The thought of cycling in the mountain right in snow can be complicated, to say the least. However, it is a thrilling experience that can only be realized by observing specific basic winter mountain biking strategies.
Before you climb on your bike and begin pedaling in the snow, you need to acquire the right gear and be psychologically prepared.
Tips on How to Enjoy MTB adventure in Snow
Your mountain cycling and snow experience can only be enjoyable and safe if you follow the following tips:
1. Plan Adequately: If you want to have a thrilling moment ensures you plan for it. As much as riding on snow is an adventure, you need to be aware of critical issues such as the condition of the surface, the safety of the route, and the terrain determinants.
2. Avoid steep hills: Riding on snow is not an easy task, and for you to enjoy it you do not need to make it more complicated. As much as you would like to challenge yourself go for elevated surfaces that you can manage and stay away from climbing high terrains.
3. Engage a lower gear: Do not use a higher gear while mountain biking on snow. A lower gear gives the bike more power to ride through the snow and enhances stability.
4. Avoid Applying Front Break Downhill: Use of front break down a snowy hill often results in the bike either sliding or the front tire of the bike digging into the snow leading to your being stuck or overturning.
5. Pedal Evenly: Avoid being rough while riding on snowy terrains. A smooth ride will prevent the tire from spinning deep into the snow.
5. Avoid Long Routes: You should not punish yourself by riding for an extended period on snow. A lot of energy is required to ride on the snowy surface as compared to riding in natural dry terrain.
6. Ride on a Low Tire Pressure: For enhanced flotation ensures your tire pressure is between 5 to 10 psi. Lower pressure will make your ride hustle free and more comfortable.
7. Start Slow: This general mountain bike rule also applies to riding on a snowy surface. Starting riding at a slow will enable you to familiarize yourself with the terrain. Once you get acquainted, you can then adjust your speed and ride at a consistent rate and have a fantastic ride.
8. Keep Yourself Hydrated: Do not be among the people that end up being dehydrated because of thinking you do not need water during winter. Your body will need to be hydrated as a result of sweating. Taking sips of water will keep you going and replenished.
Ensure your hydro pack is appropriately functioning and has the ability to keep the water from being frozen while riding in the low-temperature area.
9. Maintain The Right Posture: A relaxed posture leads to a stress-free and smooth ride. Avoid tightfisted grip as it will on make you a heavy load. The more you ease yourself by relaxing your upper body, the more you will have lovely mountain snow pedaling.
10. Be Focused and Consistent: The only way to enjoy a snow MTB ride is to set your goals and achieve them without compromising your safety. Set achievable targets and ensure you persevere until you arrive at your destination. Build on your experience and steadily become a pro in this art.
The following items will make your mount bike ride on snow be enjoyable
Compatible Winter Mountain Bike
While it is possible to modify your bike and be able to ride it in snow, it is easier by purchasing a winter or snow Mountain bike that is specifically engineered for snowy terrains.
The mountain bikes are crafted to withstand harsh snowing conditions and provide enhanced comfort and performance. They are several options in the market that you can purchase based on your budget.
While shopping asks for referrals and checks the customer reviews on the performance of the bike before you opt to buy. You can have the bike customized to meet your snowy mountain biking and personal comfort requirements.
Winter Mountain Bike Outfit
The choice of clothing will not only make you have a safe ride but enhance your comfort as you ride in chilly weather. Always ensure you dress warm and layer up but do not overdress since once you begin to ride your bike, you will start to sweat.
Several layers of clothing might lead to excessive sweating.
The trapped sweat in between the clothing, when exposed to very low temperatures, will freeze making you feel cold. Even though the cycling goggles are not necessary, you might need them in heavy snowy conditions so as maintain a clear vision.
Ensure that your feet and hands are fully covered as they need to be warm to avoid them being numb making it difficult for you to pedal. Your head also needs to be covered with a warm balaclava underneath your helmet.
The type of jacket and jersey should also be careful more so in a windy winter situation where the upper part of the body needs to be proofed against the wind.
Padded shorts are highly recommended for long mountain rides. Lastly, the shoes should fit properly and have soles that will firmly pedal. If the pedals are clipless, you will require compatible clipless shoes.
Tires
This is a significant component as it shall directly affect your riding. Depending on the snow terrains, the bike tire must be able to withstand the ground.
In case you are riding on hard-packed snow, the best tires that you need to purchase are the off-road tires for compacted terrains. The tires must be thick to avoid sinking and getting stuck into the snowy ground. The tire width should be approximately 2.3”.
Another aspect that needs to be carefully considered is the material used to make the tire. In severe winter weather, certain materials are affected by the snow.
Soft rubber tires harden and get brittle when subject to low temperatures decreasing their inefficiency. It is, therefore, advisable to acquire and fix hard rubber tires as they perform better even in extremely colder temperatures.
For enhanced safety, the ability of the tires to attain a high flotation margin is critical. The tread pattern on the tire should have been crafted to allow the snow to clear off to gain maximum traction for a comfortable and speedy ride on the snow.
Winter Mountain Bike Light or Lamp
At times it gets dark during winter, to avoid biking in the dark ensure that you have the right lighting devices that can emit light that can penetrate foggy weather.
Safety Gears
There are a number of safety gears that will come in handy in emergency situations. Also, the gears will lower the chances of getting injured in case of an accident.
Some of the safety gear that you will need include mouthguards, elbow pads, wrist braces, ankle braces, upper body armor, knee pads and shin guard, reflector jacket, and helmets.
The concern on how to enjoy mountain biking snow will be addressed by you opting to observe the rules of the pedaling game and going for what will best work for you. Subsequently, you can take a bold step and enjoy a breathtaking and safe mountain bike ride on snowy terrain.
