Daylight savings time is this weekend so days will be longer and the weather will get warmer. It has been a long, cold, snowy winter and everyone is itching to ride. We are not in the clear yet so please keep some things in mind with late winter riding:
- Gravel on the road is a very unstable riding surface. Do not initiate a turn while in gravel as your wheels will go out from under you.
- Travel on back roads whenever possible. The combination of gravel, road debris, snow and ice and potholes make a lot of the shoulders very dangerous and unpredictable. Give yourself enough room to allow cars to pass safely.
- Potholes. There are many of them so be aware that cars are trying to avoid them just as much as you.
- STAY OFF all mountain bike trails as the snow melts. If it is below freezing, you can ride because the snow will remain frozen. Above freezing, stay off trails and ride your trainer or take to the streets because the trails are very fragile and you will cause rutting.
- Be aware of icy patches on roadways and rail trails.
- Dress appropriately. It’s still cold.
- Don’t overdue it. It is exciting to get outside on a bike again but I know from past experience that going out hard without the fitness to back it up can take you out for a few days.
- Be safe and have fun.