Grin Corrwg in the snow!!

I discovered out here in the wilds I've got Internet access via my phone - that's a surprise. It's actually better here than at home in the middle of suburbia!!

There are different types of snow, the Inuits will attest to that. Now I can too! On Monday, my ride up Penhydd was easier, the snow was lighter and easier to move through, and was grippy. I had confidence in the corners and was able to run the trails at some speed. Today up Whites it was a struggle. The snow resisted the tyre and in places, even pushing the bike you could feel a huge resistance even in compressed snow. By the time I reached the first hairpin, I was beginning to doubt I could complete the circuit. But I knew of the views and sheer beauty of the place that was waiting as I climbed.

Not only did the snow resist the tyre and make climbing difficult, it would compress down and support a cornering tyre then all of a sudden, collapse and let go of the tyre and it would become slick and allow the tyre to slide. Resulting in an off or a dab. On top of that, in places it would pull you off course suddenly and without warning like riding in sand, again with the same result.

As I climbed the snow got deeper and harder work.

And then the views started.

Breathtaking!

The sun was blinding off the snow and it was really difficult to see the camera display with the sun glare. So, I was unable to stitch together a panorama shot properly.

Nearly the highest point - Windy Point. Now it was deeper. Vehicles had been moving around the forest quite a bit. Every time I intersected a fire-road it had vehicle tracks on it....???

Bike Angels!!

As I came down Windy Point, the sudden realisation hit me, that these were amongst the toughest riding conditions I'd ever seen. I had a useful set of knee pads strapped to my back - Time to put them where they should be. What's that saying? "The best helmet/pads is/are the one(s) you're wearing!"

Now I was witnessing the lairy nature of this snow, every couple of dozen metres I was off or nearly off!! The snow was black, I was ginger and the Black run was white and I wasn't going near it! By now, I'd established some opinions on snow riding. If it's deep, it's different, it's interesting, but hard work. If you're looking for the best cycling snow, pick that light fluffy stuff not the heavy damp squeaky snow. I think suspension helps on slippery snowy climbs by keeping your tyre pressure constant so it's easier to regulate your torque. Glad I had flatties on, I reckon the SPDs would have been absolutely lethal up here.

Energy was near impossible to enjoy. The snow made jumping just too dodgy for my liking.

Yet another off (at least the landings were soft!):

Goodwood - the home straight. I was shattered. Would I do it again? Yes! (I wonder if I can get out tomorrow!?) The snow will be different again tomorrow - crispy and icy - temperatures are supposed to plummet tonight.