Winter Cycling - Ice riding Vermont

I ride all winter in Vermont.Today was exceptional .Temperatures in the low 20s, Everything was just right for an epic ice ride .The snowmobile trails have all turned to ice shields,no one is using them for sledding so what a fine time to test your studs. As sick as it sounds I think I like the challenges of winter riding over the **- hum of summer trails.After all there is six months of winter around here...... I have finally found the right combos of clothing and gear .I would be happy to share any info with interested parties.

I ride all winter in Vermont.Today was exceptional .Temperatures in the low 20s, Everything was just right for an epic ice ride .The snowmobile trails have all turned to ice shields,no one is using them for sledding so what a fine time to test your studs. As sick as it sounds I think I like the challenges of winter riding over the **- hum of summer trails.After all there is six months of winter around here...... I have finally found the right combos of clothing and gear .I would be happy to share any info with interested parties.

Have you seen the ICEBIKE websight? Snowcat doublewide snow rims. etc. etc. ?

I was out for an hour yesterday on some single track and a rail trail that don't get any sun. About 2" of real crunchy snow over ice in spots. Makes for a very noisy ride and tough pedalling. Studs would have been ideal, but there's no snow on the road between home and trail so I didn't put them on.
I've found riding in deep snow (8" or so) to be extremely difficult. Any secrets???

I dont know if therse any secrets with 8+ inches of snow, i just dont botherl I get nowhere with it, my tires just skid and all.

It depends, if it is really soft powder the only thing that helps is thiner tires to push through the mess. Even then the best thing to have is a 30 hp engine on your bike. You can only pedal a short way. If it is hard and crusty, if you have Snowcat rims and wide tires with low pressure you have a chance of riding across the top. But, only a chance. The most reliable thing is to wait untill it's about 4" deep.

SNOWMOBILE TRAILS OFFER SOME OF THE FINEST RIDING AROUND . When the snows come I head for the fresh plowed backroads and get to appreciate some great views and monster hills .The only thing that will stop me from riding is when the temps fall below 0 f ...Otherwise it's riding as usual..ride on bros..