Mountain Biking - UK weather conditions

Hi guys

I am from Greece and i have recently moved in the UK. Great bike market and nice trails here .I live in Cardiff and i would like to know if mtb riding is feasible during the winter with all the rain/cold weather conditions. I am thinking of getting a good bike but i am worried if i will be able to use it because of the winter.Any suggestions or advice is wellcome because i am in what seems an mtb paradise and i am dazed and confused as to what to do.

Yannis Krassas
math2014@hotmail.com

feel free to contact me on msn messenger also.

Thank you all.

The best thing is to join a local club and get some local information on conditions, routes, equipment and safety as well as some riding buddies. Dont ride solo in the Welsh mountains in winter. There are some excellent trails that are not so extreme and can be done any time of year.

People ride in most conditions. Welsh winters tend to be cold and wet, rather than freezing. It also gets dark very early, so aim to be off the trail before dark, and take a lamp just in case.
If you go up on trails, fog and rain can descend at any time , so always be prepared with basic hikers survival gear .
Read up on UK mountain safety/survival/first aid
http://www.bluedome.co.uk/Assoc/mrc/mrcsafe/mrcsafe.htm

Navigation can be really tricky sometimes, so take an OS map and compass and learn how to use it.

Make sure you use sensible footwear that is waterproof, and have some good foul weather gear. For clothing give some serious consideration to a Buffalo windshirt, this is std equipment for winter climbers.
http://www.buffalosystems.co.uk/dpthumbs.htm

Fit some mudguards/crud catchers whatever and use a tyre suitable for the conditions.
Check out icebike.com

Yannis,

Wales has taken on the crown of organising some of the UKs best mtb trails and organised riding areas. Have a look at www.mtbwales.com. They have about 6 regulated areas. Guy I know at the lbs tried one and said it was excellent, and wery well organised. I have not done any of them myself, but they look really good.

The weather spices things up abit, one bit off advice if you are going into the more hilly parts off Wales in winter is that the weather can turn pretty quickly so try and go in an group and always let someone know when you plan too be back, so they can call mountain rescue.

With regards too having a good bike, if you clean it after each ride, especially any moving parts too get the muck out you shouldnt have any problems.

I love riding when it has been raining, but not during the rain, snow isnt really too much a problem apart from in Scotland and the more mountainous parts of Wales.

If you are in Cardiff try the forest off dean aswell on the southern Wales/England border towards Monmouth, there are so nice forest trails there.

And welcome too the UK :beer:

I'll echo that, welcome to the forums and the UK!

Great advice above...hope you don't get too put off by our lovely climate! :D

Rich