OPTION A: 15.5m | Day Trip: C&D Canal Trail + Ferry Ride to Delaware Fort Island

**The event day and time may change due to weather and unforeseen circumstances**

**DISTANCE for OPTION A only **
Distance of 15.4 miles one way, with 262 ft elevation.

**ABOUT**
The C&D canal trail is a very wide and deep canal, with several interesting bridges, that goes directly to the Delaware River. It’s mostly flat, except for a somewhat challenging climb up a hill to get around the Summit North Marina. And it was windy both ways due to the canal. So, this slows down our speed a bit.

Plan to choose your mileage and parking spot (see options). We’ll ride to the end, take a break, and return (unless you choose to go to Delaware Fort/Pea Island first and return with the organizers).

**Interesting fact: ** The property along the north and south banks of the C&D Canal is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and leased under a long-term agreement to the States of Delaware and Maryland.

**PARKING**
Park at the lot next to Schaefer's Canal House. If it full, there is additional parking available nearby. Search for “Schaefer’s Canal House” 208 Bank St., Chesapeake City, MD.” The lot is adjacent and under the bridge. Estimate of 1.5-2 hours biking/~15.4 miles one way.

Plan on how much time it will take you to drive to the parking lot as well as bike to the endpoint. Calculate your departure time so that you arrive at the endpoint between 11:00 and 12:00 noon.

**OPTION A STARTING POINT INFO**
Mile 0. Chesapeake City parking lot (1) to endpoint. Meet the organizer(s) at the trail endpoint (not far from the parking lot).

**THE PLAN**
We aim to arrive at the starting point and be ready to depart at 9:30 am. That gives us time to get to the trail endpoint between 11:00 to 12:00 noon. (We may stop at the other option points to pick up other riders, but feel free to bike through).

The goal is for ferry ticket holders to get on the outgoing ferry between 11:00 and 12:30 ish. It’s a short ½ mile trip. Note: If you don’t want to go to Pea Island, you are welcome to return anytime, on your own or with other participants.

Ferry goers, please spend no more than one hour on the island. If you want to stay later, just let us know.

The organizers will wait for their group to return from Pea Island so they can bike back with them.

And there's an option to join us for touring Chesapeake City in the afternoon and group dinner. Bring a change of clothes, washcloth and water/wipes to freshen up if you plan to join.

** TRAIL ENDPOINT for ALL RIDERS**
Fort Ferry Crossing (aka Delaware State Park) (Ticket Office and Ferry dock)
45 Clinton St.
Delaware City, DE 19706.

**Note: The distances were given from Google Maps. So please don’t be annoyed if your app shows you biked a shorter or longer distance!**

Starting point for this event is for OPTION A only. Only RSVP if you know you can handle the distance.

**FERRY RIDE TO FORT DELAWARE ON PEA ISLAND**
**Closed-toe shoes are required**
If you plan to take the ferry ride (we highly recommend doing this), you will need to leave your bike on the bike rack outside the visitor center. Keryn will stay at the visitor center to keep an eye on the bikes. The ferry ride (includes both ways) costs $12 regular, $11 age 62+, $9 students.
Once on the island, you will enter the fort’s main gate and be greeted by park employees in period costume. You will have the option of taking a guided history tour or exploring on your own. It’s much like a mainland small museum experience. The fort has a small gift and snack shop.

**RETURN**
If you choose not to go to Delaware Fort on Pea Island, then you can return the same way you arrived.

Otherwise, we’ll plan to head back in groups with the ferry riders.

**REQUIREMENTS**
Participants must wear a helmet when seated on a bike. And participants must carry a spare tube with them on the trip.

**RECOMMENDATIONS**
A spare tube: in case you get a flat (otherwise, take the risk of walking back). Participants will try to help with bike issues, but it's no guarantee we can!
Water bottles, bike gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, snack/lunch/lunch money, backpack, change of clothes and shoes, washcloths/wipes.

**REMINDER**
Participation in this event is at your own risk