C300
#300Ks4WCK
Chesapeake Cycling Club's
A One-Day Non-Stop Radmarathon
Down 300 kilometers (185 miles) of the historic C&O Canal gravel-bedded tow path, and the Western Maryland Rail Trail, from Cumberland, MD, to "Mile -0-" in Georgetown, Washington, DC;
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A fundraiser to benefit the work of
World Central Kitchen
A Ride for Charity
"This charity's score is 100%, earning it a Four-Star rating. If this organization aligns with your passions and values, you can give with confidence." Charity Navigator
Welcome to my Fundraiser!
I'm Glad You're Here!
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I'm Todd Ross, and I'm a member of Chesapeake Cycling Club/C3 on Maryland's Eastern Shore. On Thursday, June 19, 2025 , I'll be riding 300 kilometers (185 miles) to raise donations for, and awareness about, World Central Kitchen (WCK). I'm calling the ride "C300" in honor of my club.
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Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen is a nonprofit organization that is first to the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to crises, while working to build resilient food systems with locally led solutions. Applying their model of quick action, leveraging local resources, and adapting in real time, WCK has served more than 250 million nourishing meals around the world. Read more about World Central Kitchen's story HERE.
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C300 will be a one-day non-stop radmarathon down the entire length of the historic C&O Canal on its gravel-bedded tow path, and along the Western Maryland Rail Trail, from Cumberland, MD, to "Mile -0-" in Georgetown, Washington, DC. It's going to be a long day in the saddle but, with your help I can do it, and we won't let WCK down!
If you're feeling especially generous may I humbly suggest a donation of $1 per mile ($185) or even $1 per kilometer ($300).
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Any donation amount is a big help in reaching and, hopefully, surpassing my fundraising goal!
​To make a donation,
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I'll be able to see your donation and thank you personally. And, more importantly, we will all be pitching in to help World Central Kitchen to serve people in need in a big way!
The Historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal
Beginning in Cumberland, Maryland, follow the C&O Canal Tow Path along its 185 mile course south to its terminus at Georgetown, Washington, DC, Mile -0-. Along the way, take in historic landmarks, quaint towns and villages, and the scenic countryside. It's sure to be an unforgettable experience.
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Ride starts at 628 feet elevation and ends at 1 foot elevation, with a gentle and consistent downhill grade for the entire distance. See video of Canal Tow Path HERE (4:48).
Checklist of Supplies & Equipment
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Frame: Cannondale CAAD13 Disk 105
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Groupset: Shimano 105 Manual
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Tires: Specialized 700x32C Pathfinder Pro + 1 spare
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Wheelset: Zipp 303 Firecrest
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Pedals: Look Keo Classic 3 Plus
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Look Keo Grip Road Cleat (Red, 9 degrees float)
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Saddle: Prologo Nago R4 PAS
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Stem: Zipp Service Course SL Stem 90mm 31.8mm
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Bars: Zipp SL-70 Ergo 40cm
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Bar Tape: Prologo Onetouch 3D 3.5mm
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Bottle Cages: Arundel Matte STR and DTR
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Spurcycle Bicycle Bell*
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Muc-Off Rear Mud Guard
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Helmet: Kask Protone Icon
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Oakley Lateralis Sunglasses
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Kit: Owayo
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Socks: Nimbl Aero
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Shoes: Nimbl ULTIMATE EXCEED Pro Edition
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Tire Kit (for 2bliss)
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WTB NanoAir TPU tubes (2)
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CO2 cartridges (3)
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iPhone 15
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Wahoo Element Roam Bike Computer
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Headlamp for Paw Paw Tunnel, etc.*
Date, Travel Plan,
Sunup, Sunset
When Is this Happening?
Day & Date: On or about Friday, 20 June 2025 - The Summer Solstice (weather dependent.)
Rain Date: TBD
Pre-Ride / Getting There
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4:05PM, Depart Union Station, Washington, DC, aboard the AMTRAK Capital Limited. Visit AMTRAK.
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7:17PM, Arrive at AMTRAK Cumberland Station, Cumberland, Maryland.
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Cost for the train trip, coach, is from $28 per person.
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Cost for bicycle transport is $20.
Overnight in Cumberland
Ramada by Wyndham Cumberland Downtown***
100 S George St, Cumberland, MD 21502
Approximately $70 per night, plus taxes
Ride Day - 300 Klicks, 15 Hours
Friday, June 20: Sunup 5:47AM, Sunset 8.46PM
Length of Day: 14 hours, 58 Minutes, 39 Seconds.
Getting Back
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From Mile 0, C&O Canal Towpath, 2900 Virginia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20037, make your way to the METRO Station at Foggy Bottom-GWU, 2301 I St NW, Washington, DC.
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Ride METRO to anywhere you need to go.
A 'Bonk'-Free Ride: Water & Feed Stations Along the Route
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USWE Outlander Pro 2-Liter Hydration Backpack
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Camelbak Podium® Dirt Series Chill™ 21oz Bike Bottles, (2)
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Tailwind Mandarin Endurance Fuel (29 ounce bag) 30 servings per bag yield a total of 3,000 calories + 750 grams total carbohydrates.​
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​Scratch Labs Super High-Carb Sport Drink Mix (8 x 1.87 ounce packages) 200 calories each + 50 grams carbohydrates.
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Hydration and Electrolytes . . .
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Caffeine . . .
Dinner - Night Before the Ride
Breakfast - Ride Morning
Cafe Mark
Calories and Carbohydrates to Fuel the Ride
I am going to go on the example that I (167 pounds) riding at an average speed of 15mph, will burn approximately 25 calories per mile. For the total ride, or 4,600 calories total. For a 12-hour day on the bike, this puts me at very near my limit of calorie absorption - 360 calories per hour (about 90 grams of carbohydrates, between simple and complex carbs.) Considering what will already be stored in my muscles, plus what I will consume at breakfast prior to start, per-hour caloric maintenance must be planned carefully.
Planned Waypoints
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START - Cumberland, Maryland
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MILE 43.8 - Bill's Place, Little Orleans, Maryland
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MILE 60.1 - Hancock, Maryland
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MILE 90.2 - Falling Waters Road
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MILE 124.2 - Harper's Ferry, WV (Pedestrian Bridge, Maryland Side)
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MILE 149.2 - White's Ferry
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MILE 168.3 - C&O Canal Lock 21 (Swains Lock) Swains Lock Road
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MILE "0" - Finish at Thompson's Boathouse, Georgetown, DC​
Refilling the Bottles
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Gallon Jug(s) distilled water​
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Gallon Jug(s) with Tailwind Endurance Fuel Mix
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Gallon Jug(s) with Scratch Labs Super High-Carb Sport Drink Mix
Getting Pumped
Silka Tire Pressure Recommendation and Emergency Air
SILKA Professional Tire Pressure Calculator recommends 60.5 PSI Rear, and 58 PSI Front
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Wheelzup at Canal Place, Cumberland, MD
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C&O Bicycle Repair Shop, Hancock, MD
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Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle, Shepherdstown, MD
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Harpers Ferry Bikes, Harpers Ferry, WV
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Harpers Ferry Hike and Bike Supplies, Harpers Ferry, WV
Connect & Follow
If you're interested in joining or supporting this ride, drop me a line! Follow my progress on Strava and Instagram. See the route at RideWithGPS.
Thank you!
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Todd Ross