Cycling through a Scottish winter throws up a whole raft of challenges. Gone are the long, balmy summer days where heading out on your bike was a simpler affair.
In winter there are many things to think about above and beyond the usual emergency kit such as a spare inner tube, pump and some cash for cake and coffee mid-ride. Now I find that my preparations for a ride can often take as long as the ride itself – making me wonder why I bother at all. Firstly there is my eternal bête noire of actually finding all my kit. No matter how much I try to keep my gloves, leg-warmers, lights and so on in one place it’s as if my cupboard has exploded and all that kit finds itself scattered around the four corners of my house.
Preparation is also a fundamental component of a successful winter ride that must take place hours in advance: lights, clothing, mudguards, tyres and route – all appropriate to the conditions, must be taken into account. There have been times where I have been looking forward to a ride after dark, only to find that my front light hasn’t been charged leaving me standing in the hallway of my house dressed in several layers feeling fed up.
Perhaps the hardest part of riding in the winter is finding the motivation to do so. As the mercury drops below zero, the wind howls and the rain batters off the roof, it is easy to look at the roaring fire and come up with some excuse as to why riding today isn’t really a good idea.
However, once you’ve cleared all these hurdles and are actually on your way, all the effort becomes worthwhile. Some of my favourite rides have been done in the winter: in snow and ice; in darkness without street-lights; and in howling gales and driving rain.
One such occasion, several years ago, saw me, after work, try to come up with every excuse not to ride that night. I was planning to meet some friends for a winter mountain bike ride. It had been snowing, the temperature was -10, I was tired and I had to be up early the next day. I forced myself out the door and within an hour found myself on top of a hill above Pitlochry.
There was a full moon out which, against the backdrop of a snow-covered landscape, lit up our surrounding area negating the need for using our lights. We descended that hill, over ridged snow drifts that were set like concrete, by the light of the moon and to this day I still remember every detail.
There have been many such occasions. Some have been memorable for their extreme weather, others for their camaraderie and the laughs we’ve had on the way; many have stood out for their self-induced feeling of sensory deprivation and isolation on a solo ride on a dark country road.
Whatever the reason there has never been a time I’ve regretted going out to ride in winter, but there have been many times that I have wished I had just pulled my finger out and not made excuses. If winter riding to you means spending hours on an indoor trainer then try something a little different this year. Embrace the winter – you won’t regret it.
Where to Ride? The Knock – Crieff
Suitable for? mountain biking of all abilities
Distance: various
Start: OS Landranger 1:50000 Map 52
NN865 225
Description On a map Knock Hill in Crieff doesn’t look like it will hold much potential. However there is an abundance of fun riding to be had in this small area of woodland just to the north of Crieff.
Starting at the car park behind Crieff Hydro there is an option to follow the main track around on a circular of the hill. There is one steep ascent/ descent (depending on which way you ride), but it is an otherwise nice short ride with options to head up to the viewpoint on the summit of the hill. It is the north-east side of the hill that holds the secret of more extreme mountain biking fun. Trails are marked with grades of blue, red and black and although not extensive there are enough built trails to keep you occupied for an afternoon.
If you want to venture further afield then a track from the top will take you down towards Monzie and a whole network of estate vehicle tracks around Loch Turret and the western edge of Glen Almond
