How to Ride a Snow Bike

Learning to ride on the snow is like learning to ride a bike all over again. Not only are you dealing with different terrain, but you need to also factor in weather, uncomfortable clothing and unexpected obstacles. The key to learning to ride a snow bike properly is in the practice. The more you take to the trails, the easier it will be to learn how to enjoy them properly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Learn to Ride on Snow

1. Choose a low bike. Mountain bikes are sturdy enough to be ridden in the snow, but low models may be even easier to manage and control, especially if ice is present, making the surface slippery. You may find that riding a child's bike (with the seat pushed all the way up) is the best solution.
2. Learn the basic techniques before you go out in the snow. For example, it's extremely important that you learn to sit down properly to avoid pain and to maintain control of the bike. Always lean back more than you would when biking on regular ground, as this increases traction.
3. Stay seated at all times. As tempted as you may be to stand up on your bike, it will likely result in you losing control over the bike. If you're riding over snow, standing up will most likely make you lose control over the pedals as the bike bumps into the uneven terrain.
4. Lower your shifts. Position the speed of the bike as low as you can stand it, so you have to pedal quicker and stronger. This will keep the wheels going, which is especially important if you're biking over tough, heavy snow.
5. Practice standing still on your seat as much as possible when you are riding over ice. This means no shifting to the side, no jerky movements as you pedal and no adjusting your position on the seat as you are riding. Falling on ice is hard to avoid, but moving less will at least help you maintain your balance better and lower the number of times you will hit the ground.

Tips & Warnings

• Biking on ice, especially frozen streams, is one of the most difficult things to learn when snow biking. Consider practicing first on snow, and, as you get comfortable with the terrain, move on to small patches of ice, and eventually to larger surfaces.
• Falling on ice hurts. As you are learning, consider wearing a helmet and padding on your knees and elbows to prevent injuries.