How to Ride Your Bicycle on Icy Trails

Three things I need to emphasize before writingBut don't forget to be looking forward so when you
anything else on this subject. Number one, do notget to the non icy area you know where your next
ride your bicycle if the conditions are not safe. Andline will be headed.
number two the best way to ride your bicycle on iceNext, don't turn on ice if you can help it. I already
is with studded tires that are in good condition. Andcovered this a little in the previous paragraph but it is
the third and most important, always wear yourimportant enough to cover again. Turning or changing
helmet. Especially if the trails are snow covered anddirection is very difficult to do while you are on ice
or icy.without crashing. If you must turn, try to turn as little
OK, now that we have covered the safety issue, letas possible. And remember, if you can't stay on the
me explain why I'm writing this article. I have alreadytrail because of ice it's ok, the snow on the side of
written a review on my Studded Bicycling Tires. Mythe trails is usually safer than the ice on the trail.
studded snow tires are worn out and I don't haveDon't use your brakes on ice. This will always make
the money to replace them at this time. But Iyour tires slip. If you absolutely have to use your
continue to go out Bicycling anyways. I was out ridingbrakes, use the rear brake. Never use the front
one afternoon and the trails where very icy becausebrake while on ice. If your rear tire slips it is easier to
the temperature was in the forties earlier in therecover than if your front tire slips.
week but then it turned very cold. So the snowAnd you don't want to pedal while on the ice. When
melted when it was warm and then the puddlesyou pedal the rear tire can slip on the ice and come
froze on the trails. And while I was riding and tryingout from under you. Also when you pedal you are
to make sure I didn't crash, I thought some peopleshifting your weight from side to side and that can
might like some tips on riding their bike on icy trailalso make your tires slip on the ice.
just in case they happened across some unexpectedAnd just to recap: Do not ride your bicycle if the
ice on their bike ride.conditions are not safe. The best way to ride your
The first thing I recommend to do is to look forwardbicycle on ice is with studded tires that are in good
as far as you can and look for non icy areas. If youcondition. And always wear your helmet. Especially if
are looking forward you can plan your line to getthe trails are snow covered and/or icy.
through the icy area. When I ride on icy areas I pointThis article is only to help you if you come across an
my bike in the direction of the dry areas. You don'tarea of ice you didn't expect. If you know the trails
want to turn your bike while you are on ice. Whenare icy I recommend staying home for a couple of
you get to a dry area is the time to change your line.days just to be safe.