Snot and frozen lungs: why mountain biking in November is bliss

November 19, 8:41 AMMinneapolis Outdoor Recreation ExaminerMarie Malinowski

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Even though the temperatures are hovering in the 30’s, I still love mountain biking in November. The biological marvels and that witnessing presence. Fresh air. Gentle wind. The deep, guttural sound of a coughing fit and the subsequent gelatinous result that makes its way onto a barren tree branch.

For as much whining as I did yesterday about my burning thighs, frozen lungs, sinuses, toes, etc. I still believe that this is the best time of the year to ride.

My husband agrees because 1) he’s an amazing athlete, 2) there is no rock garden, log pile, or skinny he can’t clean, and 3) can tune out my whining so he can enjoy the moment. It's shocking how thoroughly and brutally we've grown together. Must have been all those long nights of screaming fights, tearful accusations, and harmful words that can't be unsaid.

I digress.

We biked Lebanon Hills late yesterday afternoon. Lebanon Hills, affectionately known as “Leb”, has lung-busting ascents, screaming descents, tight hairpin turns, log piles of all sizes, rock gardens of all degrees of technical difficulty, berms, skinnies, bridges, ladders, Tedman’s Curve (my nemesis), and a teeter-totter. Trail conditions permitting (please don’t ride wet trails), it’s open throughout the year for mountain biking. Yes, you heard that correctly. Mountain biking in the snow is but another door worth opening. More on that when we get some snow.

If you go:

Take Cedar Ave/77 south to Cliff Road. Turn left onto Cliff. Turn right onto Johnny Cake Ridge. Turn right into the Lebanon Hills trailhead parking lot. Parking is free.

Dress warm. It makes all the difference. I wear a pair of insulated bike tights, a warm biking jacket, Smartwool socks (this should come as no surprise), a balaclava, warm gloves, and, to avoid frozen toes, stick some toe warmers in your shoes. If you’re unfamiliar with the trail, or haven’t done a great deal of mountain biking, you can always portage the more challenging sections. Visit the trail description and map.

If mountain biking in 30-degree temperature doesn't appeal to you, check out Malia Frey's, the Minneapolis Fitness Examiner, post about a super-slick alternative to freezing your [insert body part of choice] off on the off-road trails.

SYOTT (see you on the trail)