Some winter trail guidelines to follow

It's that time of year where the temps are usually below 32 degrees. The ground is frozen solid most of the winter season, but there are a few exceptions. To keep the trail in great shape for spring, please do not ride the trail when it is above freezing with only a light snow cover on it, like right now. Also, parts of the trail that get direct sunlight will get thawed sometimes, so if you see wet muddy sections of trail, please do not ride any of the trail.

By caring for the trail over the winter months, it greatly reduces the maintenance in the spring. Our volunteers will greatly appreciate not having to fix ruts and pits from people who ride during thawing cycles.

One important warning while riding Theo! You must yield to skiers at all the ski trail crossings once the ski trails are groomed. Also, do not ride on any of the ski trails and cross them at a 90 degree angle and only at the locations where the mountain bike trail crosses a ski trail. If you just follow the mountain bike trail, it will cross the ski trail at 90 degrees.

Also, once we get a good amount of snow it's really tough to ride the trails. Two things can be done to keep the trails rideable in deeper snow conditions. One, snowshoeing the trail does a great job of compacting the snow so bike tires will not sink in. Also those with Pugsley's (the big tired bikes) who ride the trail help compact it quite well, but it's a lot a work to break in a snow covered trail with a Pugs. Pugsley's and 29ers with 2.3 tires work amazingly well in the snow. A 26 inch wheel is fine, but doesn't roll as well in deeper snow. Studs are generally only needed if an icy surface forms under the snow cover. But most of the time studs don't do much, all you need is a good aggressive knobby tire.

More updates as winter progresses.

Enjoy the winter.