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Mountain Bikers: How Often do You Check the Weather Forecast?

Tomorrow's weather could dictate whether our favorite trails are open, or at the very least, which jacket we should pack for the ride.

By Jeff Barber
February 26, 2023

10 comments

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Perhaps out of necessity, many mountain bikers become keenly aware of the weather forecast. After all, tomorrow’s weather might dictate whether our favorite trails are open, or at the very least, which jacket we should pack for the ride. We don’t often publicly predict the results of surveys like this one, but our hypothesis is that most Singletracks readers check the weather forecast at least once a day.

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Jeff Barber

Jeff Barber has been mountain biking since 1992 and has tested hundreds of mountain bikes and components. He is the co-founder of Singletracks and serves as Editor in Chief. Contact him at [email protected].

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10 Comments

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Sunspot Colorado // 2019
Feb 26, 2023

Don't like the weather? Wait 10 minutes!

1 reply

Bham MTB Alabama // 2019
Mar 9, 2023

Always check first for rain. There are local trails that hold up to a rain better than others so we need to find out if we can ride and if so, where we can ride. Trail integrity comes first. Other than that, we just check the weather to know what type of clothing to wear.

0 reply

killer climb Pennsylvania // 2019
Feb 26, 2023

For sure a weather checker. Pretty much any weather excluding cold rain is game on.Checking gets your mind set for the conditions you'll be riding

0 reply

RemyMac Colorado // 2022
Feb 26, 2023

Gotta know what's going on in Colorado. A summer day here is usually beautiful, but on occasion, it can involve unrelenting sun, heat, rain, hail, snow, lightning, and freezing temps. All on the same day!

0 reply

Hap Proctor Florida // 2014
Feb 27, 2023

I check 4-5 times a week, for various reasons. If I’m riding my everyday local trails I want to know if there is a chance of lightning or winds (keep an eye on widow makers). The weather can make or break a bike trip. Last year’s travel included 6 days of rain in Brevard,NC and 4 days (our entire stay) in Durango, CO. Fortunately the we had 6 clear days in Brevard and our time in Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico and Moab was sunny.

0 reply

Justin White 2015
Feb 27, 2023

Not enough choices.

I ride no matter the weather (to an extent: some trails can't handle rain, too much fresh snow is no fun), but I still check the weather so I know what to bring/expect.

0 reply

74cruzah Utah // 2018
Feb 28, 2023

Weather apps are great. So easy to keep track of the weather in multiple places at the same time.

0 reply

michaelcole California // 2018
Feb 28, 2023

Weather forecasts are incredibly helpful planning a ride . Take for instance in wind direction . If winds are on the high side I will try to plan a route that puts the wind at my back going uphill and maybe more of a headwind going down . I also can turn a low grade downhill into very fast letting wind give me a push .

0 reply

[email protected] Michigan // 2023
Feb 26, 2023

When I was in Colorado it was very other day except during the Monsoon. In Michigan it’s a couple of times a day during the spring/fall, to see if it was going to be muddy (no go) or good to go.
Arizona was once in a blue moon.

0 reply

Schmo Kansas // 2012
Feb 27, 2023

You have to know what type of weather you’re riding. How to dress and how much nutrition/hydration to carry. Any chance it will change while you’re out. You have to be prepared for anything.

0 reply

Tagged: survey, community

First published February 26, 2023 @ 3:48:00