Just because winter has most of the northern fringes of our country in its icy grip doesnt mean that your off roading has to stop. Here are a few simple tips that might help you to make your own tracks in the snow.

Fat Is Where It’s At!: Sure, it would be super cool to be able to own one of those rediculous looking snow bikes, like a Surly Pugsley, but the cost of one of those rigs puts it out of reach for the Blue Collar cyclist. What to do? Get “fat”! No…..don’t go for the candy and beer just yet! What I’m talkin’ about is fat rubber. Check the clearance on your frame and get the fattest tires that will fit in there. Many times old, out of favor down hill specific treads can be had on close outs or used from riders looking to move on to more popular tires. Get those fatties mounted up and air down. Waaay down! Typically a cyclist can reach into the teens with your air pressures to attain maximum floatation and grip.

Remember that pinch flats are not common on snow, since all those nasty trail obstacles are usually buried in snow, or filled in so as to render them to be much more benign than during the warmer cycling season months. Besides, you probably won’t be going all that fast anyway, since you’ll be (hopefully) layered up in clothing and working against the snow’s resistance, which typically slow you down a bit. But hey! At least you’ll be cycling!

If you are a tubeless devotee, try adding in some washer solvent to your tubeless sealant. It’ll keep it from freezing up. Speaking of freezing up, you can keep hydrated by using an old Roman Centurion trick I used to use, which was to mix red wine with my water at about a 50-50 ratio or less, depending on how cold it got. If you don’t like the alchohol idea, then you can try those insulted water bottles, or an insulated stainless steel bottle.

It’s All About Layers: While many of you may not own that super technical winter cycling gear, you can still get out and enjoy the fun if you dress smartly. It’s hard to be specific here, because everyone is different, has different needs, and is doing slightly different things. It is pretty much universally agreed upon that you should dress in layers. Avoid cotton made garments, and go for wool, or polypro type base layers. Good gloves, mittens, boots and socks are important. Again, everyone is different here. I would suggest going with flat pedals, as your feet will thank you if you are wearing warm footwear as opposed to trying to make your cycling shoes winter proof. Although that can be accomplished if your winters are not too severe. Wool socks are wonderfull, by the way. Thank you to all the sheep out there!

Finally, a good balaclava and some eye protection is a must. A sunny day on snow can wreak havoc with your eyes, so don’t go leaving tracks in the snow without taking care of your head and especially your eyes. Ski goggles can be had fairly cheaply if you look around. They keep wind out, don’t fog up too badly, or at all, and stay on your head. Sometimes taping off the vents in your helmet can even help. Look for a good head band designed to cover your ears too. Sometimes that is all you need.

Use Yer Noggin!: Of course,you still have to be smart about all this winter fun. Stay hydrated, don’t forget to keep nutritional items handy, and keep an eye on the latest weather reports. Wind chill can be a killer, so sometimes you just have to concede to nature and stay indoors. However; done right, winter cycling in the snow can be a hoot. And who knows? If you really get into it, maybe you’ll find yourself saving your pennies for a purpose built “fat bike” some day.