Whoops, forgot to add the drastic difference between the quality of the GAP surface versus the C&O Canal toe path. The quality of the crushed limestone bed of the GAP is so much better than the western end of the C & O, it is able to drain the heaviest steady downpour and presents a stable riding surface in the process.
My last PGH-DC trip started in an absolute torrential downpour and the worst result was (besides the obvious) some pooling visible on the trail as the highest volume rainfall is delayed in its runoff. As soon as we passed the center in Cumberland, where we will start, the path was good old fashioned dirt. By that time the rain had passed and it was nice but the water had soaked the ground and the varying quality of the C & O was from muddy to caking. Fenders had to be carved free of packed mud from time to time and at Hancock, we were easily tempted to hop over the canal to the paved W. Maryland Railway trail for its length to enjoy the freedom from glop. Be sure to consider ad hoc flaps for the fenders to keep the limey water from the cranks/BB/chain and fellow riders' faces. ANDY Pittsburgh > Besides, I have a favorite quote: "Rain only makes a good ride better" > > LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS RIDE!!! > > Peace > Bobby -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
