Hello Everyone,

At the end of July my former scout troop (I'm 23 now and will be chaperoning as an adult) and I will be heading down the C&O trail to D.C. I would like some information on what to expect on the trail and what bike I would be better suited with. I mostly stick to the roads and as such I have my Panasonic road bike with 700x23c's. I'm told there's mud in places but this is my "real" bike and would love to have it along. I also have a department store Mongoose MTB (don't judge me. I've had it for a long time )that is pretty much my city and local trail thrasher. I'm considering upgrading some parts like the brakes and shifters (particularly the shifters as the old ones have self destructed). It is a dual suspension bike so I'd also have to get either a handlebar bag or a dreadful post rack.

Please let me know your thoughts.

-Mike