An old friend of mine claims that bicycle touring in the dead of winter is a fantastic experience. He claims that he had a life-changing event happen to him many years ago which led to him going through a "new lease on life" phase where he loaded up his mountain bike and took off into the yonder in the middle of winter starting off in a snowbelt state in the US. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be the most amazing tour he ever took and he has some wonderful stories about it.

He talks about crystal clear days riding through rural areas and amazing winter views and scenery. He tells about the constant challenge of keeping the bike in good mechanical condition. He has a story about spending two solid days mostly holed up his tent waiting out a snowstorm, while he was completely snug and warm inside after shoring up the tent poles to bear the weight of the snow. Constant amazed comments from everyone he met and invitations for every kind of hospitality.

Obviously, it's not for everyone. But I'm thinking that he can't be the only one who's tried it. Anyone else toured in the snow and cold of winter?

I've never done a week in the snow on a bike as I prefer my winter expeditions by the pleasure of skiing instead of biking.

However, I have done overnighters up to 4-5 day trips in the height of winter.

Here's a Youtube short from a January trip i did a few years ago.


It is fun, it is cold. Keep in mind a person needs to eat a LOT of calories (a half a stick of butter per person per day is a good supplemental ration) and melt a LOT of water when you're in the hinterlands in the winter is my primary advice. No alcohol stoves in the winter if you need to melt snow for drinking.

Lots of tent time is de riguer as well for most of the US.

Thanks for that, Bekologist. Love the video!

I recently cycled across Tibet in May which, while not winter, did have some winter like days.

bek, I see you are a fan also of those candle lanterns, hanging in the tent. Works great doesnt it? Very classy mud guard ;-)

I do winter tours in the deserts of SoCal,only occasional snow on the ground but plenty cold.Going to Death Valley for a week between Christmas and New Years,there are high deserts between me and there,meaning temps in the teens and 20's plus good chances of windy conditions....cold.......can't wait.