Oh the fateful Day 1 of North South Battlefields 1200k. The forecast was for 4 days of rain and temps in mid 40's - 50's. About 15 riders gathered for the pre-talk the night before and then appeared on start time of 4am. The weather then was warm, humid, and not raining. So off we started. After the part of the W&OD rail trail, where we were all together, it then started to rain and it got colder and wetter. Eventually we started to separate apart, around mile 42. I hung around with Goovanni and Sekthi. At mile 58, I stopped at the crest of the hill to remove my shoes, especially left shoe, and wring the water out of my nice wool socks! At this point there was a break in the rain and I let Gio and Sekthi go. That descent was cold, so I was glad I took that 5 min break. Then I arrive in Smithsburg at mile 60.7 and we were to go straight onto some little path that was nonexistent, but I didn't like that option to I looked left and noticed 2 riders out that way. So followed down there. At about 60.9 was a clean porta-pot so used it, while just a few yards ahead were Gio and Sekthi with Gio fixing a flat. I passed them here. At mile 61.1 I was back on route. Cold, wet. Rain started again. Road to mile 65.5 and noticed an open garage with pavement leading to it. I went there to look at the route and to adjust clothing. The lady owner came out of the house and kindly allowed me to use the garage. At this point I had passed a road marked as bike route that went southeast to Hagerstown. After reviewing my options, I really started to decide it was time to DNF as it was only going to get colder and wetter from here. My feet were again soaked, yes no fenders, silly me. So I sort of thought of about DNF and riding back to hotel so Sonja wouldn't have to come get me. I saw that I could cut through Hagerstown and down past Antietam and catch the return route down there. So have leaving the garage, I opted to ride up to the PA line and then I finally decided that was enough as the rain was starting even heavier. Well that ride to Hagerstown was on a great road but the rain continued. By the time I arrived in Hagerstown, I was very cold and wet. So stopped at c-store to put on my blue woolie. That was sort of a pain with all my clothes being wet. While at c-store I noticed that I could go over 1 road and then have a straight shot southward to Antietam! So that is what I did. That was a great route that passed huge houses in Hagerstown that reminded me of the big houses in Atchison, KS. Then through the narrow street of downtown and then finally on road to Antietam. It was too rainy to get the camera out so I missed many photo ops. Eventually Antietam. To the north of town was the battlefield and some cannon. Very moving site. Still lots of rain. Once past town and on the Lime Kiln road, which was part of the original return route, at mile 92.6, that was a bit unusual. Almost like riding on a trail that as an afterthought had pavement added to it. Narrow, tree lined and canopied. Eventually it came back to Harpers Ferry Rd. That was a bit of a steep hill. Finally kept making my way back to hotel along the original return route of Day 1. I was soaked, cold, and tired of being both when I arrived at the hotel. It was a good move to DNF as eventually Mike S DNF after a couple hours on Day 3. Only 4 of the starting 15 finished. Oh and a number of other riders did not even start! Beautiful place to ride, just to wet and cold. I need to get some lightweight rain gear ( pants & jacket & clothes) and to use my fenders or get new fenders.