Surly Pugsley Winter Singletrack Adventure Under the Moonlight

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Playing in the snow is good fun, young and older...

 Looking forward to a moonlit night on the singletrack. Temps are about 15 degrees, a bit warmer then the zero degrees out at the resort Ski Patroling last night.

The trail is a narrow ribbon winding through the woods packed down by fat tire riders. It takes a bit of concentration to stay on the packed trail and not to flounder in the deep snow. Found that the best way to stay on track was to stand up on the pedals, power up the climbs and stay out of the saddle on the twisty descents. The key is to balance traction and power and not spin the rear tire with ones weight forward. Took 3 good tumbles into the snow, doesn't take much to get off track.

Was out in the woods about 2.5 hours and outside in the elements about 3.5 hours. The idea is to become acclimated to the winter temps and find the ideal layers of clothing for all the different activities. We have a backcountry multi-day snowshoe / snowboard trip planned into a 10th Mountain Hut in the mountains of Colorado this winter. By snowboarding one day, then snow biking the next. I am able to find out what works for clothing and how to stay warm, but not sweat too much. I like to test my equipment and clothing in true winter conditions.    

 The view from the saddle, don't need much light with the moonlight. I use a bar mounted light and a Black Diamond headlamp zip tied to my helmet.

 I enjoy the breaks and the darkness when I turn off the lights. A Monster drink and energy bar are good for keepin' the pedals turning.  

Back at the truck a cold beverage and snack bar are the reward for a good ride under the moonlight...Ride On!