3 things to keep mountain bikers busy while the trails are wet

I’m choosing to see challenging weather as an opportunity to briefly disconnect from riding and squeeze in a few of what I like to call “extra-curricular” activities (while there’s still time to say I did something useful in 2022).

adam and zach demonstrate some very, very good times had in the snow, but sometimes it’s okay to say snow thank you.

We here at dialed are all for riding (responsibly, respectfully) in the rain and snow, but a quick glance at social media, trail reports and local creeks indicates the last few foul weather systems brought more than just a little seasonal wetness.

so Here’s our list of things that weather-sensitive mountain bikers (like me) can do over the short break we have before the capitalism machine reboots to its full power in a few days.

tearing open a SRAM brake lever is just as satisfying as cracking open a good book. get the rebuild kit @Dialed and get after it.

1. Learn how to bleed your brakes (or overhaul your fork or tune your gears)

winter: time to go inside and learn something that will increase the quality of your upcoming season of shred. 

for example: Do you actually know how to use the little plastic knob (known as a barrel adjuster) on your shifter? So you know that when you turn it forward (away from you) it increases the cable tension and that when you turn it backward (toward you) the cable tension will decrease.

And did you know that tighter cable tension helps the derailleur move UP the cassette while slacker tension releases the derailleur and lets it move DOWN the cassette easier?

If so, yay! You get to move on to level two, try levelLing up with a chain replacement or a tire insert install. 

If this information was new to you, you’re welcome, go practice!

Getting to know how to fix your bike and maintain your bike is part of the game we play. dialed will be offering brake courses, fork overhaul courses, suspension set-up courses and more in the new year, so sign up for our newsletter or let us know via email what you’d be interested in learning this winter.

You don’t have to know how to install and overhaul every single thing on your bike but we suggest you start with some basics like the tubeless system and drivetrain, so if you have issues with these things in the field, you’re empowered to get yourself back to the trailhead.

@Mud_Honey, AKA Penny, can often be found building on mt. seymour when she’s not building with the @FVMBA

2. Get to know a trail builder, lend a hand on the trails

It’s not exactly the season for organized public trail days, but trail builders are working just as hard if not harder in the winter, especially on the Shore.

If you’re able to lend a hand, one way is to leave the bike at home and go for a hike. clear drainages on your favourite trails, (yes even the unsanctioned ones that definitely don’t need traffic in the wet).

water pooling on the trail? look for an existing channel and check if it’s blocked, clear the debris and watch the water disappear! Can’t find a drainage hole? kick a channel into th downward slope and get that water moving into the forest where it’s less likely to turn into a new river and carry precious dirt to the ocean.

Listen, I do not like hiking, but this is different, it’s like a treasure hunt but what you find in the treasure chest is genuine trail fairy karma.

right now is also a good time to get to know some trail builders. Follow them on Instagram and you might just spot an invite to come move fallen trees, big-ass rocks, telephone pole-sized stringers, etc…

Personally, I would say some of the happiest years of my life (so far) were spent rerouting Expresso with Digger, jerry willows, the NSMB.com team, and dozens of dedicated MEC staff through the Trail Adoption Program (TAP). 

Trail building, maintenance and advocacy are some of the most important ways to give back to the sport, but it’s one of those things that is so satisfying to be a part of, that it gives back to you. (Insert feel-good “awwwwe” here).

I owe a lot more trail karma than I would like to admit, but in the spirit of being honest let me say I will endeavour to be more mindful about logging hours this coming year. Hopefully Dialed Bike Service can have a trail day, or two, or three of our own this season.

As of Nov 7, 2022 Catherine Pope, Jordan Back, Betty Forbes, Mayor Mike Little, Lisa Muri, Jim Hanson and Herman Mah have been sworn to serve the residents of the district of north vancouver. see what they told the nsmba about trail policy here.

3. Write some emails to some politicians about some things you give a damn about

What do you care about? More trails? Harder trails? Easier trails? More accessibility? Parking issues? Maybe it’s not even an issue on the trails but an idea you have about housing affordability, alternative transportation networks or activating public spaces and so-called “walkability.” Maybe you’re still mad about “pigeongate.” Whatever your thing is, let ‘em have it!

if you want the Top Hats in charge of policy to know that you care, write emails to your city/district councillors (municipal), Members of the Legislative Assembly (provincial) and Members of Parliament (Federal).

What better time than now, the shoulder season of all shoulder seasons, to have your input logged officially?

And here’s the thing: if you don’t say something then it’s likely the usual suspects of squeaky wheels and nay-sayers, NIMBYists and haters will get to run the stage and set the tone. Don’t let the haters keep us down, write a politician and show them how cool and smart mountain bikers in this town actually are! 

If eight years as a journalist taught me anything about public engagement, it’s that writing emails to people in elected positions of public service is still one of the more effective ways to affect change in our communities.

Here is an exhaustive list of municipal policy makers in the City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver and the District of West Vancouver, surely waiting eagerly to hear from their constituents. happy advocating!

4. This one’s a BONUS but it’s actually kind of important - bike maintenance - get yourself booked in

right now bike shops, especially small, independent new shops like Dialed, are slow. very slow. too slow. one of the most common sentiments i get from customers is “please don’t leave or close down, we need shops like this here on the shore.”

but we can’t do what we do unless we keep growing our client base - if you want to help your lbs survive this winter (especially with so much snow onthe ground) book your bike in. actually, just show up - nobody needs to be making appointments in january, we’re here, come get what you need.

now is the perfect time to get your pivot overhaul done, wheel bearings replaced, install some stickier winter tires, service the foirk and shock that are way past the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals.

we’ve got space and we think sometimes it’s okay to be honest and let you know this can be a really hard time of year for small bike-oriented businesses. one way you can support us so we’re there when you need us, is by bringing your bikes in now while we can spend more time with them and with you.