Winter Mountain Biking

It's November of another dying year which means it's time for Winter Mountain Biking for cross training! Here in sub-Arctic Edmonton, Alberta we often don't get much snow accumulation until the new year. This sad fact prevents Cross Country Skiing cross training - at least in the city. And with our changing climate, it's not even that cold anymore! This makes for ideal winter biking cross training conditions.

Here's the secret to warm winter mountain biking: the right clothes, and the right number of layers. There's as many hi-tech advances in winter exercise clothing each year as there is in the average lap top so there's no reason to suffer. Shop at stores like Mountain Equipment Co-op (in Canada) where the staff knows their gear. Other good bets are your local hard-core bike shops and cross country ski shops. Buy from the users, not from the posers.

I'll guarantee you warm winter mountain biking down to -10 Celsius (about 0 Fahrenheit) if you wear the right clothes. It's not cheap, but why waste money on a good dress up suit when you can buy cool outdoor gear? Quality exercise clothing lasts for years (longer than you want it to in most cases...), so it's a good investment!

Here's a top down analysis of technical winter anti-freeze protection:

Head

Let's start with the headquarters: Under your helmet (And yes, you wear a quality cycling helmet for winter mountain biking. Any guesses why???) you'll want to wear a nylon shell that covers you head, ears and neck. This is just nylon, so it doesn't affect your helmet's fit. You wouldn't believe how effective one shell is at holding your head heat in! If it's really cold wear two shells, or at least take an extra shell along in your backpack. (More on that later...) A good shell has enough fabric to cover your mouth and nose if your face gets cold. The Running Room sells a triangular scarf mask that Velcros at the back for more face protection. Looks cooler that a long scarf and you don't have to worry about getting the end of your scarf caught in the front wheel. Don't ask why I know about this...

Torso

Layer up with two or even three mid-weight jerseys. I like a short sleeve running jersey, a long sleeve biking jersey over that if it's really cold a fuzzy layer. Stick to fabric mixes that look like this: nylon, polyester, and Lycra or spandex. No cotton, right? Cotton kills in cold weather!

Your last layer for the upper body is a light or mid weight nylon shell. We use light weight shells in the winter for running and cross country, and they are fine for warmer days - around the freeze mark. Mid weight nylon jackets with weather proof zippers and wrist cuffs are perfect for colder temperatures.

Hands

On your hands for winter mountain biking you'll want a few layers too: start with light nylon gloves, then mid weight nylon or wool over that, then crab claw gloves. Crab claw gloves have two big "fingers": your first two fingers go in one, and do what comes naturally with the other two fingers! You can work the break levers and shift easily with crab claws. For a last hand layer, get a pair of nylon shell mitts. You won't wear these all the time, but they get your hands warm fast, and they're easy to take on and off while riding if they're big enough.

With layers, you know the drill: As you warm up take layers off and stuff them in your backpack, and if you get cold do the opposite!

Legs

For tights I'll start with a pair of normal cycling shorts and a couple of tights over the shorts. That's usually sufficient. As long as the rest of you is warm your legs need surprising little in the way of clothing. Mountain Equipment Co-op sells winter mountain biking knee warmers which are nice for people with sensitive knees.

Feet

Your feet have to be warm, and this can be a challenge for winter mountain biking. There can be logistical problems here, since your regular cycling shoes may not be comfortable with multi layered socks. This is a problem for people like me who like to clip in summer and winter. If you're using platform pedals in the winter - not a bad idea - you have a lot more flexibility in your footwear. In any case you'll want to invest in neoprene booties. These slip right over your shoes and zip up the back - sort of like overshoes. Because they're neoprene they have a high insulation value and they really keep the wind off your feet and the warmth in. If you clip in you just cut out the bottom of the booties so the clips can work.

In your backpack you'll need to carry a few items essential to your mobility: a tube, pump, a few tools, and room for clothing you're not wearing. Your backpack should be big enough for storage, but it doesn't have to be huge. This gear packs down pretty tight.

Bike Gear

Your bike needs the right tires for winter cycling: I like Panaracer Kevlar tires with an aggressive knobby surface. Kevlar tires "air down" very nicely and squish along with pretty good grip when you're on ice. In snow they grip really well at a little higher air pressure. Kevlar tires are important because you'll want softer tires for snow and ice. Hard rubber tires just don't cut it! Don't forget, this is all in the name of cross training so if you have to work a little harder to make up for your soft tires so much the better! If you are mixing on road and off road riding just bring the tires up to high pressure for your road travel.

Winter mounting biking trails are often covered with snow and ice - or to be brutally honest - snow over ice. This kind of terrain challenges your balance, and your ability to read the trail ahead. Figure out how you're going to slow down before screaming down that trail! If you have grass and weeds to ride into that's great, but if you're on a mountain side trail with nothing but air on one side walk it rather than than ride it if you have any doubts!

Most northern cities have parks with good winter riding trails. In Edmonton we have the 470 acre Terwillegar Park interlaced with miles of trails of all descriptions and levels of difficulty. For more variety head to the nearest mountains for early winter biking. Use regular hiking guide books to discover new winter biking trails. When there's too much snow for biking it's time for skiing!

Safety

Ice is really hard, and all it takes is one whack on your helmeted head for you to realize the importance of winter safety equipment. You've got to expect the unexpected when it comes to falling, so wear a helmet. Some bikers will also wear knee and elbow pads depending on their "aggressiveness" factor. Falling was part of your learning to ride, and it's part of winter mountain biking. It's not a big deal if you're prepared.

Summary

Winter mountain biking cross training is "technical" in that's there's lots of little details to look after - especially in the way of clothing. Once you get the hang of it, however, you'll be hooked! It's a great way to spend a few hours on a sunny winter afternoon and you're running will benefit as well.

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