I rode the GAP-C&O trails the week of June 9-15 with friends, our third time doing the route. It was much more difficult and less enjoyable than our previous trips, primarily due to on-going rains and the aftermath of flooding. We had to skip a section of the GAP due to a mudslide, requiring a difficult detour on hilly roads. That was nothing compared to the mud and downed trees we encountered on the C&O. We ended up hiring shuttles to carry us around two sections that were impassable or close to it. Even so, we encountered extensive sections with tree barriers and thick slimy mud, forcing us to stop numerous times to carry bikes over trees and clean out mud trapped between our wheels and fenders. The worst section was between Williamsport and Harpers Ferry, which included a fairly long road detour in addition to the mud and trees. When we reached our lodgings in HF, we spent 30 minutes hosing the mud off our bikes, but the wheels clogged right up again when we encountered more mud the next day. If I ever attempt to ride the C&O again, I will do a better job monitoring weather/trail reports and will cancel the trip if it’s rainy or muddy. There is nothing fun about riding in mud.