Everything is gritty, not slow though? I think I had a picture in this or another current C&O thread. For better or worse I use a wet based lube and it lasted all day. I stopped at a manually operated water pump along the path and rinsed off my cassette but it was short lived. My organic pads were slow to respond as well if I didn't use them for a while. Worst was the fine grit of the GAP after just enough rain to wet the trail. That fine gray non dissolving rock powder stuck to and got into and around everything. Heavy rain or no rain would have been better. I got that wish on my trip when it did rain for the remaining 1.5 days on the GAP. Careful what you wish for. When the conditions on the C&O are like that, you can't take your eyes off the trail for very long. It's not tedious, just pay attention. There is a chance of something coming on the trail, mud, a stick, trail inconsistency, a puddle, or something. I didn't even try to avoid the mud and water, better to just go straight through it then try to dodge it and lose control (at least with my poor choice of almost slicks this year). For me other than the time and the extra baggage, no different than any other off road ride. I was prepared for those conditions. Part of the experience, some people myself included enjoy that experience. Why I chose to ride the C&O and Gap at least once a year. I'd go that route 10x between DC and Pitt 20x before doing it on the pure road.