Be aware of freeze and thaw

While winter rides through Mohican are fun, it’s important to be aware of trail conditions. Use of the trail during winter months can have a negative impact in warmer months.

When temperatures go between below freezing and above freezing - and , they frequently do this time of year - the freeze-thaw cycle creates mud on the trail with a consistency of peanut butter.

Riding in these conditions causes significant trail damage. Trenches and berms are created and this deformation interferes with proper trail drainage. The result is water retention on the trail which causes further damage. Subsequent repairs are very time and labor intensive and the ride quality declines until repairs are made.

If you’re leaving deep ruts in the trail and mud is sticking to your tires, you need to stop, turn around, and ride another day.

Checking the weather forecast for the day and actual trail conditions are two very different things in winter. Keep in mind that air temperature and soil temperatures are not the same thing. While the air temp may be below freezing the ground may not have frozen yet because it somewhat insulates itself.

Typically, in this area, you need a few days of below freezing air temps in a row before the trail can be used. It’s also good to note that riding earlier in the day, usually before 10 am is your best bet. After 10 am, air temps rise and begin to affect soil temps and trail conditions.

As always, it’s about making good decisions when riding, or even hiking, the trail. When in doubt, save your energy and ride for when the trail allows. You’ll have a better ride and preserve the trail, too.