The only thing I don't like about winter riding...

[Iwasgoodonce]

I don't mind the cold or the gloomy daylight or riding through the mud...

...but I do hate the amount of cleaning that you have to do when you return with a bike, a pair of shoes and a set of clothes that are completely covered in mud and shite.

I went out for about an hour and a half today and when I came back, I could definitely smell the faint wiff of manure coming from either the bike, my clothes or me (That'll teach me to buy my after-shave in the pound shop).

I spent almost as much time washing the bike and putting my clothes thru the washer as I did out on the trails. It makes you wonder if it's worth it -- although as soon as the weather looks okay, I know I'll be back out there again, giving my sparkling clean bike another coating of mud and crap. :roll:

It'll be better in the Spring....

I say that you need to invest in a road bike. In all but the worst cases, (such as the sudden thaw and the amount of road grit associated with weeks of cold and snow), you get changed, ride, return and shower.

 

[JohnH]

I like those pictures!

You know things are bad when the mud pie that's accumulated at the top of your seatstays actually slows down your back wheel and prevents your V-brakes from working... :roll:

I say that you need to invest in a road bike. In all but the worst cases, (such as the sudden thaw and the amount of road grit associated with weeks of cold and snow), you get changed, ride, return and shower.

That's a very good point. Or I could get a rigid MTB and fit slick tyres to it...