You're Making These 5 Mistakes When Riding On Snow

You’re Making These 5 Mistakes When Riding On Snow

Instead, let’s go to the mountains, climb for a few hours, and then ride our bikes like skiers. What could possibly go wrong? I don’t know. It’s something we’ve done a zillion times.

You can even start races on glaciers. It doesn’t mean there aren’t any dangers. Getting snowed in can cost you a lot, even minor mistakes. What do you think? Let’s talk about that.

Snow riding is nothing like you’ve ever experienced before. Although some may compare it to riding through mud, there are significant differences. To begin with, mud is predictable. It’s awful, but predictable. The same cannot be said of snow.

Hard, soft, wet, dry, deep, shallow – all uneven. It’s especially slippery. It’s okay to slide out for any reason. It’s hard to hit this white powder even though it looks like a cloud.

In order to avoid crashing, you should have your feet free. Otherwise, you’ll invent a snowboard-style sport with your bike. Winter rides don’t work well with clipless pedals? Nope.

Every dismount becomes a wrestling match with icy snow in your cleats. You will thank yourself if you make it out with your frozen toes on time.

Ride with flat pedals on snowy days. Power transfer won’t be as good, but you’re not racing, you’re having fun. Watts aren’t important. Be cautious when you stop and promptly fall over to avoid looking like Bambi.

Backpacks are not included in your rides. A single one is required. Your clothes need to be changed. Your snowy destination won’t be a perfect Instagram moment once you arrive. Keeping warm after you stop pedaling is the key.

Let’s not get hung up on the inevitable short stops. They’ll be plentiful. It takes time to capture Instagram-worthy photos, you know. Unless your body is losing heat, these are not a huge problem.

It is best to wear something warm if you want to catch your breath for a while longer. Your sweat-soaked jersey will also turn to an icicle as you speed down, so you may want to change your clothes entirely before the descent.

Dress in layers if you want to avoid overheating. Wool or merino base layers, insulating middle layers, and waterproof outer layers are recommended.

Bonus points for the descent wearing a balaclava. MTB pros avoid frostbite and do their best to give their fellow riders mild heart attacks.

I find this place beautiful, magical, and… oh-so-treasurable. Mud is often characterized as a slippery nuisance, but snow functions differently.

It’s just snow, how bad can it be? ” Well, let me introduce you to its alter egos: ice patches, slushy streaks, and the dreaded crust-over-powder combo.

A tyre kisses some grippy snow while you’re driving confidently, and BAM! An unplanned pirouette makes you feel like an Olympic figure skater. Who are the audience members? It’s impossible not to laugh when you’re riding with your buddies.

A good way to avoid your own blooper reel is to treat every surface with caution. Let’s be honest, it probably is. Don’t ride with brute force, ride with finesse.

Reduce tyre pressure to increase grip, and brake gently. The time isn’t right to set a new Strava downhill record. Summer is a good time to do it. There is no need to consider the alternative.

Snow has 100 different names in the Inuit language, you know. It’s true that not all snow is the same. Until your tyres sink halfway into oblivion, you feel like a hero. A packed snowfall may seem solid… until it isn’t. It’s also possible to make a hockey rink out of the icy stuff.

Where does the problem lie? It is common for riders to jump into a ride without checking the conditions first. Most people assume that snow is simply snow. That’s incorrect. In an instant, this shape-shifter can transform your dream ride into a comedy sketch.

Here’s a tip. Refrain from braking hard if you encounter these sparkling snow patches, or ice. Help your bike gain grip again by keeping one or two feet on the ground. No screaming.

That’s absurd. During a bike ride, why wouldn’t you hydrate? Here’s a reminder: “baby, it’s cold outside”. Generally, people do not wear bathing suits where there is snow.

Keep your water in your basket basket, as it’s cold. Ice-cold water tastes awful when your body is steaming in the cold air while you’re drinking it.

Under all that clothing, your body thinks it’s not thirsty because of the cold. Dehydration is guaranteed when you hike snowy trails at altitude and exertion.

How do we fix it? Water bottles or camelbacks can be used. Warmth will be absorbed by the camelback. Make sure you stop at some huts along the way to drink tea and warm up.

Keep drinking, however. You’ll think everything is fine until it isn’t. Be careful. 15-minute intervals. Several sips will suffice. Calves will not cramp and you won’t look like you’re auditioning for a zombie movie.

Snow riding is a unique adventure. When you aren’t prepared, it can be terrifying as well as thrilling. It is simple to follow the rules.

Be prepared for the unexpected, know where you’re going, and know what to expect. Doesn’t it sound simple enough?

Before you hit the mountains, keep in mind one rule – it’s all for fun. After the fun stops and it becomes suffering, returning to your home is much wiser.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *