Gravel Ride of the Week: Snow Day Exploration
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, through which we earn a commission.
So. Much. Fun. There is simply no better way to describe the feeling I had during my first proper snow ride. Like a little kid that got to go play outside on a snowy day, that’s how I felt when I got the opportunity to go ride my bike in the incredible Great Falls Park after the first snowfall hit the region. The icy and snowy trails provided some breathtaking views of the park and sketched a picture that was totally different to the one I normally encounter during my regular park rides. Try as I may, my descriptions simply won’t do the scenery any justice - you’ll just have to watch the Gravel Ride of the Week video to get a true sense of how spectacular it looked out there.
Ride Breakdown
The ride kicked off at the Great Falls Park (VA side) visitor center and followed a straightforward route that simply went out and back along the main Old Carriage trail that runs through the park. After the short spin through Great Falls Park, I decided to also head over to Riverbend Park via the fire road that connects the two parks.
I wanted to keep things easy and stuck to the bigger trails that I knew well, to avoid running into any obstacles that might be tucked away under the snow and ice. This was, after all, the very first time that I rode on some proper snow and I needed to test out my equipment and skills to make sure I could handle this new type of riding. Back in 2013, I got the opportunity to go visit Christin while she lived in Finland for a Fulbright Fellowship. Even though my visit took place in December, there was only a light dusting of snow on the ground, so I didn’t cycle on a wintery surface that was anything close to my latest ride.
From a bike setup standpoint, I was well equipped for this snowy ride throughout the parks. If you’ve seen one of our latest posts about winterizing your bike, then you’ll know that I’ve added some sturdy mudguards/fenders and wide (50mm) Pirrelli Cinturato Gravel M tires to my bike. The SKS X-Blade fender did a great job of keeping my backside dry and the tires blew me away with how well they were able to handle the conditions. I’m in the process of writing up my full review for these tires, but the bottom line is that they have been well worth the investment. The crushing ice beneath my wheels was no match for the tires and I felt like I was in complete control throughout the entire ride. Even when I was climbing out of the saddle on steep hills, I never felt a single slip of the wheels - I’m impressed indeed.
After this ride, I’m convinced that everyone should give snow riding a go. Sourcing the correct tires to get the job done might be the easy part, but finding the snow to ride on could present a slightly bigger challenge for some - especially when you’re currently enjoying a sunny beach holiday in the Southern Hemisphere. Nevertheless, if you ever get the chance to have an adventure like this, don’t let it slip by. Trust me, you’ll forget all about the cold when you see a winter wonderland in all its splendor.
Wrap-Up
While the total ride distance might have been short, there was certainly no shortage of views along this route. The overall goal was simple - have as much fun as possible on a beautiful, snowy day. I'm happy to report that this goal was solidly met. The beautiful scenery that I encountered throughout the ride ranks this as one of my favorite rides of all time! It was also a great reminder of how nature is constantly changing and that no two outdoor rides are ever alike. I know I’m hooked. Now it's time to get out there for more!
Let us know in the comments below if you’ve ever done a snow day ride.
- Wiehan
