Winter riding on the West Coast of Sweden comes in different shapes. Normally we don’t get that much snow, so the most common condition is simply wet and muddy. However, we are sometimes blessed with periods of subzero temperatures and snow. Yet, this means different things…
Subzero, Frozen ground and some fresh snow. It’s the feeling of riding in a winter postcard. It’s fast and good training for handling the loose grip in the corners 😊.
Around zero degrees. The ground is still partially frozen and fast but the ice on the deeper mud/water sections will not hold. As a consequence, it becomes heavy… and heavier. Every time you crush through the ice the water/mud splash freezes to ice on the rims and the bike. At times you have to stop and clear the rims, unless you’re in it for the extra workout…
Subzero after fluctuations around zero. Lakes are still frozen and this is where Spikes are a must. The trails are fast and the grip is great.
Snow is gone, temperature is above zero, but the lakes are still frozen. This is a nice mix of regular autumn-ish riding but with possibilities to shortcut your regular routes crossing some lakes or bogs and just play around on ice.
