I recently had someone tell me I was crazy for ridding my “skinny tired” mountain bike in the snow.  The person was not being malicious, but more making a point on how uncomfortable they were with riding in the slippery conditions.  I informed him that I had actually rode my fat bike in the snow on that particular ride, but I also let him know that I had ridden my “skinny” tired 29″ and 26″ mountain bikes in the snow to the total of 100’s of miles.  I can still remember some of my 1st rides in the snow, and the trials and tribulations that ensued, while I pedaled, drifted, slid and fell all over the place.  Despite the relative toughness of riding in those conditions, I really did enjoy doing it.  And because I enjoyed it, I stuck with it.  And this persistence paid off for me as my bike handling skills as a rider, and a racer, increased dramatically.

Today I went out hoping to find some clear trail to roll nice and easy on.  It wasn’t to be found.  Foot, bike or snow machine traffic packed the trail down, and then the combination of rain / freezing temperatures that we have had left the trail an icy mess.  I ran into this mess about 1/2 mile from my door, and realized that I probably would not find usable path.  However, I wanted to try.  So I pressed onward.  I spent the better part of the next hour waiting for the trail to open up, but it never did.  At times it was unrideable, and I had trouble just walking on it, and at other times it was an exercise in bike handling that reminded me of my early rides in the snow. When I finally bailed on the trails, and sought ought clean roads to finish off my ride, I was satisfied with my effort for the day.  I used my years of snow riding experience to safely push myself and try to further increase my skills and comfort in handling my bike on the ice.

Now I am not advocating that everyone hop on their bikes and start riding icy paths.  I am suggesting that you seek out bike handling challenges that will further your growth and development as a rider, and as a racer.

 

-Jason