There are few times in Maryland when you are "shut out" from riding your mountain bike due to weather. You can ride in the rain, the snow, the sleet, the heat, the sun, or even frigid cold temperatures. If you are in the mood - you can just go to the trails and ride whenever you have the time... and if you are lucky like me, you have a friend that can always accompany you on your ride!!! You can also ride alone and have a great time, but it is always nice to have your buddy or pet along. However, the recent cold temps and high water content snow/sleet/rain/ice have made things a bit difficult. Mikamal and I (the Manimal) rode in the snow a few days ago as it was falling and it was one of the best rides of the year - a spectacular and pristine style ride with beautiful scenery and nicely matched "fairly level" singletrack. We had nice traction and no incidents or accidents at all. We stayed warm. We enjoyed the 2 1/2 hour sojourn immensely. Today, things were vastly different as the snow had frozen up and crusted over so that it was like a boilerplate. It could support your weight - you could jump up and down on one foot - it would not punch thru - the sleds would skim on the top regardless of your weight - even your CAR could drive on some areas and it would not punch thru!!! So what about a bike ride?? Sure, you can do it - either get chains (pit bull mfg.) or steel studded tires (nokian corp.) - people have been riding on snow and ice for years with their bikes with these aids and it is wonderfully doable. However, without these items you are going nowhere. Your bike does not break the crust, so you are virtually on ice - and with just the rubber you do not have a chance... but there is always tomorrow!! the ~MaNiMaL~ |
