I usually like riding alone. It's really a selfish thing, wanting to set my own pace, distance, etc. Plus it's just nice to be by myself for a while. Having said that, I think you're right. Friends would have been the focus rather than the ride in that case. Although, if it wasn't muddy, it might be a different story.

I'm sure you'll have a great trip with friends and don't be afraid to get off the trail and onto surface roads if it gets tedious. Hope your weather is good. Truthfully, I got rained on for only 20 minutes total. It was all the rain that hit the towpath that made things interesting.