The Winter Dimension

by Tim Ek on December 21st, 2009

Winter Riding, Minnesota Style

In order to fully prepare for race season one must prepare in the “off season”. Unfortunately, that means winter for me. Riding trail in the white season is super fun as the trails are mostly rock hard with all the subtleties removed by snow and ice, thus smoothing out the trail into a ribbon of roller coaster like single track. With the right gear ratio this makes riding a single speed a pure joy on a 5 degree morning. However, with the Midwest spring classics looming, one must prepare for the gravel road races of southern Minnesota and the Grand Daddy of them all, The Trans Iowa.

What better way to prepare for races than to simulate them. Enter gravel road riding. Spinning 8-10 hour rides in the winter dimension not only tests the physical, but the soul as well. If a rider is able to block out the pain of frozen fingers, toes and face, he/she should be able to handle almost any discomfort that comes in the summer months. Overall, everything is harder in the winter, speeds are slower, parts break easier, hydration systems freeze and flats could kill you. But, just think how tough you’ll be in the summer! Bring on the gravel. Bring on the cold…