Dave's $0.02: Wet Trail Solutions

We invited one of our most dedicated volunteers, Ride Guides owner/coach, State Parks docent, Wilderness Patrol volunteer, and all around good guy Dave Robinson to share his knowledge with the MBOSC community. From time to time, we'll be sharing a new series of news posts: Dave's $0.02! His first post here is focused on how you can keep from going crazy in all this rain when you can't spend time on your bike. Thanks Dave for sharing your two cents with MBOSC!

---

This winter’s weather has been highly variable with the only constant being “I think it’s too wet to ride trails.” First, thanks for considering the trail and how your actions reflect on the riding community. Though you may think sitting down at the brewery with a heavy coat of mud on your clothes after a ride may look cool, you can be sure there are people who know you’ve been leaving deep grooves in the trail. So what’s a passionate rider to do when it is too wet to ride trails?

1. Dial in your suspension. Go to the websites for your suspension and bike manufacturer and review the recommended sag, associated air pressure, and rebound settings for your bike. When setting the sag on your shock be sure to do so in the open position. If all of this seems like another language, then invite your tech buddy and his/her shock pump over with the lure of a cold beverage and perhaps a little online bike inspiration.
2. Check your chain. The most cost-effective maintenance item on your list is replacing your chain before it elongates too much. A $5-10 chain checker will help you determine if it is time to replace your $30 chain or if you’ve waited too long and it is time to replace your chainring and possibly even cassette (multiply chain cost by 10).
3. Dig. Still feeling trapped indoors, need to be surrounded by your riding buddies, wanting to get out on the trail, or even wanting to learn what makes a good trail great? Winter is our prime trail building and maintenance season in central California because of rain, and there is no better way to give back to the trails that give you so much during the year than to help us maintain them. You’ll be well fed and hydrated and surrounded by old and new friends alike. You’ll see first hand how modern trail design sheds water and meet the MBOSC pros who work year-round to improve your access to world-class singletrack in Santa Cruz County. Check out volunteer opportunities here!

Thanks for considering all your options when it comes to getting out in the wet. A bit of investment in the short term is bound to pay off in the long run with a happier bike and healthier trails!

---

Hi, I'm Dave Robinson! I am the founder and head coach of The Ride Guides. Santa Cruz and its epic singletrack have been my home for over two decades. I am heavily engaged in the past, present, and future of mountain biking in Santa Cruz as a former MBOSC board member, State Parks docent, and Wilderness Patrol volunteer, and a trail crew leader with MBOSC. I look forward to sharing my two cents with you!