What is the draw to biking in or on the snow – you ask? It is cold, below freezing, and potentially dangerous. You are riding on snow after all, and did I mention the cold? Oh and don’t forget the moose that seem to be frequenting the walking trails recently. It adds up to one crazy idea – right? Well picture this; the sound of the snow crunching beneath your tires, the smell of the crisp, mountain air and the quiet peace that being outside in the snow brings to one’s soul. And there is no better place to experience this sensation than Steamboat Springs.
Now, you don’t have to ride uphill on Emerald Mountain or own a designated fat bike to enjoy biking in the snow.
There are many different ways to participate in this peculiar phenomenon. We have: commuting to work on the groomed Core Trail along side the almost frozen Yampa River;
following the back trails in condo land to get to the ski resort; or even using your own bicycle and taking a drive out to the relatively flat Lake Catamount Touring Center for a few laps. We do suggest, however, reducing some air from your normal tires first!
And of course, for those so inclined, there are snow bike races. Check out the photos from a recent race on the Stampede run at the Steamboat Ski Resort.
So what is stopping you? With the snow coming back in, get out there today and play on your bike in the snow. Hope to see you all out there.
Editors Note: Bike Girl in Bike Town is a Steamboat local (ubiquitous yet anonymous) cycling enthusiast, rider and coach. Check back here each month for more of her insightful biking tips and first-hand tales from the trail…and the road.