Originally Posted by
bikecrate
Ride number two...also went in an area that I had done with my gravel bike for more comparison. This time with some hills. Not too bad, but takes some more motivation to get up the inclines. On the good side, felt more stable over the potholes, rocks, washboard and loose sand than my gravel. On the down side, tried some of the truly sandy roads and sunk right in when it got to the deep part. Some photos below are what I'm talking about. If this is a skill level thing maybe I can work on that. I haven't messed with the tire pressure. I assume the bike shop set it for nearly the max. If anyone has a suggestion re: proper tire pressure that might help get through the sand let me know. Or maybe its impossible without a fat bike.
Doing okay here with some tree debris ground cover.
Once that was gone I was in trouble and turned around.
That is the sand that will be challenging on a normal mountain bike. It is easier when it is damp, but not wet. Here, it gets drier and deeper all summer, and can be defeating. Again, wide tires aired as low as you can without pinch flatting, and momentum is your friend. Come into it spinning along at over 10mph, and you will float on top. Try to steer with the front or slow down, it will dig in and suck all momentum away. Just on the edge of the grass will usually be easier, but you better have sealant in your tires.