Designed by a veteran, RecPaks combine MRE efficiency (just add water and shake) with clean, complete energy for a mountain meal on the move. The ‘Paks come in three flavors: chocolate, vanilla chai and coffee, the latter with a dash of caffeine that recommends it as a stove-free breakfast-and-coffee combo. Whether to combat protein bar burnout or to avoid the dreaded dehydrated meal gut bomb, RecPaks make a worthy addition to any pack. MSRP: $38.99 (pack of three). Recpak.co  (Aaron Theisen) 

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They’re small enough to be stashed in a jacket pocket, but bright enough to use as a campsite lantern in a pinch. Better yet, BioLite has streamlined operations. Two separate and distinctly shaped buttons adjust on/off/dimming and light modes, respectively, allowing for fumble-free gloved use. And when you do forget to keep it charged, the Range headlamps replenish one hour of light in only eight minutes of charging via USB-C ports, allowing for last-minute trailhead top-offs. MSRP: $39.95-$69.95. Bioliteenergy.com (Aaron Theisen) 

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Cover photo courtesy of Wheel Sport

There’s a new way to ride the slopes this season. SNO-GO ski bikes, also known as ski bikes or snow bikes, mimic the motions of advanced skiers but are easy as riding a bike. SNO-GO ski bikes allow riders of all ages and abilities to experience the euphoria of effortlessly gliding down a snow-covered slope. Whether you’re an advanced skier or snowboarder looking for a new sport or a non-skier looking to embrace winter, discover the fastest-growing snow sport this season at Silver Mountain Resort or 49 Degrees North Resort with a rental SNO-GO ski bike from Spokane’s Wheel Sport Bikes. 

If you’ve ridden a bike, you can ride a snow bike. SNO GO ski bikes handle just like a bicycle. And less time learning the basics means more time having a blast. The low center of gravity and three-ski platform make ski bikes safe and stable in any ski terrain. And unlike skis and snowboards, a SNO GO rider’s feet are not strapped in. It’s easy to get on and off, and easy to bail out if needed. Ski bikes provide an exciting, easily accessible way to explore the outdoors. 

Where to Hit the Slopes with a Ski Bike 

Currently, only Silver Mountain Resort and 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort allow the use of ski bikes on their chairlifts (rented from Wheel Sport or owned by you as no rentals are available on-mountain), but other ski areas may soon accommodate this growing sport. The SNO-GO ski bike rentals available at Wheel Sport have been designed to be lift-friendly and are as easy to load as skis and snowboards. Simply approach the lift with your ski bike like you would with skis or a snowboard, let the chair slide underneath the lift bar on the bike while you hold the handlebars and put the bike in between your legs. When first visiting a resort, Wheel Sport recommends checking with the lift operators for any unique lift protocols they may have for ski bikes. The lift operator can assist you with positioning the bike on the chairlift too.  

Gearing Up for a Day of Ski Biking 

Similar to any outdoor activity, ski biking carries inherent risk, but it is not necessarily more dangerous than skiing or snowboarding. In fact, the seated position and lower center of gravity can provide more stability and control, potentially reducing the risk of certain types of falls or injuries. However, as with any sport, proper instruction, adherence to safety guidelines, and the right equipment will make all of the difference. When gearing up for a day of snow biking, dress for a day outside in the winter like you would for skiing or snowboarding, with gloves, a helmet, weather-appropriate layers, and wind and water-resistant jacket and pants. It’s also widely recommended to wear snowboard boots, although sturdy winter boots can work as well. Ski boots are not advised!  

Trying a SNO-GO Ski Bike Made Easy 

Ready to give it a try? Stop by or call one of the Wheel Sport Bikes shops (Spokane Valley and South Hill) to reserve your rental. A full-day rental of a SNO-GO SHIFT is $100, or you can rent one for a week for $375. Wheel Sport also rents helmets. Each person 18 years and older planning to ride the snow bike will need to fill out a waiver as well (parents can sign for their kids under 18). More info and a link to the waiver you can print out in advance is at Wheelsportbikes.com. Once you’re ready to go, the SNO-GO Shift bike separates into three sections for easy transport up to Silver Mountain or 49 Degrees North. The SNO-Go can put some wow in your winter as you experience the euphoria of gliding down a snowy mountain on a bike with skis. Learn more at Wheelsportbikes.com.

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This time of year, it’s easy to want to put the bike in hibernation until springtime. But the payoffs to biking through the winter are enormous. Come spring, your conditioning will be miles ahead of your couch-dwelling cycling buddies. But more immediately, you’ll get all the benefits of biking while outpacing the winter blues.

Make no mistake, it’s harder to get out the door for a ride this time of year when even the walk to the garage is cold, damp and dark. Make it easy by having a dialed-in winter setup so there are fewer hurdles to getting out the door. And if you’re new to winter riding, start slow and short. This is unlikely to be the season of Strava PRs. But even a short spin through the neighborhood is better than nothing. And remember: in the winter, every ride is an adventure. Check out our winter riding tips below to make sure it’s an enjoyable and safe one too.

Winter Bikes

Between the increased exposure to bike-eating elements and the usually more casual nature of winter riding, the “off” season is a great time to simplify your bike. Think of your winter rig as the bicycle equivalent to rock skis. Some riders opt for a dedicated winter rig, while others choose to go all-in on a fat bike. (Wheel Sport carries a great selection from Salsa and Otso.)

Whatever you choose, keep the following in mind:

1. Cold weather can affect suspension performance, so you may need to adjust your settings accordingly and more often. Or consider a hardtail or a fully rigid ride.
2. E-bike batteries can drain more quickly in cold temperatures, so minimize the amount of non-riding time the bike spends outdoors. Better yet, bring the battery inside to a heated room when not in use.

Layering for Winter Riding

The principles of cold-weather clothing that govern all outdoor activities apply to cycling, with the added consideration that you may be frequently alternating between short, sweat-generating climbs and fast, chill-inducing descents. That means layering is even more important.

1. Choose wool or wicking synthetics that provide insulation even when wet.
2. As hard as it might be to remove that puffy at the beginning of a ride, it’s better to start cool and add a layer rather than sweat out your gear.
3. The generally higher speeds of road biking may require extra insulation to cut down on rider-generated wind chill.
4. Hands and feet bleed heat easily; wind- and waterproof gloves and overshoes will provide insulation.
5. Clear- or lightly-tinted glasses will keep any mud and debris that slip by your mudguard of your eyes.

Bike and Rider Lights

Bike lights have come a long way. Today’s lightweight, bright, USB-rechargeable LED lights make night riding easier and safer than ever. Preferences vary, but a good starting point is 1,000 lumens for handlebar-mounted lights. Many riders wear a helmet-mounted light at a lower power too; they are particularly useful on sweeping singletrack switchbacks, where your bike and body may be pointed different directions. Whatever the power number, the important thing is that it’s a light you can easily pack. On the road, a flashing rear light—ideally one each on your bike and body—will alert drivers to your presence.

Mudguards

This one’s a no-brainer: It’ll take only one ride of blinking grit out of your eyes to see the light. Generally, a front mudguard is sufficient for mountain biking, while commuters and road riders might prefer front and rear coverage to avoid the dreaded wet streak up their back.

Cold-weather Bike Maintenance

Make sure your bike stays as protected from the elements as you are. Even more than during dry season, a regular cleaning and maintenance regimen is important; the last place you want to have a mechanical is in the dark or snow. Rain and mud are the usual winter cleaning culprits, but road salts can wreak havoc on your drivetrain and ice and snow can make short work of your lube.

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It’s a scientifically proven fact that fall is the best riding season. Cooler weather and perfect dirt are the payoff to a season’s worth of conditioning. But it’s the fall colors that seal the deal: the golden slopes of western larch and the yellow and orange corridors of aspen trees. Here are three fall classics that will have you skidding through leaf piles like a kid again.

Brush Lake Loop

This nearly six-mile loop north of Bonners Ferry is quite possibly the region’s best fall color ride, with larch and hardwoods providing nearly nonstop color on a trail purpose-built for bikes. The newly constructed Tungsten Mountain trail adds another 2,000 feet of climbing through no-less-impressive fall foliage, with the added bonus of a spectacular view of the upper Pend Oreille River valley from near the top.

Coeur d’Alene River Trail

Although the lower six miles of this trail can be used as a jumping-off point for long backcountry loops in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains, its stunning scenery warrants seeing the same view twice on an easily rewarding out-and-back. After the first 1.5 miles, the trail spends its time well above the Upper North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River—all the better for vantage points of the larch and cottonwood in the canyon below.

Bead Lake

Although better known for its cedars, Bead Lake, just northwest of Newport, Wash., glows in autumn, when colorful shoreline shrubs and birch leaves contrast against the dark background of evergreens. The East Shoreline Trail traces the lake on good tread, with nearly constant views of the water. It’s nine miles out and back, with the option to make a long loop using 11 miles of forest road high above the lake.

Gear Up for Fall Rides at Spokane Wheel Sport Locations

Thule Epos Bike Rack

Don’t waste a moment of those fleeting fall days fiddling with your bike rack. With an innovative telescoping bike attachment system and ability to accommodate long wheelbases and large tires, the Thule Epos bike rack easily transports bikes of all shapes and sizes.

45NRTH Nokken Glove

Keep the crisp autumn air from freezing your fingers with the 45NRTH Nokken glove. Wind- and water-resistant softshell material keeps digits warm without the bulk of thermal insulation, and the long cut to the wrist material closes off any jacket/glove gaps.

Light and Motion Seca Comp 1500 Headlight

Bike lights have come a long way from the bulky battery hogs of 20 years ago. Today’s lightweight, bright, USB-rechargeable LED lights make night riding easier and safer than ever.  With 1500 lumens of power, the Light and Motion Seca Comp 1500 will illuminate the entire trail, and the impact-resistant, waterproof body will ensure it holds up to whatever wild conditions autumn throws at you.

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Whether you’re a shuttle enthusiast or a pedal purist, the Inland Northwest has no shortage of epic backcountry singletrack. The four rides below should be on any backcountry rider’s bucket list.

Seven Summits Trail

This 18-mile north-to-south traverse of the Rossland Range (of which Rossland’s Red Mountain Ski Resort is a part) in southeast BC is perhaps the premier backcountry mountain bike ride in the region. In recognition of its destination-worthy dirt, the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) awarded it the Epic designation. Usually done as a point-to-point, the Seven Summits has it all: alpine terrain; long, grinding climbs (nearly 3,600 feet of cumulative elevation gain); and no-less-taxing talus-strewn descents.

Kettle Crest

Eastern Washington’s premier subalpine bikeable route, the 45-mile Kettle Crest Trail, is outside the realm of one-day rides for all but the most hardy (or foolhardy). But Sherman Pass, which bisects the trail, allows for manageable out-and-back rides that start high and stay high. South of the pass, the 5.5-mile loop around Sherman Peak samples the scenery, and it’s easy to extend the ride south for as long as your legs allow. With some shuttle-rig logistics, the web of Kettle Crest feeder trails open up a world of point-to-point possibilities.

North Fork Silver Creek

Descending almost 2,900 feet in five miles off Abercrombie Mountain, northeast of Colville, the North Fork Silver Creek Trail boasts some of the best backcountry aspen groves around—if you can slow down enough to notice them. With narrow, rough tread and tight switchbacks, this is a true backcountry experience. A trailhead campground gives riders the option to ride this trail’s rougher sibling to the south.

Ruby Ridge

Oftentimes, shuttle logistics are the sticking point for point-to-point backcountry routes. The Ruby Ridge ride, northeast of Bonners Ferry, is about as good as it gets: a mostly-paved forest road to a pass on the Idaho/Montana state line. From Canuck Pass, the trail traverses subalpine tech for nearly three miles before diving into a forearm-frying six-mile 3,700-foot descent on buffed singletrack. This is grizzly country, but the hoots and whoops this ride induces should give them plenty of notice.

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Whether it’s a long day in the backcountry or a multi-day bikepacking trip, self-sufficiency on the singletrack is vital. In addition to bear spray, a few pieces of gear will keep your body and bike functioning far beyond your cell coverage.

Bags

Storing essentials on your bike rather than on your person improves your ride quality for a couple reasons: it reduces strain on your back, and the lower center of gravity improves bike handling. Bike bags come in as many shapes, sizes and mounting points as the riders who use them, but there’s a reason the Revelate Designs Mountain Feedbag is a classic. Surprisingly spacious and secured by a drawstring enclosure system that can be opened and closed one-handed, the Feedbag can store a large water bottle or a day’s worth of snacks, and the handlebar mount makes it exceedingly convenient for in-flight refueling.

Water Filtration

Once you start outriding the carrying capacity of your bottles or bladder, a water filter is a must. Fortunately, the days of squatting over a streambank for endless minutes cramping your forearms on a pump system are largely gone. Camelbak’s collaboration with Lifestraw combines filtration with water storage for unmatched ease of use. The filtration systems come in two iterations: filters that attach to Camelbak’s reservoirs, and water bottles with a built-in filter. Both rely on a two-stage filtration system that removes both the harmful bacteria, parasites, and microplastics and the merely unpleasant bad taste and foul odors from untreated water sources.

Rain Gear

In the mountains, foul weather can strike any time. And a summer rain shower might be refreshing in the moment, but staying the night outside in wet gear, whether by choice or by circumstances, can quickly turn treacherous. The ideal set of rain gear will depend on your predominant riding conditions: fully waterproof layers will fully shed the elements but not pack as small or light, while compact water-resistant items will take the chill off from summit winds and light sprinkles but buckle under heavy downpours. The Specialized Trail Rain Jacket features fully waterproof construction and, while not pocket-portable, will still fit in a pack.

Tubeless Plugs

Running a tubeless setup in your tires is a must for all-day or multi-day adventures through rough terrain (i.e., anywhere you plan to go in the backcountry). Although tubeless tires will shrug off small holes, large gashes can overwhelm sealant. A set of tubeless plugs—Dynaplug is an excellent choice, although Stan’s and Muc-Off have quality offerings too—will take care of the big stuff: simply squeeze a plug into larger holes or tears and give the tubeless sealant something on which to bond. (Still, a spare tube in your pack never hurts, either.)

Trail Bell

Fun fact: grizzly bears are still faster than you on your bike. Trail bells provide a steady symphony of noise to give creatures—and fellow trail users—ample warning of your approach. Modeled after a traditional cowbell, the Timberbell has adjustable intensities, and the clanger can be locked down for times you’d like it to be silenced. Bonus: you have your own built-in cheering section on the descents.

Find all of your backcountry biking gear at one of the three Wheel Sport Bikes shops in the Spokane area or shop online here.

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Kaslo’s Mount Buchanan Trails
A little less than an hour north of Nelson, on the northern arm of Kootenay Lake, the sedate lakeside town of Kaslo has long functioned as an extension of Nelson’s riding scene. The historic highlight of the area was The Monster, an iconic 4,000-foot descent off the flank of Mount Buchanan on the northwest edge of town. But with a long, rough shuttle and steep, high-consequence pitch, The Monster scared away all but the most committed riders. Several years ago, however, the Kaslo Outdoor Recreation and Trails Society began a multi-year project to build out the Buchanan trail network.

On the west side of Mount Buchanan, the Kaslo Interpretive Forest Recreation Area features a network of mostly machine-built flow trails. Debuting in 2022, Friendly Giant is the first segment of what will ultimately be a 22-km bi-directional trail to the summit of Mount Buchanan. The mellow bench-cut trail makes for a pleasant pedal up, and the numerous grade reversals, small tabletops, and side hits make for a manageable alternative to The Monster for the ride back down.

On the east side of Mount Buchanan, the Branch 7 trail system comprises a handful of hand-cut singletrack. The highlight is the steep, surfy singletrack and root drops of Carlsbad; combining it with the fall-line flow of No Brakes gives riders a nearly 2,000-foot descent back to Kaslo, where they can cool their brake rotors at any of three ice cream shops.

Combined with the XC-oriented trails of the True Blue Recreation Area trails on the south shore of the Kaslo River, the new Mount Buchanan trails elevate Kaslo to a riding destination that holds its own with its Kootenay kin.

Nakusp’s Mount Abriel Trails

In contrast to its neighbors’ trail systems, which grew by accretion, the trails of Nakusp, on a narrow ribbon of Upper Arrow Lake an hour south of Revelstoke, seemingly sprung from the Earth fully formed and optimized for modern bikes and rider preferences.

Several years ago, with the aid of around a million dollars in community grants, the Nakusp and Area Bike Society (NABS) began quietly building out a 50-kilometre trail system on the steep, cedar-shaded flank of Mount Abriel—the largest community-based trail project in Canada. The goal for this quiet, lakeside community: join the likes of Nelson and Rossland in the canon of Kootenays riding destinations.

The mix of loam and crushed bedrock on cutover Crown land allowed for the construction of bike-park-like flow trails such as Dusty Panther, one of those tracks that transcends its difficulty rating to delight riders of every skill level. Trails like Black and Blue and Minty Fresh artfully blend in big hips and gaps with steep, chunky singletrack that maximizes the 3,400 feet of vertical from the top of Mount Abriel to the highway.

Below the highway, NABS constructed a skills park with pump track, drop and jump lines, and a shoreline campground with 30 well-spaced, private sites. A mini network of lower trails allows for after-dinner hot laps on beginner to expert trails, and trails like Hollywood Hills (double black) and Red Shed Redemption (black) are nearly worth the trip alone.

At a time when “something for everyone” is the builder’s buzz-phrase, the NABS means it: Mount Abriel is one of the world’s first networks of trails for adaptive bike use. It’s also one of the birthplaces of trail standards for adaptive mountain bike trails, which seek to codify tracks optimized for hand-, pedal- and motor-powered three- and four-wheeled bikes. Thirty years on, the Kootenays continue to extend the borders of what’s possible on a bike. There’s no better time to cross that border.

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Helmets are a must: Make sure they fit properly; an improperly worn helmet is little better than none at all. Helmets should fit snugly, with little to no side-to-side or fore-and-aft play, and they should sit level and low on the forehead. Chin straps should form a V on either side of the ear and be snug under the chin—you shouldn’t be able to fit more than one or two fingers between chin and strap. Finally, model good helmet habits by always wearing yours.

Bring layers. Nothing will derail a ride like a teeth-chattering toddler with no rain gear. A safe bet is to pack one more layer than you would wear yourself. Multiple light layers are always preferable to one or two heavier layers. Avoid cotton, the fibers of which lose any insulating properties when they get wet. (And be prepared to carry said layers as they shed.)

Stash a first aid kit: Make sure your kit is capable of dealing with, at the very least, minor scrapes. Several brands make cycling-specific first aid kits, but a baggie with bandages and wound ointment is a good start.

Stay hydrated: Make sure that each person has a water bottle or hydration pack that they can—and are eager to—use. Even trailer passengers and ride-along cyclists who aren’t pedaling will work up a thirst.

Pack snacks: Perhaps the most important thing to remember. Pack lots of snacks. Even better, end your ride at an ice cream shop or a similarly rewarding destination. A little bribery goes a long way, figuratively and literally.

Whether your goal is the corner cone place or something a bit farther afield, set a modest itinerary and be prepared to turn back early. Your objective should be a smooth cycling experience that leaves everyone asking, “When are we going riding again?”

Gear to Make the Family Rides Better

Available at your local Wheel Sport location

Burley trailers: With comfortable seating for one or two children and plenty of cargo space, trailers allow your littlest to ride in style—and safety. With lightweight, easy-to-use trailers that make no compromise for safety, there’s a reason Burley is synonymous with kid carriers.

Specialized Jett: Specialized designed its Jett series of youth bikes to grow with your child, with two-hole position cranks, adjustable-width handlebars and longer, more adjustable seat posts. And as one of the lightest kid’s bikes on the market, your little shredder will be able to ride longer—and that means even more best days ever.

Thule T2 Pro XT hitch rack: Getting a family fleet of bikes to and from the trailhead frustration-free is half the battle. The Thule T2 Pro XT hitch rack accommodates wheel sizes from 20 – 29”, so all but the smallest bikes will fit. And the two-bike add-on rack grows the carrying capacity with your family. //

SPONSORED BY WHEEL SPORT

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