Winter Ride Guide

Roanoke's recent (and quite solid) layer of ice is finally melting and it feels almost spring-like after weeks with temperatures in the teens! 

Winter riding can be amazing if you are prepared for the conditions. We have five tips to keep you riding strong this winter so you can have even more fun on your bike this spring:

1. Dress in layers with performance fabrics
2. Be ready for changing weather conditions
3. Plan your route with conditions in mind
4. Try one of our favorite winter rides
5. Ride inside

Dress in Layers with Performance Fabrics

The right winter gear can make cold weather much more enjoyable. You want to avoid overheating and select fabrics that will wick sweat away from your body. Sweat-soaked clothes next to your skin will form a conductive pathway for heat to leave your body. As a result, overdressing can make you colder rather than warmer. Dressing in layers allows you to shed pieces of clothing as you begin to warm up, and knowing how to dress for different temperatures can help you be adequately prepared. A good wind layer is key, and look for materials that are either synthetic or wool and avoid cotton.

Be Ready for Changing Weather Conditions

Consider where you are riding and the possibility of changing weather. As you go up in elevation, temperatures will drop and conditions will change. The difference between 1,000 feet and 2,500 feet can be significant, especially in winter. Roads and trails at higher elevations can remain covered in snow and ice long after it has melted in the valley. Try to stick to lower elevations if there has been recent snow, or be ready to hike. Check out see some of our routes below for recommendations.

Dressing in layers, as mentioned earlier, will also help you stay comfortable in variable weather conditions. It can be helpful to take layers off as you climb and add them back as you descend. If you get too sweaty on a long climb, you may find yourself shivering at 3,500 feet of elevation as you fly downhill for 20 minutes. If your route has a lot of elevation, it could be smart to carry extra gloves or an extra jacket. 

Plan Your Route with Conditions in Mind

Route choice can make a big difference in winter, especially in the mountains. Keep the following in mind for the coldest days or when snow and ice might still be present at higher elevations. 

• Stick to lower elevations: Temperatures will drop as you go up in elevation and rain turns to snow. Long road or gravel descents can be cold and possibly worth avoiding on really cold days. If you do pick a route with long paved or gravel descents, considering brining an extra layer.
• Try off-road routes: The slower speeds of mountain biking and gravel riding can make off-road adventures more comfortable in cold weather than the paved variety.
• Consider local conditions: If there is no snow at your house, that doesn’t mean your route will be clear. Parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway are often snow covered when other places are not. Snow can linger on north facing mountain bike trails at high elevations much longer than you might like—but the south facing trails will clear much sooner. 
• Be aware of freeze-thaw and trail conditions: The ground dries slowly in winter, so trails will be wet if it is above freezing. Riding muddy trails can damage the trails, but when it is below freezing and trails are frozen solid, they are safe to ride. However, as soon as temperatures warm, or as soon as the sun comes out, expect those trails to get muddy again. Trails like the lowers at Carvins Cove should be avoided when conditions are warm and trails are wet. Trails that are rocky and more shale-based, like Mill Mountain and many local back country trails, usually drain well and can be ridden year-round. 

Try One of Our Favorite Winter Rides

Check out some of our favorite winter routes below. These routes stick mostly to lower elevations or use trails that ride well in winter conditions.  

Join the Cardinal Bicycle Ride with GPS page for free turn by turn directions on your smart phone. This is usually a paid feature, but if you join our page, you get access to navigation with free Ride with GPS account for any of our routes. 

Winter Road Routes

• Classic 4-Crossings Route: This 25-mile ride is a classic low-traffic local route (there is also a 20-mile option). This is a good winter option because it avoids high elevations and long descents. The short climbs will keep you warm, but the descents aren’t so long you will get too cold. Add some extra miles with a loop through Explore Park.
• Bradshaw Loop: This 52-mile loop is another classic local route that avoids high elevations and cold descents. There are some busier sections on this route. Use a daylight visible tail light and ride single file in busy areas. 
• The Greenway: Winter is one of the best times to ride the Greenway since it is usually not as busy!

Winter Gravel Routes

• Bedford Gravel: This 28-mile ride stays below 1,100 feet and is composed of mostly rolling gravel. The short climbs will keep you warm, and the descents aren’t long enough to get overly chilled.
• Carvins Cove: This 28-mile gravel route is well sheltered by surrounding trees, which will help lessen the effects on wind on your ride. This route does climb to almost 2,500 feet, so you might see some snow at the top.
• Pocket Full of Carrots: This 35-mile route stays below 1700 feet and is composed of mostly rolling gravel. The short climbs will keep you warm, and the descents aren’t long enough to get overly chilled. You can also head into downtown Fincastle post-ride for some food to warm you up. 

Winter Mountain Bike Routes

• Mill Mountain (Intermediate): Mill Mountain trails are usually rideable all season long, as they are largely rock and shale. Some sections can get wet. If you come across large portions of mud, you can dismount and walk. Never try to ride around mud by going off the trail—this will widen the trail over time and can cause damage.
• Carvins Cove Reach Around (Intermediate): Some trails at Carvins Cove should be avoided when it is above freezing during winter, but others are usually safe to ride. This route avoids some of the wetter trails.
• Arcadia (Advanced): These trails drain well and are rideable all year. Winter and early spring are some of the best times to ride in these areas before brush and tall grass grows on some of the less-traveled trails. 
• Spec and Dody (Advanced): These trails drain well and are rideable all year. Dody Ridge is a south facing trail, so snow will clear from that side of the mountain earlier in the winter. Spec Mine is north facing, so it could hold snow longer.

Ride Inside

Sometimes it’s just easier and more comfortable to ride inside. Indoor riding is efficient, safe, and warm in the winter. Spend some consistent time inside, and you will be ready for big rides as soon as good weather hits. Learn everything you need to know about indoor riding in our Indoor Ride Guide.