How I Survive Winter On My Mountain Bike

Surviving winter riding can take you to amazing places like this, but it can mean having to endure conditions like this. Welcome to Mid Wales, the Elan Valley to be precise, and the beginning of another bothy adventure and a dive into how to survive those winter conditions. Oh, this isn't going to go well. Oh, my God, I just lost my leg. Oh, my God, that was deeper than I thought. Here we go then, the adventure begins. So how do we survive such savage conditions in the winter? Well, I thought I'd impart some wisdom by actually going out on a classic rich wet weather ride. We're going to go 50K today to the Clwchwymbach Bothy at the Craggoch Reservoir. Very big mouthfuls to pronounce, the Welsh names are not easy. I thought I'd impart my kind of wisdom along the way and just what I do, how to prepare and how to overcome. Let's just say my last bothy adventure, well, that turned out to be a bit sh**. Let's have a look inside. Looks quite pleasant. That's where the murder's at then. There's a sh** that's poured down there, man. Yes, that's what sh** stinks in here. Day one would be a 55-kilometer ride starting from Ysbyty Jyswyth with nearly 1,000 meters of climbing. I'll weave my way through the beautiful Elan Valley around the edge of the stunning Clarewyn and Dollymannach Reservoirs with incredible views and challenging terrain before arriving at the Clwchwymbach Bothy. What a beautiful place, middle of nowhere. Here we go. When it comes to surviving in wintry conditions, over-prepared is underrated in my eyes and because I'm going to be doing an overnighter here, there's a little bit more to think about in terms of both bike prep and bag and kit prep. I'm hoping I can simplify that for you and go through what I do as the ride goes on. I'll look at what's on the bike, what's in my backpack, what's on me because what you wear is really crucial in keeping you as dry, warm, safe, and functioning as possible. Kit and equipment are crucial when it comes to surviving winter or certainly making it more bearable. If you're riding mud conditions loads, then specific mud tires are a great addition for any bike. For me on this ride, I've added a front mudguard as well to help keep the muck off of me. It's quite small and understated, larger versions are available. I've used a wet lube on the chain to help keep things running as smooth as possible for as long as possible. For me, when doing a big ride or day out, tools are crucial. Bare minimums include a spare tube, tire levers, CO2 canister and inflator and puncture repair kit, plus bits of bacon to plug a tubeless tire should needs be. On top of that, a multi-tool with the basics Allen keys 2 to 8 mil plus a T25 and chain breaker are a must. I'll have these stashed in my frame on this bike or a backpack if needs be. These will get you out of a lot of sticky situations, but if you want to take it a step further, then a spare power link for the chain, zip ties, small roller tape, spare cable, and or spare batteries for anything needed on the bike are really good to have. Doggy, we've had a lot of rain lately. You can tell because the trails are saturated, but that is all part of winter rides. I think let's avoid that big old puddle. Here's a tip then actually. If you don't need to get wet, don't. I can ride around that humongous puddle and hopefully this humongous puddle. Why would you ride through it? Because that's just going to get you potentially unnecessarily wet. Then if you're out for the long run, well, that's no fun. As it says here, a bit of bog, snorkeling, and negotiations might be required. We're going to go for the leap. Ah, nuts. Well, that's very deep. We have a river crossing. Top tip here, you could plow through that. You'd get absolutely soaked. It's going to make the rest of your day cold, wet, and miserable. I think I'm going to find a more appropriate place to try and cross. On that note, I've gone for a waterproof shoe. It's the Shimano MW7. It's basically a Gore-Tex waterproof shoe. I haven't gone for a waterproof trouser because I'm doing quite a lot of riding today and tomorrow. I get really hot in them. I would advise them on a lot of occasions. They're really good, especially when it's really muddy and gloomy and horrible. I'm hoping tonight that my trousers, these GMN ones, are quite lightweight. They'll dry out really quick. I got some dry bibs to put on under. Oh, wow. Oh, this isn't going to go well. I don't know how to do it. Oh, my God. That's really deep. I'm going to try up there, I think. That looks mildly safe. There's no good place to cross. I should have plowed through it like you. What could go wrong? Nailed it. That's quite wild, isn't it? Right, update. The weather is holding off, which makes life a lot easier. We are 12 kilometers in and 440 meters of climbing, so we've still got quite a way to go. Luckily, we've got a bit of a breather on the road at the moment before we get into the proper off-road and gravel departments around some of the reservoirs and the dams, which I'm really excited about. I tell you what, when we get to one of those dams or reservoir, that seems like a good point to stop for a snack and a little update on some of the kit that we're taking. This is a perfect place to stop, 30 kilometers in and 700 meters of climbing. Behind me is the Clarewind Dam, which holds back the Clarewind Reservoir, and it's ever-impressive overflowing as we speak. I think over a nice little spot of lunch, let's talk about just how I've packed everything and what's in where. Let's talk bags because obviously, I'm having to carry absolutely everything myself. Now, Camelbak Hog on my backpack, that's got a three-liter bladder in it and a huge load of compartments to stash away everything. I've packed this chock-a-block full of the food I need for the next two days. On the bike, I've gone for three-bag storage, a Topeak Front Loader, Top Loader, and Back Loader. That might sound like a terrible trio of bands, but I promise it's not. I've organized them so I know what's where. I've got on the front in a dry bag, that's my sleeping bag. I've got electronics and gubbins in the little Top Loader tucked behind there. It's in a nice little space where it doesn't really get very wet or muddy and is quite easily accessible. Then in the back, I've got my sleeping mat and I've got a change of clothes and a few other miscellaneous items. As we said, fueling, super important obviously on these big old rides and days out. You do have to carry a lot, so in here is just a whole lot of food. Time for a little John West tuna salad. Other salads are available. Over there is home for the night. In sight is our body and she's a beauty. What stunning views. Now, for those who may not know what a body is, they're essentially mountain huts. They're part stone barn most of the time, part worst B&B you've ever stayed in, but also the best place you'll ever stay in. They essentially offer a free place for hikers, bikers, climbers, horse riders, whatever to hide away for the night out the elements and have a bit of a retreat. Sadly, not in the spa sense, but that's the one we're heading to. We need to go around the water here and then we'll be there. I can't wait to get inside. I think there's a passing. Oh, he's down. Daniel, what are you doing? Daniel, I'm stuck now as well. I tell you, you can't take these cameramen anywhere, look. Straight over the bars with a poor mugger. We're nearly there. Come on, we can make it. I'm not sure you can make it. You sure? Oh, welcome to home to the night then, the Klos Quimbach body on Kragloch Reservoir. It is beautiful up here. Right, come with me. I've never been here. Let's go find out where we get into this place. Hello? Check it out. It's got everything you need. I don't know if you can see me in here. It's warm, it's dry, it's got a tiled floor, raised sleeping benches, patriotic Welsh flag, and somewhere to hang my coat. It's literally got everything we could require. This is spot on. Now, Cameraman Dan is just sorting a few bits and bobs out. I think let's get things unpacked and then let's get a brew on because I could do a warm-up. Let's talk a few essentials that were in that dry bag behind in my saddlebag there. Now, a down coat. It does get cold. It's going to get to zero degrees tonight at least. That's really important, probably for sleeping and keeping warm. A little luxury. There's a blow-up mattress, some pans because we're going to get some cooking on later on. Then what have we got else? Spare socks. Basically, a full change of dry clothes. I've got spare base layers, gloves. You won't see me wear them often, but if it gets cold, like I said, tops, base layers, more bases, and a little bit of luxury. A blow-up pillow. I'm getting old. I need the neck support. Let's talk food and nutrition because it's really important in the winter, whether you're riding for a day, two days, three days, whatever. I'll go through our setup, what I've got going on for me here. Easy cook things like lentils, Thai green curry right there. High in protein, lots of carbs, lots of fiber. It's easily cookable. It's just convenient, good food to have. Plus, it really does warm you up. That's the name of the game. Temperature's dropped to about three degrees or so at the most. It's getting pretty chilly. It means good hot food. Obviously, you still need to eat during the day. You want to get your carbs in, your protein in all the time. Things like energy bars, sugars. You can never go wrong with Haribo sweets. Of course, breakfast in the morning, some ready-made sachets of porridge as well. I'm no big chef, I'll admit, so everything needs to be quick, easy, but have all the right nutrients. When it comes to obviously fluid as well, electrolytes, you can get those in tablet form. Gels are always really good for getting exactly what you need in a direct hit. It's all really easy to carry. I've got the bladder in my Camelbak filled to the brim as because obviously there's no running water in bobbies like this. It is getting really cold and I have a cup of soup. Cheers. That's enough about food though. Come with me for a Cribs-style tour. First thing that caught my eye, granny wearing a Stormtrooper helmet and a Star Trek gun. Fair enough. There is an unwritten rule in bobbies as well of when you come here, if you use up stuff, you leave stuff for the next people. That's no more true than here. You can see all sorts of cooking sauces, pot noodles, wine. I think that's for making the sauce in or something maybe. Some kind of cooking implement. Get pretty baked on that one maybe. Who knows? Over here, follow me, follow me. Carbon monoxide detector, always a good thing. The code of the bobby. Actually, this is a really good one. The Mountain Bobbies Associations, maintaining the simple shelters. Our aim is to preserve a network of unlocked shelters for those visiting the hills free and open to all, which is really good. Really good of them. That's pretty cool. As I said, our sleeping platforms laid out already. I think this is only what can be described as luxurious. I'll sleep like a king tonight. Casa del Dan is over there. It's looking a little more sparse. It's not quite as comfy that one. He needs to make a bit of work on that one. He's new to all this. Yes, it's good. The weird thing is though with bobbies people is anyone could turn up anytime in the night because they are refuges essentially. That's what they're called a lot in Europe and stuff, refugios, refuges, blah, blah, blah. 12 o'clock, someone could be out trekking and just come on in, which is a bit creepy. I've never had that happen, but hey-ho. Here we go. Snug as a bug in a rug. I've got my cupboards charging there, so I'm all primed and ready for tomorrow. I've got all the layers on, but we'll talk about clothing when we wake up tomorrow. I feel toasty. I've got dragon breath. Good night all. Down to zero degrees last night. It was a fresh one, but luckily, through the power of layering, I was warm enough as was cameraman Daniel tucked up over the other side of the room. I think it's time to get some breakfast on, get a cup of tea again, and get moving because I think that's always quite crucial is to get moving. Get up and at them. The more you dither around, the colder you're going to get. Luckily, kit's dried out. Feeling good for today. We've got 30 kilometers ahead of us today, so it's not quite as big a day as yesterday. We've got about 600 meters of climbing to get back to the van, so it's going to be another good day in the Welsh wilderness. How's your dry cereal, Daniel? It's pretty dry, but we've got to carve up for the day. Got to carve up for the day. Words of wisdom from Daniel. Today, we'll be dining upon some Fortnum & Mason breakfast blend. Pop a little bit of that in the top. That is a lovely cup of tea. Job's a good'un. Our day two, half the distance of the first day, but just as challenging terrain. Leaving the body, I'll head up and on top of the Cambrian Mountains and into the proper wilderness where there is no sign of humans for miles. Exposure, bad weather, and rugged trails are rife in this area and can make or break a ride. Day two, 30 kilometers back to the van. We got quite lucky with the weather yesterday. It was a bit on the extreme side in terms of cold and it dropped to zero, possibly a little bit below overnight, but today, the rain is forecast. It feels weird doing a Wales epic without it pouring with rain. Fingers crossed, we might get away with it, but let the adventure and the winter survival commence. See you later. I thought we had a solid path for a while. It's gone again. The trick is to find solid bits of grass. Now seems a pretty good time to stop for a quick refuel. We're about 10K in. We're getting battered by the wind. It's not really warmed up, but it gives me a good opportunity, if you like, to talk to you about layering when it comes to riding in the winter. Now, for me, multiple layers, lots of thinner layers, and using technical fabrics, things like merino wool or stuff that's really good at wicking sweat away. Sweat is your enemy because it'll make you really cold. On days like today, I've got some long bibs with a chamois built in underneath, then some thin lightweight trousers, a base layer, a riding top. Because it's colder today than it is yesterday, I've got this down jacket, which I slept in overnight, and then a waterproof over the top. It was really cold, buffed just to keep the wind out around my neck. Then with the backpack on, it's like having a hug the whole time. It keeps you nice and warm. I've got spare layers just in case. If you get really hot, it's easier to take stuff off, whereas if you haven't got the layers, you can't add it on. Simple. Anyway, time for a Haribo snack. Another 100 meters, another bog. When it comes to surviving those winter conditions, a certain level of perseverance, determination, brilliant, is required. Oh, my days. Oh, my God. I just lost my leg. Can you get it on camera? Well, I haven't got dry feet or legs anymore. Oh, it stings my face. They call him the sheep whisperer. Oh, sorry, sheeps. I made you get all mucky. I apologize. Oh, no. Oh, no. Oh, that was close. Oh, I whacked my leg. Bear with us. We've come a little off-piste because the route we were on was so churned up. We thought we'd take a bit of a shortcut, and this is where shortcuts take you. A big old river crossing. It looks the shallowest across here because you can see it rippling away, which means generally the rocks aren't far under the surface. I'm going to attempt to cross there. I've got to get there first. How can I just not do a ride without a river crossing one day? I have to check the map here. Onwards and downwards. It is a bit more of a survival now. The weather has properly turned on us. That diversion or alternate route we thought we'd take turned out to be horrific. Massive deep bogs, river crossing, and actually longer and slower because the path just disappeared. Now we're back on a legit track. You can see it weaving into the distance. Thank goodness we're on that for a while now, and then I think we'll find our way back to the van as quick as possible. Oh, God. This is poor cameraman Dan's rich paint epic initiation. All I wanted to do was teach all you guys and girls out there a bit of winter surviving, and it turns out I need to survive myself. We have made it back to the van, survived some pretty harsh wintry conditions. In fact, so much so my garment bust off from my knee earlier. Last final top tip for you is plenty of warm dry clothes, maybe even a towel at the end to get warm and dry with. Get out of the soggy wet clothes. 30K on the dot today, real good ride. Hopefully, I've imparted some wisdom and tips on you on surviving a bit more through these harsh wintry mountain biking conditions. Until next time, I'm going to get dried up. I'll see you later.