Not all of us live in a warm climate.  In Minnesota, it’s snowing as I write this. Being the hardy people we are , we still ride when. This article is about things to think about when you are riding on a trail that has snow and mud and leaves.

Riding through patches of snow can be a little unnerving in the spring especially if you are going up or down a hill. The trick is to try and judge the snow. If it is a patch of ice, ride straight across without pedaling. Ride along an edge where there tends to be a little grip. Keep the gear low and slow. Low for slipping and slow for falling. If the snow looks loose, try to pick a line that has been ridden but if none is available stay to an edge. Avoid the middle. These piles hang on into spring because they are shaded and deep. The center is usually just a slush pile with ice likely. The edges will have good grip stay on the snow side because it’s likely you’ll find mud on the outside edge. Keep in a low gear in case you need the power. If it’s a small patch ride right through the middle to try and break it up for the next guy.

Riding in spring mud is not much different than any other time except that it can contain slush. Slush mud can be very very very slippery so exercise  caution. Low gear and try not to tear up the trail to much. This time of year be careful about going off the trail to avoid these. Chances are the first few rains will erase any trail damage but rutting up grassing sections tends to stay on for a while.

The spring leaves can be tricky because they are usually much more slippery. Think of two sheets of ice on top of each other. That said, riding over these leaves helps brake them down. On the river bottoms of the Twin Cities this is great for helping the sandy spots stay away as long as possible. The leaves create a nice bace for riding over the top of the sand. Eventually they will grind away and the sand will show.