Feature :: Dropmachine.com

Saturday. 7am. My alarm goes off and I'm lying under the heft of a thick duvet. My phone shows the morning high to be minus 18 with a windchill of minus 25. The joys of getting motivated to ride bikes in the winter.

Most of it is purely psychological - getting past that barrier of warmth between you and the outdoors. After 4 shots of espresso and a giant bowl of oatmeal, I check the weather again. Still minus 18. Starting with a merino wool base layer, I don layer upon layer of clothing to protect myself against the elements. I fill up two bottles with electrolyte liquid - hydration packs with hoses are pretty much useless at these temperatures. A few bottles stashed in the jersey underneath a few layers will do the trick. Time to load up the bike, head over to the LBS (Freewheel Cycle in this case) to collect the rest of the dirtbags.

The first step outside sure makes you wonder what the hell you were thinking. At the shop, everyone from last night's email broadcast is present, running through their gears and lubing their chains. They are all here because they don't want to be 'that guy' that sucked out because it was too cold. But deep down, we're all in the same mood; if someone called it off now everyone would happily retreat back to their hibernation.

Another coffee stop is followed by some colourful banter on the drive up. Before we know it, we're at the trailhead. Everyone starts to change into their riding gear - no one dare sets foot outside yet. Everyone twisting and contorting their bodies to get that one last booty or jacket on is priceless. Bikes are unloaded, coffee is finished, and the seven of us ride into the woods.

After making our way a few hundred feet into the trail, it's evident that people have been riding here. A tight ribbon of knobby tracks wind their way through the pines. Winter riding around here is all about the traffic; if you're hitting virgin snow you'd better be prepared for a long slog. The odd ice patch keeps you alert, but for the most part it's a grippy, crunchy layer of snow glued on top of an icy base. Leave your expensive studded tires at home.

Another 10 minutes in, many of us are already overheating and stop for a wardrobe adjustment. It's tough to nail down the perfect clothing combination this time of year – many of us come prepared with a little bit extra just in case. The hissing sound of expelled air is heard as people try to gain extra traction for the rest of the ride.

Further into the trails, the flow is apparent due to high traffic. What was once a technical rocky playground in the summer has been smoothed out. Holes that would normally eat a 26 inch wheel for breakfast have been all but filled with ice and snow. Rocks are still very much in the mix, but are somewhat subdued. Everyone quickly picks their way through each section with confidence.

Things are warming up now as the sun is beams through the barren trees. The blanket of snow gives off a sparkle in return. We ride a 20 minute stretch of technical singletrack with not a word from anyone. Everyone is in their zones, taking in the scenery, amazed at the outstanding conditions. The section of trail we are on is very tough to 'ace' in the summer, yet this train of riders is hitting every obstacle with poise. Most everyone cleans it, some with one or two dabs here and there. Not bad! On the way through, we cross paths with another group and it appears obvious they're having as much fun as we are.

Midway through the ride, we take a food break near a campfire set up by some hikers. While consuming our snacks, you can hear the buzz amongst the riders about how fantastic the trails are today. Everyone is definitely on the same page. Not wasting time so as not to cool down, we delve into more snowy singletrack.

On the next trail, we encounter some sketchy bridges and skinnies. What would normally be trivial for our group turns into a real test of balance... and wit! A few of the skinnies - coated with a thick layer of ice - are avoided completely by most of the group. Those few that try it are quickly shown the exit. Of the group of seven, only one skilled acrobat manages to successfully negotiate the slick log.

At this point, we've been out for over two hours. We start making our way back to the trailhead with more fast and flowy trails on the agenda. The train of riders confidently carve turn after turn of sweet 'wintertrack'. Everyone's on their game now and the grip on corners has become very predictable. The temperature has climbed a few degrees, making the traction reach a sweet-spot for the day. It really doesn't get any better than this for January!

The legs are beginning to tire. Getting out only once or twice a week this time of year is a hindrance in the endurance department. Hydration seems under-rated during winter rides even though one sweats just as much or more than in the summer. After another 45 minutes of sweet riding, we're back at the trailhead. Everyone is jovial and psyched from a great day on the trails, covering 20+ kilometres of mostly singletrack. We quickly pack up and jump into our warm(er) vehicles.

Riding this time of year, with the right preparation and perfect trail conditions is a blast. Add the right group of people to the recipe and it's really something special. Why some mountain bikers would much rather be spinning away on their trainer watching Seinfeld reruns, is beyond my comprehension.

And to think I could just be rolling out of bed. Maybe I'll take an afternoon nap.

Jon_Durham - February 3, 2010
Dundas Valley and Iroquois Heights/Chedoke trails? Glad I moved out of Hamilton to Coastal BC so I can ride in a t shirt at this time of year :P

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