Around the East , we are having a banner snow year, but the imminent freeze thaw cycles also lead to some icy conditions on the slopes where you need good sharp edges. But the same thing happens to the local trails that I ride in the winter. Usually, after a snow, the trails will pack down after hikers, runners, and fat bikers make the surface rideable. Kind of like a groomer at a ski area. I ride them with my Esker hard tail that I use in the winter with 2.6 tires. (Thanks Tom Florcik from Highline Bikes info@highlinebikes.com) That set up is good enough for most snow rides until the freeze thaw cycle starts. Then it gets a little sketchy. I end up talking to myself in sections. Encouraging myself, and riding the edges until I can find better spots. In the thaw/wet periods, I try not to ride so as to destroy the trail. But when I get the chance and the trails are rideable, they can be a good workout. Frozen trails are like riding in the summer. But thawing trails are soft and can give you a better workout than you might have bargained for. I see that on my Garmin watch when I look at the end of ride statistics. I work harder in softer conditions.

A lot of the guys that I ride with use studded tires in the winter. That works for sure. But I just go out when I can, and see if I can get by without them. If it gets too icy, I put Yak Traks on my hiking boots and go for a hike until the trail conditions get better. More snow is usually the remedy and the packing down cycle begins again. My neighbors think I am a bit touched when they see me load my bike in the Jeep in a snowstorm. But I like to ride, and peddling is my way to keep in shape and also have a little solace in the woods during a snowstorm. I have never been a gym guy, so I like to do things outdoors- no matter what the weather is doing. I don’t really live in ski country. It takes some effort to drive to the mountains to ski and drive to my local trail systems to ride. When the freeze thaw comes, I am prepared with sharp edges on my skis. But when I ride…………………whoa Nellie!!!!

So, getting back to my neighbors. They say, “why would a 70 year old guy ride in the dark, with lights, on snow covered or icy trails?” They just shake their head at me as if to say- “are you nuts?” But my response is always positive. I tell them how much fun it is, how beautiful a snow- covered trail is in the woods at night, and how trail conditions improve my bike handling skills. Most of my neighbors are my age or a little older and their idea of conditioning is a little different than mine. I am not your typical 70 year old for many reasons. But continuing to do the things I like will keep me young. I want to enjoy skiing and riding for as long as I can. You don’t quit doing things because you get old………you get old because you quit doing things. I think about how long I will be able to schlepp ski bags and luggage through airports, drive in raging snowstorms, and put up with all the inconveniences just to do the things I like to do? I hope for a long time. Just keep doing it. When you quit, then you have a problem. Got some new roller luggage and roller ski bags this year just to make sure.

So my message this week is again, not to let the weather get the best of you. Enjoy a walk, a hike, or something outdoors in the winter. And when the trail conditions get a little sketchy……enjoy the ride, or the slide…….. as it may be. Thanks for reading.

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“Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead. I press on towards the goal to win the prize….” -Phillipians 3 13-14