By Sigrid Olson
Pathfinder 

Dirt Biking in the Snow

 

Brian Olson

The two machines in the forefront are snow bikes – dirt bike bodies with a single ski in the front and a narrow track in the rear.

Snow biking is gaining popularity among winter enthusiasts in Potomac. Snow bikes are able to go in timber where snowmobiles cannot due to their shape and agility. Most snow bikes are interchangeable into dirt bikes with a special kit and a lot of patience.

Snow bikes are different than snowmobiles. Under the dirt bike body, there is a single ski in the front and a narrow track behind, versus the double skis on snowmobiles.

"Some snow bikes are interchangeable and can be switched back to a dirt bike for summertime," said Chris Goldade, a Potomac resident who snow bikes and dirt bikes. Dirt bikes that are 450 or bigger work better for adapting into a snow bike for winter riding.

To prepare for snowy riding, the front and rear wheels are taken off. Then the ski is lined up on the front followed by putting the snow track on the back. Goldade estimates his track weighs 100 pounds.

Goldade uses a socket set and screw drivers. It also takes a lot of patience to align it all, he said.

There are different brands of snow bikes including Timbersleds and Yetis.

Goldade has owned a 2016 Timbersled Kit YZ450 for two years now. He purchased the kit in Missoula.

The snow bikes handle and ride differently than snowmobiles.

Goldade said is takes a lot of practice to learn to ride a snow bike. "You have to keep your speed up," he said. "Balance is very important because it's very tippy on ice and generally when riding," he added.

Snow bikes have less power than snowmobiles and cannot go straight up hills like a snowmobile can. They are great for all snow conditions although Goldade prefers deep snow.

Bowen Olson

Snow bikes are yet another way to enjoy the snowy mountains.They can be converted from dirt bike into snow bikes and back again with the right equipment.

Snow bikes can steer through trees easier than snowmobiles, said Goldade, and can sidehill easier due to their design.

"Although it's not the best for trail riding with your family," Goldade said. "You can ride untracked snow all day, and I like that you can use it for both seasons; winter and summer."

To make the switch at winter's end into dirt bike mode there are kits that you can purchase to put on your dirt bike. "The Timbersled is nothing without a dirt bike," said Goldade. The snow track and ski come off for summertime and are replaced by the dirt bike wheels.

Goldade is looking forward to making the switch back to dirt bike, which he plans to do in early May.

After riding snowmobiles for 22 years, Goldade said, "Snow bikes are so much fun, and now I will never go back." He recommends them to anyone.

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 

Powered by ROAR Online Publication Software from Lions Light Corporation
© Copyright 2024

Rendered 02/22/2024 15:11