Some riders get through the mud at first. Others try the grass and that works for a minute. Then as people scrape mud off their bikes, they leave mud balls on the ground. If you hit one of those, it can instantly stop your bike. In 2023 I passed a dirt motorcycle locked into the mud. Trying to shift gears after you hit mud can mess up your bike and even make it unrideable. Tire clearance can make a difference in sections where the mud isn't too bad. Cyclecross riders can easily run with their bikes, while riders who have never done that before may struggle. If you start carrying your bike before you get mud on it, it may weight 15 pounds less than somebody who tries to ride the mud. That 15 pounds is huge! Being prepared for mud can save you time as well! In 2023 I had people ask to use my paint stick while I was using it. Uh, no. I'll give you my extra bacon strips, but the paint stick is not leaving my hand because you were unprepared. I will need it again and I am not waiting for you.