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Fenders for a dry weekend
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Rick from Wyandotte, MI on 11/1/2016 1:40:47 PM:
My wife and I are headed down this weekend for a 2 day Cumberland to Pitt trip. I currently have both bikes setup with full fenders - they were a huge asset during a Pitt to DC trip I did back in May, which involved more rain and lots of mud on C&O. If I remember the GAP correctly, it all drains very well. Weather right now looks like a bit of rain Thursday, maybe Friday morning, but Sat/Sun will be dry. Is there any need for the fenders? I only ask because leaves occasionally get pulled up and stuck between the fender and tire, making for an annoying noise. If they are needed functionally, I'll put up with picking a leaf out every now and then. If not, I'd rather remove them before the trip. Thoughts?
 
Awf Hand from Chippewa Falls, WI on 11/2/2016 9:59:45 AM:
I don't think I've ever wanted to take off fenders before. Usually I've been wishing I had them. That said, I'd probably leave them on and pick a leaf out every now and then, While the GAP does seem to drain very well, tires throw sand and silt onto a bottom bracket, chain or legs if there aren't any fenders.
Also, forecasts (especially 5-day outlooks) are generally worth what you paid for them.
 
Rick from Wyandotte, MI on 11/2/2016 10:49:34 AM:
"Also, forecasts (especially 5-day outlooks) are generally worth what you paid for them."

Yep - that's a good point.
 
Michael from Pittsburgh on 11/4/2016 5:29:40 AM:
No need for fenders. The trail from Cumberland to Pgh is in pretty good shape for the most part. Not as much mud as from DC to Cumberland. You will have the usual "spray" of dust/light dirt from the crushed limestone.
 
Anonymous on 11/5/2016 1:19:19 PM:
keep your fenders on, it will keep you and your bike drivetrain clean and working properly (;
 
Doug Riegner on 11/7/2016 2:04:39 PM:
Fenders are completely optional. trail is dry so I'd prefer without any extra equipt or items to get in the way...
check www.GAPtrail.org for interactive map. Big Savage tunnel closes Dec 2nd this year. FYI
 
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