Tips for mtn biking in the rain?

[Aggie_Ama]

Yeah, SOME of us wait. I just rode one of my favorite trails today, only to find that the impatient set had already been out before it was sufficiently dry enough to ride. The result? Big, nasty, tire catching ruts. It makes me mad, but I rested secure in the knowledge that the mosquitos probably carried them off to feed their young.

LOL! I go to these women's mountain bike rides hosted by the local club and find it cool that in the beginner ride they always stop to give a good discussion on being proper trail users and also point out the hazards like poison ivy. There are multiple users of the trail, some don't realize how much damage their impatience is bringing and some just don't care.

[crazycanuck]

I did a search on the MTBA site but found very little on regs for wet weather riding. All I know is that over east, Manly Dam is normally closed when it's wet.

I'll do some more asking.

Rain makes our trails great in Western Australia. Mushy pea gravel is better than when slippery.

[Tabby]

I haven't been to the forum for awhile, but thought I'd chime in too!

As a basic standard, we close our trails for 24 hours/inch of rain and folks are pretty good about posting on local forums trail conditions and damage.

Saturday we were out and though we started sunny and dry, it decided to rain about 12 miles into our 19 mile ride making the last 7.5 miles pretty slick... slick roots, slick rocks, slick logs, slick leaves, slick off-camber clay soil. After a couple falls on those slick obstacles I opted for walking over them and riding what I could on the trail within my comfort level. I was totally frustrated, but finally made it back to the car with only a couple bruises and scrapes. I couldn't figure out how to manuever the slick stuff. Other suggestions would help .... even though I find no shame in walking.

[fatbottomedgurl]

Yeah we stay off the trails here when it's wet in southern california but I wish they would get that message to the equestrians. Horses can destroy a beautiful single track.