Don't stop now!

The rain is here to stay for the winter, surprise surprise. Don't let that stop you.

So often, I hear of people hanging up their wheels for the entire winter just because the trails are wet.

I know that I'm a bit of an exception, being attracted more to wet trails than dry ones, but still, it surprises me how many people just stop riding for half the year, given that winter is when our local trails are most interesting. Riding in the slop does build skill, and teaches you grit, among other things.

One bit of advice I have is to get some really good lights. I'm not talking about some Amazon garbage. I mean REAL lights. Check out the options from Light and Motion, Outbound, or MagicShine. Figure on spending at least $300 if you want something that won't let you down.

I prefer to have just a lamp on my head and the battery in a pack or jersey pocket. The tried and true setup, having a battery on a cord so your head can stay light is the way forward for me. I run a Light and Motion Seca 2500 and it is nothing short of amazing how long it will last while being almost too bright in the higher settings.

Lights are imperative to keep going through the winter, and usually because the time available for most people to ride after work, will be dark or getting there. If you leave prepared, and just switch them on when the time comes, you'll be off and rolling without too much worry about timing and so you will ride more.

"But they say you should't go if your tire leaves a mark"

Let me just say, this is Oregon, and if you can't find trails that allow riding while wet, you aren't looking hard enough. Call me up, I'll be happy to give you a recommendation. One of my favorite chill winter riding spots is OLD Dallas. Its easily accessed from Ruben Boise road in Dallas, and you don't have to worry about getting locked in. I drew a map because none exist to my knowledge. So here's the maps I drew for Old Dallas and for Magic Carpet, which are both close to each other in proximity, but very different feeling zones. I've also included part of a map I have of this area, but that does not show the trails. Cheers friends, hit me up if you want a guide!

Horse Puckey, the trail that ends by the parking area, might just be the most underrated trail in Oregon. Corners for days!

Magic Carpet Zone ups the ante with some big jumps, tech features, and proper elevator shafts. Goes Great in the slop!

It's amazing how little this map manages to show, but it is very broad.

Bright enough for ya?! Don't be scared of the dark, just get familiar with a Zone, and get yourself a Light and Motion!