Blather on Bicycling

The summer damage our county DPW does in boulder-seal is well compensated for by the beautiful roads they lay out with snow plows during winter. During these nice cold conditions, our network of gravel and paved roads become equally consistent with carnal pleasure. Yet, we don’t have enough plows to keep up with the drifting when the wind blows, which is basically every day. So, during windy snowy days the fun of drift barging begins.

A bike is a perfect tool for the job. Built with razor thin wheels and lots of PSI on the ground, a rider knifes through drifts as if they are fluffy clouds. In the event the drifts are too deep (waist high) or stale (old snow) the bike slows to a stop with no need for braking. Then, a bike is so light it can be taken cyclocross-style over the drift. I’ve passed many stuck cars this way.  Don’t fear crashing in the big drifts because they act as natural airbags. This is conjecture though, because I haven’t gone down yet.

I’ve biked into so many drifts that I’ve become a master. Here’s how the snow barging technique goes:

1. Studs are recommended because you’re likely to get a bit sideways exiting the drift, which is where you’ll find ice and likely disaster without some teeth to the ground.
2. Take a quick peek behind you to see what traffic is approach. Then, you know how much road you have to work with for drift entry points.
3. If it is windy (and it will be), try to choose a line that is as perpendicular to the wind as possible. If you don’t the wind is going to try to wash out your front wheel when it gets through the drift.
4. Sit back and increase your grip on the handlebars.
5. Visualize the exit point.
6. Power out: this is a technique I learned from my buddy during our trips 4×4ing in a 4×2 truck. When you’re getting into trouble, always hit the throttle. Counterintuitive, but it works.
7. Once through, heads up for the next drift.
8. Enjoy again.

In the even that the drift stops you, that is a good sign. Step number 2 can be avoided henceforth, because the road has likely been closed by mother nature. Since you will have the road all to yourself, you’re free to choose any drift entry point you want or even circumnavigate the drift.