Better late than never, NEMBA has emailed round some good winter riding tips. I got out for my first winter ride of the season last weekend, and found good conditions in the Arched Bridge area in Dunstable.

My own recommendations: Follow the snowmobiles. Anywhere they go, they pack down the snow and mountain bikers can follow, but don’t ride when it’s too warm, you’ll sink into the snow and leave nasty ruts. Sometimes, you just never know if the conditions will be right until you get there… so it’s worth being prepared to leave the bike and take a hike if that seems like a better idea at the place and time.

Skip the clips, just use flat pedals and hiking boots, unless you want to spring for special winter biking shoes. You may want to be able to get your foot free fast anyway, unless you use studded tires. Studs are great, but it’s amazing how well you can get around without them.