Part 3 - Winter Ride Prep for Parents and Coaches

The Veloraptors Guide to Winter Riding — Part 3 of 3

In Parts 1 and 2, we covered proper layering and the winter accessories that help keep riders comfortable.

Now let's talk about something equally important: preparation.

Winter riding introduces a few challenges we don't think about as much during the summer. That doesn't mean we should stop riding. It just means parents, student-athletes, and coaches need to plan a little differently.

At the Veloraptors, our goal is simple: help kids enjoy mountain biking, build confidence, and return home safe, warm, and excited for their next ride.

Parents: Prepare for Before AND After the Ride

Here's something that's easy to overlook.

Your child may be perfectly comfortable while pedaling, but once the ride ends, their body stops generating nearly as much heat.

That sweaty jersey that felt fine on the trail can become cold very quickly.

One of the easiest things parents can do is keep warm, dry clothing in the car.

We recommend packing a warm winter jacket, dry sweatshirt or shirt, fresh socks, and dry gloves.

Getting into warm, dry clothing immediately after a ride can make a tremendous difference.

And remember: parents standing around at the trailhead aren't generating the same heat as kids on mountain bikes. Dress accordingly!

Hydration Still Matters

It's easy to forget about drinking water when it's cold outside.

But athletes are still sweating, breathing hard, and losing fluids.

Every rider should bring water, just as they would during a summer ride.

On very cold days, hydration pack hoses can freeze. An insulated bottle or protected drinking tube may help.

For longer rides, bring a snack. Even when it's cold, the body still needs energy to keep pedaling and stay warm.

Always Carry an Extra Layer

This is especially important during winter group rides.

Think about what happens if somebody gets a flat tire or breaks a chain.

The whole group may stop while a coach helps with the repair.

A rider who was perfectly warm while pedaling can become cold surprisingly quickly when standing still.

That's why we encourage athletes to carry an additional lightweight insulating layer in their hydration pack.

Coaches should carry emergency insulation and other supplies appropriate for the conditions, too.

It's much better to have an extra layer and never need it than to need one and not have it.

Coaches: Pay Attention to the Riders, Not Just the Temperature

Mountain biking is different from standing outside.

Athletes generate different amounts of heat depending on how hard they're working.

One rider may be sweating on a climb while another rider, traveling at the same speed but working at a lower intensity, is getting cold.

This becomes especially important on group rides with different ages, abilities, and fitness levels.

Coaches should consider:

• Keeping regrouping stops reasonably short.

• Watching athletes who appear cold or uncomfortable.

• Choosing routes with practical options to shorten the ride.

• Planning for mechanical delays.

• Checking that gloves and clothing don't interfere with bike control.

• Encouraging riders to speak up early when they're getting cold.

We don't want kids feeling like they need to be tough and suffer through uncomfortable or unsafe conditions.

Winter riding should be challenging and enjoyable, not a competition to see who can tolerate the cold longest.

Recognize the Warning Signs

A student-athlete who is getting dangerously cold may not always tell us.

Coaches should pay attention to persistent shivering, numb fingers, unusually poor coordination, confusion, slurred speech, or a noticeable change in behavior.

Cold hands that prevent normal braking are also a reason to stop riding.

If a rider shows concerning symptoms, stop the activity, seek warmth and shelter, and follow the appropriate emergency response procedures. Confusion or loss of coordination can indicate a medical emergency.

The right decision may be to turn around, shorten the ride, or end it early.

There's always another day to ride.

What About Snow, Ice, and Frozen Trails?

Winter introduces another issue: trail conditions.

Frozen, firm trails can sometimes be excellent for riding, but ice creates significant traction and control hazards.

Snow can hide roots, rocks, and other obstacles.

And trails that thaw during the day can become muddy and vulnerable to damage.

At the Veloraptors, we believe responsible trail use is part of being a good mountain biker.

Coaches should check the weather, trail conditions, and any local trail closures or guidance before scheduling a ride.

If conditions aren't appropriate, we change the plan.

Protecting our athletes and preserving our trails are both important.

A Simple Parent Checklist

Before leaving home:

• Check the weather, wind, and forecast.

• Make sure your child is dressed in appropriate layers.

• Avoid cotton clothing.

• Check gloves, socks, and head protection.

• Make sure the helmet fits properly over any head covering.

• Pack an extra layer in the hydration pack.

• Bring water and a snack.

• Confirm the bike is working properly.

• Pack dry, warm clothing for afterward.

• Follow team communications for any weather-related ride changes.

Winter Riding Is Worth It

Some of the most rewarding mountain bike rides happen during the colder months.

It's a great opportunity to build fitness, practice skills, spend time outdoors, and enjoy the trails without the summer crowds.

And there's something pretty satisfying about finishing a ride on a chilly winter morning knowing you dressed correctly, stayed comfortable, and had a great time.

With smart clothing choices, proper preparation, and coaches who pay attention to changing conditions, our Veloraptors can continue enjoying mountain biking well beyond the warmer months.

Stay warm, ride smart, and we'll see you on the trails!

— Somerset Hills Veloraptors Coaching Team

Missed an earlier article?

Part 1: Dress for the Ride, Not the Parking Lot

Part 2: Cold Hands, Cold Feet? Winter Gear That Actually Helps