Originally Posted by tom cotter

I've not ridden the C&O so i can't comment about puddle aversion there. However, lots of saddle time on trails riding the mountain bike and Puddle aversion is definitely in play. Why? Riding anywhere where you can't see the surface is high risk. Is the surface rutted? is there a natural obstruction, like a tree branch or large rock under the surface? A man made hazard like a piece of angle iron? And as all commuters can tell you, puddles are where the broken glass accumulates. Not to mention, those unfamiliar with the trail have no idea how deep the puddle is or how firm the surface is. So avoiding the puddle even to ride through mud is kinda the devil you know Vs the one you don't.