Riding Packed, Plowed Rail Trails

Last week's 16.5" dump on top of several packed inches plus drifts meant the snowblower had to clear one narrow corridor by shooting snow through the fence onto rail tracks.

It's been a wild one this winter, with regular snowfall and normal below-freezing temperatures. For the past 5 years, I've gotten used to frequent rides on a nearby, plowed rail trail. Until this year, trail coverage was thin or even clear pavement at times during typical globally warmed Vermont winters. This meant easy access with or without a studded tire bike. I could get used to this!

My tires are all over the place in thicker, trodden snow.

It's been tricky even with 1.75" studded tires this year. If the paths aren't cleared close to the surface, my rear tire, especially, fishtails, losing traction. I often need to put a foot down, which is all the more reason I ride a step-through bike. Bike handling is tough: hands loose on the bar, spin in low gears usually gains traction. It takes a toll on my body though. A 10-mile ride is plenty in these conditions and I rest between outings, sometimes for 3 days.

But watching the sunset over Lake Champlain; stars appearing in the sky; and solitude, keep me coming back for more.

The left, ice-lined area had the best traction. Note the ski tracks on the right. Burlington plows half the path in winter to allow other snow sports.

Yesterday's climb into the 30'sF created soft paths. Oddly, I sought out ice-filled lanes! The top layer had just enough grip, but smoother going overall. Go figure.

Often, the bridge connecting Burlington to my Colchester community loses its snow first. I think it's the lack of tree coverage. Note the ski tracks continuing across the bridge.

The Colchester side had the smoothest surface, cropped close to asphalt. There are few riders compared with walkers, so often snow is pockmarked and frozen - terrible to ride!

Is all this worth it? For an avid rider, yes. I like the challenge. The important thing is I'm safe and know my limits.