LifeCycles said:
however being that I've just bought a new MTB at the end of this season,
I was wondering to what if any imput, suggestions, comments , etc. does anyone have to offer about riding in snowy back woods??
All imput is greatly appreciated.
There are two ways to approach snow riding:
A) use narrow tires to cut through to firm ground
B) use wide tires and low pressure to float on top.
The approach that works will be dependent on snow density and snow depth. A couple of inches of fluffy snow is easily ridden in narrow tires and will not support on-top riding regardless of tire width, while a couple of inches of dense snow can offer great floatability and cause severe steering problems if tackled by the cut-through approach.
I've heard rumours about special snow/sand bikes that used two rims mounted side by side for each wheel, but I've never actually seen one.
Studs doesn't do much in fresh snow but can provide critical traction on hard packed snow and of course ice.
Snow might lodge in your pedals and cleats during certain circumstances and may require something pointy, like a screwdriver, to chisel it out. I do not recommend using your keys for this purpose.
Make sure to carry spare tube(s). Not only does riding with low pressure increase the risk of flats, but also finding a puddle and breaking through the ice to be able locate where to put the patch can turn out to be a real challenge. Self-adhesive quick patches works as long as you warm them and the tube in your hands prior to application.
If toes, fingers or any other body part goes numb, make sure to warm them up "immediately". Frostbite is not a pleasant experience.
If you fall and sustain an injury that prevents you from riding/walking out heat loss will strike rapidly. Always bring a riding buddy if riding on rarely used trails. Consider carrying a bivvy bag/thermal blanket if help is more than one hour away.
With winter comes dark, either plan your rides according to the hours of daylight or bring decent lamps. Remember that batteries generally don't like the cold much.
Don't forget to drink. Cold air can hold less moisture tham warm air, so you'll dehydrate rather quickly even if you aren't sweating. If you start out with a warm camelback wrapped in an extra sweater you have some time before it freezes. Avoid ice formation in the hose either by blowing back into the bladder after each sip, of by using an insulated hose.
