dressing for canal in october

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marie on 9/14/2016 6:23:36 AM:

we will be riding on the c&o canal during the last week of October. Seems that mornings would be on the cool side. I am a new-ish rider. does anyone have suggestions for how to dress? THanks!

John W. from Pittsburgh, PA on 9/14/2016 11:55:42 AM:

Lots of layers that you can shed during the day. You'll have cool mornings/evenings but days should still be mild and reasonably warm. Gloves for sure. Rain is the big X factor. Expect some amount of rain but also the trail could be wet and muddy from rain that occurred a couple of days ago. The C&O doesn't dry out that well. You will likely contend with puddles and mud. I like to keep all of my spare clothes in gallon zip lock bags inside my panniers to keep them dry. I'm a bit envious, it should be amazing to see all of the autumn leaves in full color!

marie on 9/14/2016 7:34:31 PM:

Thank you for your reply, John. I don't know if it will be too late for the fall colors or not. But, I am excited about the trip. I was wondering about mud and rain. I guess we will figure it out as we go!

anonymous on 9/15/2016 10:03:15 AM:

fenders ...

George from Kennett Square on 9/15/2016 8:01:30 PM:

2X on the fenders, a must if it rains!

marie on 9/16/2016 6:30:36 AM:

thanks for fender advice! I am still keeping fingers crossed for great weather.
Stupid question about the layering..... long sleeve synthetic lightweight shirt over synthetic short sleeve one? I love cotton but learned the hard way that it is not the best for long rides!

Mike on 9/16/2016 8:38:03 PM:

October will have changeable weather conditions. The 2nd half of October may be much more cooler than the first half of the month. Higher elevations may even see Snow.

Ron S. from Overland Park KS on 9/28/2016 10:22:02 AM:

I use wool cycling jerseys, the classic type. They are far superior to synthetics while touring. In hot/humid weather sweat in the wool evaporates and keeps you cool. In wet weather wool keeps you warm if it is wet. It does not begin to smell for maybe 3 days of wear, although I often wash mine every night in hot weather. Available in short and long sleeve versions. Google them for source but I by mine from Portland Cyclewear.

marie on 9/28/2016 8:07:07 PM:

Thanks for the suggestion about wool jerseys. It is interesting that you wear in warmer weather! Will start googling and see what I come across.

PT from Camp Hill, PA on 9/28/2016 9:49:33 PM:

Just finished Pittsburgh to DC on Sept. 27, 6 days, sunshine 5 days, rain during last night, last day sunny again but the C&O coming into DC was full of puddles, hard to avoid, I was a mess...install fenders. Everyday was better than the last, you're going to have a blast.

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