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When 'tis(n't) the season to ride? by Aida Elder Sleigh bells ringing, Jack Frost nipping, chestnuts roasting… and mountain biking? No, it's not the sour eggnog talking. You really can include mountain biking in this special catalog of all things winter. Who uses a sleigh anymore, anyway? On two wheels you can experience your own unique and exhilarating winter wonderland. Most mountain bikers would agree that the fall season offers some of the best riding conditions. Cool weather, dry trails, and toned legs from miles of summer riding can make for a pleasurable biking experience. But once snowflakes fall and temperatures plummet, many riders reluctantly hang uptheir bikes for the winter. Luckily, with a few simple modifications for winter riding, you can continue mountain biking right into spring. Cold temperatures mean frozen precipitation, resulting in conditions that are often too icy and slippery for standard mountain bike tires. The answer lies in studded tires, which give traction on frozen surfaces where even walking would be impossible. A hasty dismount will promptly remind you of this fact as your feet fly out from under you. Too strapped for cash to afford costly studded tires? You can make your own with two mountain bike tires, about two hundred half-inch long sheet metal screws, two new mountain bike tubes and two old biketubes. Screw about 100 screws through each tire from the inside.Each tip should protrude through the outside of the tire by about a quarter of an inch. Take care when handling the tires once the screws are in place. Sheetmetal screws have razor sharp tips. Then, cut along the inner circumference of the old bike tubes and install the resulting circular piece of rubber within each tire. This layer functions as a barrier that will protect the new bike tubes from the screw heads. Now, place the new bike tubes inside the tires and fit the tires as usual on your rims. Granted, these homemade tires are not as light as factory made studded tires, but they will allow for traction over icy surfaces that would otherwise be off limits. There are other simple but important modifications for winter riding that can make the experience safer and more enjoyable. Toe spikes added to bike shoes can provide you with necessary traction on ice while off your bike. Although they can make clipping in and out of pedals more difficult,they are well worth this extra hassle when you need to walk your bike down an especially icy section of trail. Disc brakes are a definite must in the winter. Water on the trail can cause ice to form on the rims, making it practically impossible to slow down or stop with rim brakes. To prevent your drink from freezing inside your Camelbak hose, use an insulated hose cover, or simply blow air into the hose after each sip. Along with colder temperatures come shorter daylight hours,so make sure to carry a headlamp in case of emergencies. As always, pack enough food and hydration, and, especially in the winter, ride with a buddy. Optimal winter riding conditions The beauty of winter riding is that you can do it when it istoo icy to do anything else. If the weather isn't conducive for skiing or snowshoeing, then give biking a try. A lot of rain followed by a deep freeze is perfect. On the flipside, if there's fresh powder out there, then forget the bike and go skiing. Biking in soft snow is like biking through loose sand – traction is nearly impossible and the whole experience becomes thoroughly exhausting. If it has been a dry winter and the trails are frozen,then leave the studded tires at home. In these conditions the ground has a sandpaper texture, allowing standard tires to grip with ease. Snowmobile paths and any other well-traveled trails covered with firmly packed snow and ice are ideal for winter riding. You will find that a blanket of frozen precipitation can completely change the character of an otherwise familiar trail. Obstacles such as small rocks and logs disappear,while subtle elevations and dips become level. Be wary of riding in deep ruts of ice at high speeds,though. The front tire will inevitably hit one side of the rut, risking aspectacular fall. Selecting the right time of day to ride is important. Trails that are frozen in the morning can become slushy as temperatures rise throughout the day. For this reason, morning rides are generally best. Of course, riding through slushy mud for miles is no fun and destroys trails, so if the temperature is simply too warm, resist the urge to mountain bike and try a refreshingly cool road ride instead. Protect yourself from the elements As with other winter sports, winter riding requiresappropriate apparel for colder temperatures. Even in the cold, pedaling uphill causes perspiration, which can create quite a chill on the downhill sections of the trail. Layering the torso with thermals, fleece and a jacket allows you the flexibility to shed and layer as necessary. Much of the same clothes used for skiing – thermal underwear, insulated ski gloves, a neck gator – can also be used for winter biking. For head protection, a beanie that covers the ears will fit comfortably under a bike helmet. Lycra bike shorts with a chamois can be worn as usual underfleece pants or insulated, wind-block tights. Ski socks work well, and can be worn under Gore-Tex socks to keep your feet dry. Shoe covers can offer added protection to summer shoes, but for the ultimate luxury in warmth and comfort, treat yourself to insulated winter cycling shoes. As with skiing, chemical toe warmers will keep feet toasty on particularly cold days. So, instead of dust gathering on your mountain bike this winter, why not a dusting of snow? A few simple bike modifications and an adventurous spirit are all that are required. Jingle bells, optional.
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