Riddell: Wet trails require extra vigilance, caution for all riders

It is amazing what a little rain and wind can do to alter one’s perspective.

We all have exercise routines or routes that we do more frequently than others, driven by a combination of time availability, proximity and convenience. We take some comfort in our knowledge of the environment, but let just a little rain get mixed with autumn’s shedding and all bets are off.

If you’re a mountain biker, you have a few trails that you seemingly could ride blindfolded. You know the rocks, the turns, the ruts, the climbs, the downhills, where you can rest, where you need to be alert and how your bike is going to react underneath you. But let some wet leaves suddenly blanket that trail and you quickly may be yelling “Uh-oh!” and other choice words.

Even dry leaves on a trail can lull an unsuspecting biker into a false sense of security. These leaves are masters of disguise. They give the appearance of comfortable safety when in fact they are hiding a wheel-swallowing rut guaranteed to launch an unsuspecting rider over the handlebars. Of course, the real problem is not the launch but the landing. Invariably it will occur on rocks thinly hidden by similar conspiratorial leaves that provide absolutely no cushioning.

Then there are the tree roots. What was a rather benign bump in the trail on the last ride is now a creature determined to cause you pain and humiliation by sending your body forcefully to the ground. The humiliation is the spectacle’s occurrence in front of your riding buddies.

It seems that a little water on tree roots mixed with rubber on mountain bike tires that are leaning just a bit under human power are all that’s needed for a disaster. Add the leaves and the roots and the moisture and put them on the side of a hill, even a slight one, and you have all the makings for mayhem.

There are precautions that can be taken. Most riders on wet trails lower the air pressure in their tires for better traction. Some make sure they carry a little first-aid kit; others will ensure that their insurance is current.

Some even practice falling on an overstuffed CamelBak. And, of course, only an idiot would ride without a helmet.

So this weekend when you visit Raccoon Mountain, Harrison Bay, Booker T. Washington or wherever your favorite trail is, just remember that we had a little rain this week and the wind has been blowing and those dastardly leaves and roots are waiting for you. Otherwise, enjoy your ride!

John F. Riddell is a business columnist, UTC adjunct professor, Hamilton County director for CEG and professed “Zoomer Boomer.”