Shoulder Season Riding

SHOULDER SEASON RIDING

Nowhere is the collision between seasons more apparent than fall and winter, where conditions can transition from fall colors to a skiff or even drifts of snow overnight. And although March might come in like a lion, late autumn often comes in like a snowball to the face. The upside for mountain bikers? Every ride is a bonus after the mad scramble of peak riding season. And low stakes along with snow-day excitement usually only reserved for elementary school can combine for some of the most surprisingly satisfying rides of the year.

This page, left side: Seasons collide quite literally on a ride through Riverside’s first snowfall of the season.

This page, upper right: Sliding in snow, skidding in leaves, stomping in puddles; lowstakes late-season riding is a reminder of the pure child-like joy of cycling.

Opposite page, top: The best way to maintain traction on early-season snow on Bernard Peak? Stay in the air.

Opposite page, lower left: Snowfall on the High Drive Trails doesn’t often linger, so it’s a race to put in first—or any—tracks.

Opposite page, lower right: Cold, clear mornings on the Spokane River often bring sun, steam, and frost, as well as the opportunity to ride in a puffy.