How to Ride Bicycles in Mud Or Rain

Some cyclists will claim that mountain bikes give them more thrill than riding with a road bike. This is because a mountain biker can cycle in all kinds of different terrains. Different terrains or ground surfaces will also mean different biking techniques and precautions. For some, experiencing challenges is just their nature.

Riding in mud is difficult?

Riding in mud, muck or in the rain can be a real challenge. It is almost similar to riding in snow. You have to be aware that it is wet. In cycling, wet surfaces will always mean less traction, which is dangerous. Wet soil has usually more traction than dry soil. As in the case for mud, thick mud will make your riding more difficult, as compared to a thin layer.

Techniques for riding in the mud

You have to learn the 'wheelspin'. This means learning how to control it. When you cycle, your wheel will sometimes veer to the left or right (sideways) and distract your straight path. What you should do is keep pedaling and cycle according to your straight path. The 'wheelspin' will auto-correct afterwards.

If you know you are approaching slippery muddy areas, be sure to increase your bike speed. Take advantage of your momentum. And your momentum will bring you across the slippery muddy area. As a rule of thumb, grass, dry sand or gravel will always give you better friction and traction than mud. Going uphill on a mud surface can be a nightmare. There is no choice but to use the momentum-carrying technique to power your uphill journey.

What about mud holes that are deep? You should always lean your body to the back, and pull the handle bars towards your body in a quick motion. While doing this, you should be pedaling hard to carry you and your bike across the deep mud hole. Being aggressive will pay off for you here.

The problem is sometimes you can be tricked into thinking that a deep hole that contains water or mud is just a puddle. Be sure to stop and check properly before blasting your way through it.

General mud advice you should always follow

Never follow too closely behind other riders (who are in front of you). The mud or water from their back tire will get sprayed towards you.

You should lower your tire pressure. This will increase your traction. But you should not be worried because riding in the mud or rain will force you to slow down. There is no real danger when going slow. However, you should be careful with sharp objects along the way.

You should keep your water bottle in your pocket (jersey pocket). This is to ensure the drinking mouth of the bottle remain clean for you to drink.