In most of Canada, the snow is melting, and the mountain bike trails are becoming rideable again. It’s a good idea to check trail conditions before heading out- riding wet trails can damage them. Trails not designed for use during periods of heavy rain can be rutted and eroded by use when standing water is present on the trail, meaning that when the weather does finally get warm and sunny, the trails will be in less than optimal shape.
TORCA, the Tri-cities Off Road Cycling Association, are on the front line of the battle with soggy-trails. Based in the mountains around Vancouver, they deal with saturated trails all winter and well into the late spring. TORCA have written an article on identifying trails that are best for riding in the rain, and suggest the following guidelines for choosing trails to ride in shoulder seasons, to limit damage to fragile trail networks.
Soil Type:
The type of soil on the trail bed contributes to how well the trail will drain. In it’s natural state, the forest floor is made up of sticks, pine needles, leaves and other organic debris that is in various stages of decomposition. This material is known as duff, and if you pick it up, it’s loose, doesn’t pack, can hold a lot of water like a sponge, and when worked will break down into a black, sloppy muck that takes a long time to dry out.The gold soil that has become ubiquitous with modern trail building is the local mineral soil. It’s a mixture of fine gravel, sand, silt and a small amount of clay with minimal organic matter. It is technically called loam (which is often confused with duff as mentioned above). When it’s worked, it will compact down, and the clay and silt will bond everything together forming a hardened layer that can shed water and is very resistant to wear from foot and wheel traffic.
Trail Grade:
Water on a trail is generally bad, but it becomes an erosive force when it’s moving, and as it’s speed picks up, so does its potential for damage. A well-built, well maintained trail will have out-slopes on the trail bed to sheet water off to the side without it picking up much momentum.Special Restrictions:
Sometimes, because of conditions, fresh work that needs to bed in and set, or a variety of other reasons, a trail may be temporarily closed.
If it’s really wet, consider going for a hike (although the same problems still exist), or contact your local organization or builders to see if they need help, digging in the rain is really satisfying.
Choosing the trails you ride through the winter is very important, but so is taking care of your bike after a wet weather ride. When you have found a good stable trail to ride, make sure you finish the ride by hosing your bike down, and give it a good cleaning when you get home. Keeping your drivetrain clean and well lubricated will extend its lifespan considerably, as grit and grime will act like sandpaper, wearing away your expensive drivetrain parts. Be sure to keep your suspension seals and bearing surfaces clear of mud and grime, too!
If you just can’t wait for evapotranspiration to dry the trails out, here are some products to keep you and your bike rolling happily! All of these can be ordered through your local Live to Play Sports dealer.
SuperB Drivetrain Cleaning Kit
LTP part number: 345122-02
MSRP: $39.99
Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II
LTP part number: 451505-01 / 35
MSRP: $429.99
Topeak Defender FX/RX Fender set
LTP part number: 177835-01
MSRP: $44.99
