For those who are thinking of venturing out while the snow is still here, you may want to invest in ice tyres. Marky Mark and I headed out for what proved to be a terrific ride around Howood and Gleniffer Braes in the snow and ice. The cycle track out was like boilerplate in places though nothing stopped us in our tracks. Only taking a break and putting a foot down did we realise how slippy the trails were. Would it be worth going out with normal tyres? Hmmm, not sure. Where the paths are well trodden, it’ll be a slow and nervous plod with scope for lots of elbow ground interfaces.
As for the ride, it was great to try somewhere new to me adding in some familiar sections round Glennifer Braes. The snow and ice made for a really fun day out with the clear winter light making for great views.
Pics on the link below.
At the end of the ride, we popped into Thomsons Cycles in Paisley. Good to see a familiar name back in the game. I noticed that for those who may be looking and are currently experiencing the “sorry, we can’t get ice tyres from suppliers until next year” faff that I found last year, they have a set of Conti 240 Spike Claws in stock. I know that Big Al at Wheelcraft had a couple of pairs of Schwalbe Spikers in the last time I was in while Kev at Escape Route had a couple of pairs in when I was in a few weeks ago. I know Luke got his from Alpine earlier in the year but I’m not sure if they have any in stock.
If you are swithering about getting a set, they are absolutely worth the money if only to get out on blue sky days like yesterday.
Cheers
Sanny
That looks like the trail up the braes behind Barrhead I was up there in the summer …the descent down the wooden steps into the back of B/head must have been INTERESTING to say the least in the snow.
Nice trails, Glennifer braes got me into MTBs – straight out my old house in Barrhead and up a big hill in half an hour, brill… will need to get up there soon. Good shots although when snows out all I can think right now is ‘Glencoe’ and ‘snowboards’.
FYI, Wed 15th Feb – Gleniffer Braes is on the calendar. I’ve not ridden there so quite keen to see it. If anyone is heading there during the holidays (after 28th Dec) then post up and I should be able to join you for a ride.