The best part of this trip for me was the wonderful staff especially Junior and Susan. They were always smiling and accommodating. We had 1 1/2 days of rain so that created some challenges but no one complained. The food was great and the night lectures interesting. Just be prepared to bump along on this trail as the surface is gravel in most places.

The C&O bike trip was a strech for us (we made it!). It allows for halting your daily ride if you need to. The tow path is not paved and its surface is a packed gravel. If it rains significantly for several days during your trip you should expect to get muddy. The lodging, food and retreat setting are comfortable, delicious, clean, simple (no TV but WiFi yes) and to us a welcome change from usual motel/hotel living. The leader and retreat staff anticipated our needs and were a model for a "how can we serve you" attitude. As a result of this experience we plan to try other week long Road Scholar bike adventures.

While my partner and I had great fun, we realized this bike trip is not for everyone. The trail can be challenging - muddy when wet, with lots of areas that have stones, roots, ruts, and other surface issues that at best slow down a good rider, and can frustrate a less skilled biker. Bikers with their own bikes should be cautioned not to ride with thin road tires. Also, the accommodations may not be to everyone's taste. Rooms are spartan with iffy phone reception and wireless limited to the lobby. Nonetheless, we found ourselves enjoying the experience because the folks at Shepherd's Spring care a great deal about their retreat and the folks they are hosting. They are all very warm and accommodating. When conditions precluded biking, there were interesting alternatives as the local area is filled with Civil War history. The speaker's are knowledgeable and those who rise to the challenge on the trails will be rewarded.

If you are seeking a biking experience in a beautiful setting choose this program. The trails are easily managed and the accommodations at Shepard's spring are excellent. It truly is an energizing week.

What an incredible week! I hadn't ridden a bike in about 35 years and was a bit nervous but I really wanted to do this. It was a GREAT experience. The trails - what can I say - excellent! The rooms were basic and comfortable and met all my needs. The food was great and we never ran out of anything. The instructors were wonderful - patient, helpful and very knowledgeable. I met some very, very nice people on this trip and hope to stay in touch with them. The evening entertainment was very well done and kept brief which is good considering we were all tired after an active day. The staff at Shepherd Spring were wonderful - they thought of everything and were so helpful! The saddest part, always, is leaving at the end of the week but I took some happy memories with me, so until I return, I'll have lots to think back on and be glad that I went.