Post Ice Storm Trail Ride

[mp510]

I decided to take my bike out on some local trails after the ice storm on Wednesday. I had a good time. I noticed that ice on leaves, dirt and loose(on improved trails) stone doesn't slick thing up the same way it does on pavement- because the surface can give under weight- it almost seemed like the traction was better with that ice than if the leaves were just wet. In addition to actual trails, there was also a couple of dried intermitent stream beds that were fun to ride too. Because of the conditions, some of the flowing streams were easier to ride through/accross.

Here is a picture of a stream that I rode through (I dismounted and double back to take the picture- you can see my track running into it):

Here is just a couple general area pictures:

I took this picture on one of the lesser improved trails. This one was very wet- both because it is naturally wet and also because over the course of the day it got warmer out, melting the ice. As the ice melted, many of the trails became more difficult to ride, because of tires slipping and sinking in- going out was more difficult than coming in. Here is a picture that I took where I had removed an obstruction from the trail with the powerlock saw.

Some Gratuitous gear pics and knife porn (Buck 110 and Sog Powerlock):

 

[wintermute]

Nice shots! You forgot to talk about your bike! Get a fender so you don't get skid marks on your backside!

 

[j williams]

I have a set of studded tires for winter rides.

Great pics man, I was cleanin up my singlespeed last night, thinkin bout mashin some pedals today.

What kind of bike do you ride? I have been an avid biker for 19 of my 27 years on this planet. Most of my life has had enjoyable time in the saddle. Been riding singlespeed for 2.5 years now and love it. Ill never go back as long as my knees hold up.

 

[mtnfolk mike]

right on..:thumbup: cool pics... i am also an avid mtn. biker.. winter rides are a lot of fun.... though we don't any snow.. i went out on a nice mud and muck ride a few days ago.... i should have taken some pics... i was covered in mud... it was great....

 

[mp510]

I have a set of studded tires for winter rides.

Great pics man, I was cleanin up my singlespeed last night, thinkin bout mashin some pedals today.

What kind of bike do you ride? I have been an avid biker for 19 of my 27 years on this planet. Most of my life has had enjoyable time in the saddle. Been riding singlespeed for 2.5 years now and love it. Ill never go back as long as my knees hold up.

That's an older Mongoose DX 3.3. It's one of their 'bike shop' models as opposed to a box store model. It ran about $200 new in 2000. 21 speed Shimano rapid fire shifting system. The gear ratios could be better- they were trying to give a good accross the board set of choices- and it works pretty well for most things. Overall, it's a solid bike and has quite a few more years to it.