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As theΒ cold weatherΒ takes holdΒ andΒ weβve seen the first spattering of snowfall,Β many of us are preparing for cosy nights in by the fire.Β
But for the adventurers among us, now is the perfect time to wrap up warm and embrace the cold weather in exchange for some fast-paced fun!
Whether youβre a keen beginner in biking, or youβre a trained veteran whoΒ knows all there is to knowΒ aboutΒ the sport, here are some of theΒ bestΒ mountain bike trails for you to explore this winter, alongside some top tips on how to prepare for your biking excursions.Β Β
Wear the Appropriate ClothingΒ Β
With temperatures now beginning to drop below zero across some parts of the UK, kitting yourself out with the appropriate clothing is essential to an enjoyable bike ride. Layers are key!Β Thermal leggingsΒ and long sleeve tops as a base layer are paramount to locking in body heat. Recent studies reveal that the more core layers you wear around your torso theΒ higher your body temperature will be. Winter cycling gloves and thermal socks are also essential to keeping your extremities warm, and well circulated.Β Β
Ensure You Have Protective EquipmentΒ Β
Itβs imperative that with any extreme sport, such as mountain biking, you put health and safety measures first. Wearing aΒ bikeΒ helmetΒ couldΒ protect you from life-threatening injuriesΒ should you fall off your bike whilst making a fast descent. Elbow and knee padsΒ or biking gloves are also worth investing in.
Invest in Bike InsuranceΒ Β
IfΒ this is a sport youΒ enjoy and plan toΒ continue with,Β properly maintaining your bikeΒ will keepΒ it in top condition for every ride. This includes thorough cleans after each use, checking the brakes areΒ in order and the chain is well oiled. Alongside this, ensure youβve taken out the appropriateΒ bike insurance so that youβre covered in case of accidental damageΒ or theft.Β
Top 3 Trails to Try Out This Winter
1.Β Jacobβs Ladder, Peak DistrictΒ (12 miles)Β
This popular biking route beginsΒ and ends inΒ Edale, Ambleside, and as the name suggests takes you up some seriously challenging gradients. But for every difficult climb comes a euphoric decentΒ that is sure to get the adrenaline pumping!Β
2. Pennines, Calderdale(19 miles)Β
The longest trail of our top three picks, thisΒ vastΒ dale in the Pennines isΒ brimmingΒ withΒ an array ofΒ trailsΒ that are perfect forΒ a premium off-seasonΒ cycle.Β
3. Stockdale Lane, Yorkshire Dales (11 miles)
This ride in the South Dales is easy to get to, which can be half the battle on a winterβs day when the weather is bad. It starts in the village of Settle and gets you out onto the fells quickly, with a cracking descent on the bridleway to finish.Β