One of the great things about living in British Columbia Canada is that there is a 12 month window for Mountain Biking. There really is no time of the year that you can't throw a leg over a bike and hit the trails. Sure it may be wet, and it may not be all that warm but with a little bit of perseverance and preparation, it is rare to find a day that riding isn't an option.

For me, the hardest part about riding in the winter is knowing when to stop. Unfortunately, living in an area that sees perpetual rain between the months of October and March, the trails can get a little bit soggy. Being so, it is easy to forget the fact that getting wet and cold is not the only downfall to riding in such conditions. The other negative is the abuse that the trail takes. All trails can and will take some abuse, but some can take more than others.

When riding in the wet winter months it is best to stick to trails that are not subject to flooding, avoid low lying areas and keep to harder packed trails rather than true forest floor. The best wet-weather trails actually have a camber to allow for drainage. By sticking to appropriate areas for riding, the trails will last longer, require less maintenance and provide you with a better ride experience. In addition to saving the trail you will stay dryer while riding faster and smoother than on the alternative. Remember, the trails are made to be ridden, but sometimes they need to rest. Instead of hitting your favorite loamy trail, try something a little different, and save the others for a dryer day.

Dustan