Warm up to fun 365 days a year on a mountain bike!
Fall & winter mountain biking comes in many forms, but the basics are easy enough. With wider tires that typically feature more tread, these bikes are made to go off-road. Bikes can range from $175 to well over $4,000 depending upon features desired. From the basic straight forward design all the way to double suspension types with titanium frames, there is a bike made for the type of riding you want to do and on your budget.
One great thing about winter is it's the perfect time to be in the woods. The ticks and chiggers are gone (along with the heat), and most of the wind is blocked by trees, and in a few short strokes of the peddles you'll warm up and be flying through the woods in complete comfort.
 Dressing for the part is the key. Layers. . .like onions, dress in layers. As a general rule of thumb, you'll start out a bit cool and warm up as you ride. Start with a base layer of long underwear if the temperature is below 30 degrees. At Sunshine Bike Shop we sell a terrific fleece lined tight that is perfect for winter riding road or off-road. You wear these over your riding shorts and they grip your legs tightly, but are amazingly warm and worth the price.
On top you'll want a balaclava or other pull over head dressing to fit under your helmet. We sell a couple of different types and again don't let the thin material fool you. These are warm. Some people will also use a pullover cover to block the air vents on their helmets.
In the middle, start with a long underwear or a base layer of silk or synthetic moisture wicking material. Then you have a 'thermal layer' of fleece, and an outer wind resistant 'shell' layer. For the top layer the ultimate are the Gore-Tex type materials that stop the wind, and yet breathes to release sweat. But a good wind breaker will do, depending upon temperature, your thermostat is the zipper. Lower it to cool off, zip it up to warm up.
Socks. A lot of people forget the socks and simply put on a pair of low cut all cotton socks as if it were June. Well often in off-road riding your feet will tend to get a bit wet from puddles or low stream crossings. Using a wool or synthetic equivalent will help keep your feet dry by wicking away the moisture and keeping you warm, even with wet feet.
 Eyewear - this is a must. On the trail, little bits of rock, dirt, sticks, you name it, tends to occasionally fly off your tires or from the person's bike in front of you. Protective eyewear saves that precious site and helps prevent watery eyes from the cool air. Also it protects you from low hanging limbs along some trails.
Gloves - it goes without saying, you'll need a good pair of gloves. Look for a pair that offer a great "tread" on the palms. It makes the grip a surer thing and makes the whole experience more comfortable. At Sunshine we have several different styles to choose from.
- Tuck a dollar bill in your fanny pack. If you should slice a tire you can use the dollar to fill the space between your tire and tube. It's usually enough to get you back to your vehicle. The dollar is made of very tough fiber paper that is really a cloth, not paper.
- Carry a used Power Bar wrapper. The mylar is another tough material that can save the day in a similar situation.
- Don't underestimate the importance of saddle height. You'll know your seat is about the right height when your legs almost fully extend on the downstroke. If your legs lock out, lower the seat slightly until you can keep pressure on the pedal at the bottom of the stroke.
- When in doubt, walk. Mountain biking approached carelessly can be dangerous. If a hill looks too steep or a curve too tricky, walk it.
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 It's a great workout! Pumping the peddles for an hour through the woods will only seem a like a few minutes, but the workout counts just the same. There are few better ways to get an overall workout in the winter than on a mountain bike. Consider the fact that you'll not only work the legs, but the upper body has to hang on too. Then there are the steep hills you will be pushing the bike up just so you can experience those screaming downhills.
And finally, is pumping iron important to you? Well heft that bike over a fallen log blocking the trail a few times and you can skip the trip to the gym!
 Where to go? There are several great places to bike in the Ozarks and some are within easy driving distance of Springfield. For a complete listing of where to bike in the area, see this link.
Mountain biking is a way to get a great workout, but more than anything, it's a real hoot! Come into Sunshine Bike Shop where we carry a complete line of mountain bikes in every style and price, with one that's perfect for you. We also feature a complete accessories selection from clothing to eye wear, to gloves to shoes. Sunshine Bike Shop, your mountain biking headquarters.
Words of wisdom: New to the sport? Take someone with you to show you the ropes. You'll learn more about something you already thought you understood, like how to properly ride a mountain bike. When to stay in and out of the saddle, balancing your weight on downhills, and how ride over limbs.
At Sunshine we love to talk about riding mountain bikes. Hey, we love to talk about any kinds of bikes! Please see us if you have any question at all. We'll help you in any way we can.
At Sunshine Bike Shop, we don't just talk about bikes, we ride 'em all the time!
IMBA's Rules of the Trail (excerpted)
1. Ride on open trails only. Respect trail and road closures.
2. Leave no trace, practice low-impact cycling. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones.
3. Control your bicycle! Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.
4. Always yield trail. Make known your approach well in advance. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping.
5. Never spook animals. All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals.
6. Plan ahead. Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling.
The mission of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is to promote mountain bicycling opportunities through education in environmentally sound and socially responsible riding practices and land management policies. |
Why buy from Sunshine Bike?
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