Wet Weather Riding Etiquette
December 4, 2018
The rainy season is upon us, and our trails are getting some much needed moisture! That's good news, but don't forget that riding wet or muddy trails causes unnecessary damage and erosion. Now is a good time to brush up on some wet-weather riding etiquette. Here are a few things that will keep you out of the mud and minimize your impact on the trails and environment.
1. No tire tracks. If your tire is leaving an imprint on the trail, it is too wet to ride. A tire imprint on a wet trail is the first step to a rut or mud hole. Please realize that someone (a trail builder, a volunteer, or parks staff) will have to take the time to smooth out your tracks and repair winter trail damage.
2. Respect seasonal closures. State Parks and UCSC post trail closures when conditions are too wet for public access. Please respect these postings.
3. Ride the right trails. Be strategic about where you choose to ride if it has been raining. Trails through flat areas don’t drain very well and are susceptible to becoming muddy quagmires. Trails across steeper side slopes drain much better. Steeper is better when it has been raining a lot. Soil type plays a big part in a trail’s ability to drain. A fire road armored with rock is a much better alternative to a flat-ish dirt trail. Sandier trails dry out the quickest. Taking a trip to Ft. Ord or riding in sandier areas is a great option.
4. Ride through puddles, not around. If you find yourself facing a puddle on the trail, ride though it. Riding around it will lead to widening of the trail. Keep singletrack single.
5. If it's too wet, it's too wet! Sometimes it is just too wet to ride trails. Dust off your road bike, rebuild your bottom bracket, read a book, catch-up on Netflix...
6. Do trail work. The wet season is our trail work season here in Santa Cruz. Volunteer with MBoSC on the trails. Check out upcoming opportunities by clicking here.
Don't forget, once you let the trails properly drain, then it's hero dirt time! Make good choices this winter and enjoy the trails when they aren't too wet. 
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