Snow does not stop mountain biking enthusiasts from getting outside in the winter.
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January 05, 2015 - 2:36 PM
KAMLOOPS - Snow is great for sledding, skiing, snowboarding and show shoeing, and mountain biking. Wait, what? Yes, mountain biking.
A group of mountain biking enthusiasts don’t let the snow stop them, instead they turn to ‘fatbiking’ it. When the snow flies in Kamloops members of Lekka Loops, a recreational mountain biking group in town, will outfit their mountain bikes with snow tires and hit the trails in and around the city.
These knobby or studded snow tires help give traction in the compacted snow. Cyclists also need to be make sure their brakes are up to par and have to do regular maintenance on the bike in winter to make sure build up of slush, snow and dirt don’t impact the bike too much. Reflectors and lights become even more important in the winter months too, when less daylight and falling snow can affect visibility.
Of course riding in the winter also means you have to take care of yourself a bit better. Warm, dry layers and goggles to protect your eyes are important, as are proper hand and foot protection.
Another thing to consider when heading out to bike in the winter is to choose your route wisely. Potholes, snowbanks, slush puddles, hard pack and ice all present challenges not usually present during the summer months.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infonews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2015