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In my neck of the woods (SE WI/ NE IL), finding good rideable crust in the woods is like searching for Bigfoot. You kind of think it's out there, but you gotta be in the right place at the right time to find it. Well after years of searching (and finding little bits here and there), last week I was finally at the right place at the right time (and have video to prove it). These weren't good crust conditions, they were amazing crust conditions.
I spent that morning playing on the steeps of a small ravine. Crust snow and really steep inclines are perfect together. The somewhat high rolling resistance of crust combined with the fact that it covers up all the ground debris means you can try riding stuff you would not consider riding in the summer. I'm not talking about trails here, I'm talking about finding a clean line on a steep snow-covered incline and going for it.
Highlights include two mild over-the-bars when the front wheel broke through. One where I landed on my feet, and the other that had me sliding on my back headfirst down the ravine towards the creek.
I spent that morning playing on the steeps of a small ravine. Crust snow and really steep inclines are perfect together. The somewhat high rolling resistance of crust combined with the fact that it covers up all the ground debris means you can try riding stuff you would not consider riding in the summer. I'm not talking about trails here, I'm talking about finding a clean line on a steep snow-covered incline and going for it.
Highlights include two mild over-the-bars when the front wheel broke through. One where I landed on my feet, and the other that had me sliding on my back headfirst down the ravine towards the creek.