Winter is Here

Winter is probably the most mentally demanding part of the year for most riders who want to go for a perfect spin like they did during the skills harvest that is summer. In the age of devices that track calories, miles biked and hours slept, the so called "fit community” acts like they are going for the Olympics with every hundred meters walked on Strava. Riders full of New Year’s resolutions try their best to get ready for upcoming board shorts season, and mostly fail miserably due to a poor mindset. Well, to be honest, it’s hard to find a person that prefers riding in sub zero conditions with harsh winds and snow all over the place. On the other hand, we at Kross have a person that could make it easier for all of you who find it difficult to motivate yourself to ride outdoor during winter. Meet Mariusz Bryja.

Born and raised in Zakopane, Poland Bryja is one of the pioneers of bike riding in this region. Apart from settling new tracks on the maps, he runs and own a workshop in Zakopane. We hooked him up with Bartek Woliński to share his story how not only survive winter but also enjoy it as a rider.

You better read this story until the very end or you may end up on somebody’s wall as a trophy!

Every skull tells a story.

While not on a bike, Marcin spends time between his workshop and family duties. A true example of DIY culture.

First of all you need tools to make job done. Winter time is a true test to your mechanical skills and will give you unpleasant lessons if you are not prepared.

Snow, mud, salt, cold - you name it, they all could ruin your bike if you don’t make it robust. Grease it up!

Tire choice is crucial for the terrain you are going to shred. For winter, companies offer tires with screws in knobs to catch the grip even on ice. They work well, yet they are pricey and "winter only”. Want to save few bucks and learn a skill? Use your used tires with high knobs and make the magic happen!

The classic way would be to screw the tires from inside to let the knobs be pierced by screws, add extra layers of tape inside to keep the tube safe and cut the ends of screws to desired length…

Mariusz went a step further and made his new tubeless tires winter ready. You can even make it on a filled tire! Simply use shorter screws, screw them from the top to the tire knobs but try not to drill through the whole tire. Even when you fail to do it, don’t worry, the milk inside your tire should be enough to repair it.

It’s easy with a drill when the tire is stiff so 300 knobs should take you about an hour of work. Then simply cut of the screw ends and ride on!

Zones around Bukowina Tatrzańska are still inhabited and wild in many places. Perfect to set up MTB tracks! One of the oldest ones belong to Jan Karpiel, the godfather of the Polish downhill scene, builder and bike designer.

Ten years later, Mariusz Bryja took on Karpiel’s tracks, maintained them and build new ones.

The newest ones in the Butorowy Wierch are belong to the movement called "SRP” what stand for "Sztowarzyszenie Rowerowe Podhale” aka. "Podhale’s Bike Association”.

Even due to the "not bluebird” conditions in Bukowina, minus 10 Celsius temperatures granted us some powder biking pleasures.

When it's so cold outside, watch out for your brakes! It’s common that clamps freeze and you need to warm them up before shredding.

Nothing beats leaving fresh lines in the pure snow.

Having a suspension pump helps a lot as the density of oils rises in such conditions and sometimes adjustments need to be done on the trail.

For long distance rides, don’t forget to put proper layers on.

Even classic jersey as the first layer will make a huge difference to keep the sweat out of your skin and keep you dry.

Helmets and protection are a must. Especially during solo rides when you never know what lays under snow.

On the other hand it’s always good to motivate your buddies for a spin. A well-picked squad can change everything!

Keep the last layer waterproof as heat you produce due to activity will melt snow on you jacket and pants. Keep it dry!

During snow battles, it’s important to have a proper sight. Googles are not always a perfect choice as they get foggy and it’s better to use some UV protection shades on them to keep the reflection from snow bearable.

Some riders prefer to wear glasses. It’s much easier to pick them with proper protection nowadays, they are light and easier to ride with during intense rides.

Keeping a dry layer under a helmet to cover your ears may be a game changer. Keeps your head dry and ears warm.

With proper tire set-up snow conditions may feel dry. A lot of people switch for snow sports during this time of the year but bikes can be a snow sport too!

Well, maybe not the powder uphill runs, but hey, nobody said that it would be easy! Kross RVS suspension design is a VPP hidden more inside of the frame compared do other designs. Result? Great pedaling effectiveness. The system is optimized around a plate 32T-34T, so the operation will be very good both with 1x11 and a 2x11.

Ripping down the local trails in snow will definitely bring a new approach to them.

But how to spend hours on the trails just like in summer?

Bring a backpack stuffed with essentials. Tools, hot tea and a bar of chocolate can change your day. Keeping a pair of dry socks, feet warmers and a communication device for urgent cases are on our list too.

Keep on hauling snow all day long.

Trust us, ripping snow is as fun as dirt sometimes!

A good ol’ hike to keep your blood flowing.

Keep your ends warm - Proper shoes and gloves will make it much easier during fast paced runs.

If you are not a fan of crowded trails, winter may be your comfort zone.

Respect mother nature but remember to play with her also!

In the end, she will always win.

Tree for scale.

End of the day one, let’s head further.

Start of day two. Tatra Mountains won’t disappoint when it comes to views.

We can bet on it.

Keep yourself hydrated! Hot beverage boost your temperature and mood. An extra slice of lemon and ginger make it easier for your immune system to survive without catching cold.

Sharing is caring.

Fresh snow means fresh lines.

Mariusz is truly inspiring in terms of "ride everyday”.

Double knots make it easier to keep your head problem free.

Up and rocking again in Zakopane - Polish Tatra Mountains capital.

Fast and loose in the morning sun.

Due to outstanding tree heights and stunning landscapes, this region brings a Canadian feel to Polish scenery.

Well crafted and tuned suspension will make your rides even more enjoyable but we think you already know this folks.

A view worth hiking for. Classic Tatra landscape.

Local tracks offer not only demanding hiking sections for classic tourism but also steep runs for MTB lovers. Region is still adapting to the wheeled tourism but it’s all going in a good way. Still, mountain people are a bit stubborn, but that's how mountains raise people.

Marisa stay on your bike.

Snowy symmetry.

Polish Vancouver anybody?

One of those shots we all secretly would like to have in our albums.

See you on the powder lines Pinkbikers!

All photos by: Bartek Woliński www.wolisphoto.com
Words by: Mateusz Szachowski

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MENTIONS: @wolisphoto

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