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Snowmobile Trail Riding |
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Team Bikeman -
Race Reports
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Written by Ethan Magoon
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Sunday, 25 February 2007 |
Snowmobile Trail Riding
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It's official, the 2007 single speed riding season has begun! I know what you are thinking, it's February! Sure, I could have headed out with my cross country skis and put in a good bit of Cardio, but c'mon, I've had enough of winter - it's time for some early season riding! If you've never tried riding on snowmobile trails, the next few weeks is the time to get out there! I've found that late February is usually the best time to ride on snowmobile trails. This year is no exception. After all the bone-chilling cold weather, and a decent amount of snow, the trails are hard-packed enough for some good winter riding.
Before you giddy-up and go, be sure to check your local land-use ordinances about riding your bike on snowmobile trails. Although you probably won't do any more damage to the trail than a cross-country skier, the snowmobile riders' association in your area may frown on such unorthodox activities. Respect landowner wishes.
Here are some tips if any of you decide to head out during the late snowmobile season:
1. I've found that a good single-track or XC setup works well on snowmobile trails. Mount some tires in the 2.1 width range. Spiked or studded tires work best, but a good mud tire should hook-up nicely, too. If you are a little heavier than most, try using wider tires for extra float. Avoid using low-profile tires. Front and rear suspension works well, but keep in mind that it's cold out and it all might function a little bit differently than you are used to. Disc brakes rule in snow - they are more consistent than their rim-based counterparts. And I think singlespeed is the way to go.
2. Head out early. Although it's still freezing in the mornings, at this time of year the sun's rays are getting stronger and stronger. Daytime temperatures can quickly climb into the mid 30's. So start your ride while everything is still nice and frozen. By the time you turn around (more on that later), the trails will still be hard enough to get you back. You're also most likely to have the trails to yourself in the morning. Most snowmobilers tend to sleep in.
3. Wear as much bright and reflective clothing as possible. Thankfully many snowmobilers use daytime running lights and reflective clothing will blaze-up as the machines approach you. Also it's not such a bad thing to wear something "hunter orange". Generally speaking, it's the same folks blasting the wildlife as are riding snowmobiles. They'll take kindly to such a familiar color. And for god's sake, wear a helmet. Just because you're riding on snow doesn't mean the rules have changed. Trees will always win.
4. If a group of snowmobilers heads in your direction, just be courteous and get off the trail entirely. Safety first. Seriously folks, don't fool around. The machines aren't well-known for their braking prowess. Also, the drivers are not used to seeing a biker on their trails and most ride like bats out of hell. If they get stuck trying to go around you, you might not be found until spring. Smile and wave. These are their trails, not yours.
5. Although riding on frozen snowmobile trails is much like riding on hard packed singletrack, steering and traction can get kooky and spin-outs are par for the course. Where the trail widens out or is exposed to the sun (i.e. fields, fireroads, ponds or lakes, etc) you might hit some super soft spots. Try your best to ride through them until the trail narrows. Use a smooth cadence and fluid steering. Think sand. Eventually you may have to get off and hoof it - just be sure to get back on the saddle ASAP! Walking in that crap sucks.
6. Out and back. Generally, snowmobile trails are point to point. Unlike biking trails most snowmobile trails head in one direction for miles and miles on end. They usually don't loop back around to where they started. Keep this in mind as you crank down the next descent. As I mentioned above, you'll most likely have to head back up the way you came. I like to use all the discarded beer cans as trail markers - bread crumbs if you will. If you get lost, just follow the Coors Lite back. It hasn't failed me yet!
7. Snowmobile bridges are made for snowmobiles! Inevitably you'll have to ride over one - do so at your own risk. The sheer lack of engineering that goes into some of these structures is just mind boggling. Somehow though, they withstand all the daily traffic. I like to keep in mind that snowmobiles weigh on average, I'd say 500-600 pounds. Toss on a rider who is pushing another deuce and we're talkin' some serious weight. Although they may look rickety, very rarely do you read about a snowmobile bridge collapsing. Depending on your build, you and your bike might top out around 250, so just get on and off the bridge quickly as possible. Pray to God, Allah or some other supernatural save-your-ass being and you'll be fine.
8. Follow the trail signs. The most important ones to pay attention to are the "STOP" signs usually at trail and road crossings. And keep an eye out for the "CAUTION" signs. These are posted everywhere and for good measure I imagine. They usually mean something serious is up ahead like a sharp turn, a split in the trail, a stream crossing, etc... So watch the side of the trails - the signs are generally spiked into trees. And remember: Stay on marked trails.
I'm sure I've missed something. But keep these tips in mind as you head out. Some of the best winter riding can be found sharing the trails with snowmobilers. Finally, if you get the chance, be sure to thank your local snowmobile trail riding club for grooming the trails - with out these fine volunteers we'd all have to ride on the road!
Keep on keepin' on,
BuZz
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