventure

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:

Date change!!! See the new dates below

May 29th 2025 9:30 AM → May 30th, 2025 5:00 PM (Thursday - Saturday)

*all Living By Bike Trips are subject to potential cancellation and the issuing of refunds if fewer than five people sign up for a trip. I recommend booking changeable train/flight tickets just in case :)

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:

General Admission: $150 

(Add-On) Bike Star Keychain: +$10

Images/Videos from Prior Trips:

https://livingbybike.org/bike-trips/bikepacking-trip-photos/

YouTube playlist of educational materials & group trips 

Type of Adventure:

Unsupported, group bikepacking to campgrounds (Bald Eagle Island Hiker Biker Campsite at towpath mile 50.3 (1.37 miles away) for Friday night , and Swains Lock at towpath mile 16.64 (3 miles down towpath.) for Saturday night)

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.. 

FAQ

I've never bikepacked before. What should I know/do? I have created a YouTube playlist for you to watch and help get you started! You can find that here. Keep reading below for recommended gear & more. 

What will our lodging be for this trip? We will be camping along the Canal with portapotties, picnic table (s) and well water at the site. A gear list will be shared, but be prepared to pack a tent, camping equipment, water filter, and anything else you think you’ll need for two nights of camping in May. 

Do you have recommended gear? Yes, you can check out my gear guide here! 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.

How Do I Know If My Bikepacking Rig Will Work? I will send out a Google Forms that must be completed to ensure that your bikepacking rig is well suited for this trip. I know some people will be new to bikepacking, so I want everyone to have a basic guideline of what is expected to be in your setup! You can take a sneak peak at that list https://livingbybike.org/how-to-prep-your-bike-for-bikepacking/. 

Can I Rent a Bike/Gear? Short answer- no. This trip is dependent on you packing/bringing your own bike and gear. I will send out a gear/equipment list before departure to all registrants. I do have a limited bike/gear supply closet, so if there is something you need, I might be able to offer a bit of help!

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.

What Happens If It Rains? Unless there is torrential downpour and a gigantic storm looming, this event is rain or shine, so pack accordingly!

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)!

What is your refund policy? If you cancel your trip 5+ weeks before our departure date, then you will get a full refund. If you cancel between 3-5 weeks before our departure date, you will not get a refund (this is due to any registrations I must make for lodging, shuttles etc.). However, if you come on a different trip in the future, I will take the cost of what you paid for your cancelled trip off of the cost of the future trip. If you are a no show or cancel less than two weeks before departure date, you will not get a refund (unless special circumstances occur).