When Conditions get rough
Who says mountain biking is a fair-weather sport? Die-hards don't stop with a little rain, mud, or storm. They don't even need daylight. With the right gear and some technical know-how, you can make mountain biking a year-round, round-the-clock sport.
Sure, there's nothing like a sunny day bunny hopping over stones and logs, grinding in you granny gear up impossible hill, and finally collapsing at the top, leg like rubber, with a silly grin from ear to ear. But are you ready to take it to a new level? Ridding in the raining season, at night, or in inclement conditions can turn an extreme trail into the wildest ride of your life.
Can't get enough of your favorite trail? Do it in the dark. A trail you thought you knew like the back of you hand can look and feel totally different at night. Even with a full moon, super-charged headlamps, and handlebar lights, the trail will look different from what you might expect. Shadows can be misleading, and distance can be hard to judge. Washboards and depressions in the road can come up unexpectedly, bringing you ever closer to something that really does go bump in the night.
Mud, Sludge, and Grunge
Some areas, have a mud season after or during the raining season. Getting out on the trail means getting into guck and goo – and lots of it. Fine layers of silt can cover up rocks, making the terrain slick and easy to spin out on. Mud on a trail can be deeper than it looks. What seems easy to ride through can suck your tires – and your energy – right into the thick of it. Tire choice can be especially important in these conditions. If you know you'll be riding in the mud, use a slightly narrower tire, like a Cyclo-Cross tire, with widely spaced knobs to allow the wet stuff to flow through.
Rules for the rugged
- Ride with your posse. Always plan to take on the rough stuff with experienced friends. You'll share a ride, as well as equipment, food, and support.
- Prepare to stop. If your rims get wet, you can pretty much forget about using your brakes. Except if you have a disc brake. Clean your rims to keep a good braking surface. Learn how to shift gears to slow down, use a food to brake, and dismount while your bike is rolling.
- Layer it. In the wet, cold, or both, dress in layers for greatest comfort. Make sure your outer layer is a waterproof, breathable shell.
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