Belmont mountain bikers ride through a rainy winter Hayes Gaboury With the cold and wet weather at its peak, many people choose to be warm inside their houses. However, members of the local mountain biking community are doing the opposite. The rain and cold temperatures mean that trails are in perfect condition for muddy winter laps, a rare treat for Bay Area residents. While the trails are in vulnerable states due to the heavy rain, the dirt is primed for trail repairs and other maintenance projects. What was once hardened and dusty dirt has now become shapeable and easy to build with. This combination of conditions has led to many riders throwing on their winter riding gear in search of good times, making winter one of Belmont’s most popular riding seasons. “I like riding during the winter because the dirt is better, but rainy rides often lead to a lot of trail damage,” said Sam Stabinsky, a local rider and junior. For example, the soft and muddy ground can easily give way, creating ruts and other such damages. “Several trails are completely unrideable and need rebuilding,” said Remi Vernon, the Carlmont Mountain
Biking Club president. “All the trails are easily altered while people ride them in the rain, especially in areas where the water runoff all flows to.” In addition to the risk of damaging the trails, the early winter sunsets leave riders with less time to actually ride. To help combat this and ensure that bikers can get home safely, local bike shops such as Belmont Bikes sell bike lights and other protective winter gear. “You would expect people to be running in asking for windbreakers and jackets but not this season,” said Jacob Gotshalk, a Belmont Bikes employee. “The big things on everyone’s shopping lists are mud fenders and lights.” Proper mud fenders are a crucial winter riding accessory, as they help keep mud and grime from flying off the tires and into the biker’s face. Paired with an adequate bike light to help illuminate darker trails, most mountain bikers will be ready to take on any trail. While some riders get properly equipped to go ride the trails, other mountain bikers have used the rain to help repair damaged trails and restore forgotten ones. Members of the Carlmont Mountain Bike Club have been working tirelessly on various trails
to help maintain them and repair the damage done by the heavy rain and premature riding. The softening dirt makes it much easier to mend trail damage as the dirt can be moved and compacted into lasting shapes. “It’s important to maintain trails because of how much use they get throughout the year. Since it’s dry for a majority of the year, trails get run down, and we can’t fix them due to the dusty conditions,” said Carl Bussiek, a local rider and junior. Once the repairs are done and people have gotten the proper gear, the trails are typically dry enough to provide the perfect balance of traction and fun. Often deemed hero dirt, this riding period is what is most sought after during the winter months. “The grip is perfect and guarantees satisfactory riding conditions,” Vernon said. “When it is too dry, the dirt is dusty and slippery. When it is too wet, it’s muddy and slow.” When managed well, winter can be the best riding reason for Bay Area residents. It provides the opportunity for enjoyable conditions and gives a chance for hikers and bikers alike to help rebuild and maintain the local trail systems.
16 HIGHLANDER SPORTS
