This trail does receive heavy use from dog teams. Riders can access the trail at mile 26.6 and ride all the way to the hot springs, for a one-way distance of over 30 miles. According to local experts, winter mountain biking only requires a few extra preparations beyond that of normal riding. One tip for winter riding is gluing tires to the rims, using tire glue available at local bike shops. This allows for running the tires at low pressure without damage to tires or valve stems.
Some riders invest in special rims for winter riding.
The most important consideration for winter riding is appropriate clothing and survival gear. Winter temperatures can dip to minus 30 degrees F, and can range above plus 30. The same layered clothing recommended for winter hiking and cross-country skiing works well for winter biking. Riders must take care to carry extra food and to drink plenty of fluids. If the temperature is nippy and there's enough snow on the ground, you might catch Ev Wenrick with his dog Jack out on the ski trails at Chena River State Recreation Area.