Winter biking 101

I am writing this article on the recent increase in the sales of "Fat bikes", ie: Pugsleys, 907's, and Fatbacks. I don't proclaim to be an expert on the use of snow bikes but I would like to share some of my experiences. Snow biking is very similar to mountain biking in many aspects but it does have its inherent dangers!

The biggest obstacle to overcome is winter temperatures. Its very hard to dress properly to be comfortable yet not over heat due to the increased resistance of pedaling in the snow. Its very seldom that you will get out of the granny gear on the trail. Sweat is the bane of snow biking! Proper layering is of the utmost importance when heading out in the snow. If you do not hit the trail feeling a bit chilly, you are starting out way overdressed! Practise on short trips to see what works for you. If you do not remember anything else from what I have written, PLEASE PACK A DOWN JACKET AND DRY LONG SLEEVE UNDERSHIRT in a backpack or frame pack for unexpected breakdowns. Hypothermia can set in in a matter of minutes in sub-freezing temperatures!

Footwear is another consideration fatbikers must deal with. Flat pedals offer cyclists an array of possibilities for footwear. Companies such as Keen, Columbia, Garmont and many others offer insulated boots that are light weight and warm. If you are like me and do not want to give up your clipless pedals, the options of winter cycling shoes are quite limited. Louis Garneau 0 degree Ergos and Lake MX-302 are the only two boots I would recommend for our U.P. winter temps. Buy the winter cycling shoes 2-3 sizes larger than your regular mtb shoes so you have room to layer socks. My recommendation is a tall liner sock followed by a heavy merino wool sock from a company like Smartwool, Darn Tough or Terramar, absolutely NO COTTON! One trick for people with sweaty feet, apply a liberal amount of anti-perspirant to feet before putting on your liner socks. For added warmth to your winter clipless boots add a pair of neoprene shoe covers, my favorites are Performance brand. One fault of clipless pedals in the snow is the cleats have a tendency to pack with snow and it becomes hard to clip in, a small amount of silicone or cooking spray can help with this.

There are many options to keeping your hands warm but my personal favorite is Pogies. The simple definition of a pogie is a large "chopper like" mitten that attaches to your handlebars that you slide your hand into. They are the warmest by far and allow you to wear a very light glove inside for better control and also a place to store your nutritional needs to keep from freezing. Down Wind sports is selling pogies made by local mtber Chris Holm and a portion of the proceeds are going to the NTN and Range MTB Club for trail building and improvements.

Other things to consider:

Helmet and Balaclava ( I do ride without a helmet when temps. drop below 0 for warmer headgear)

Goggles (great for snowy and extreme cold days)

Thermos brand water bottles (the only bottles I have found that don't freeze!)

Headlight and taillight(a must, you need to be seen on the snowmobile trails)

Spare tube (patches don't work well in the cold, please practise changing a tire on your fatbike in the comfort of your home before venturing on the trail!)

Mini-pump (a must, tire pressure changes are needed regularly due changing snow conditions)

Chemical handwarmers (in case of emergencies or mechanical breakdowns)

Frame bag or large Camel back(storage of extra clothing, DOWN JACKET AND SHIRT, remember?)

Winter biking is another avenue to explore the beautiful U.P., but please be careful out there. If you are on the State maintained snowmobile trails remember they pay to ride them and they are not accustomed to seeing bikes on their "highways". Personally, I try to avoid the major snowmobile thoroughfares on weekends because of the high traffic and high speeds. There is a big misconception that you can hear them coming and can get out of the way, but with snow on the trees to deaden the sound and the new 4-stroke motors they seem to appear out of nowhere! Also, please stay off the groomed ski trails unless snow-biking is allowed, we don't need to create a bad name for ourselves!
Wednesday night rides continue at 6p.m. throughout the winter alternating between Ishpeming (Jasper Ridge Brewery) and Marquette (Border Grill on Washington). After we get ample snow and trails established a schedule will be posted.