Riding
in Mud
If it's just a puddle, ride in the center of
it to minimize the amount of trail damage. Whatever you do -- DON'T go off the trail to
avoid the mud. If you don't want to get dirty, carry your bike or GO HOME. Each person
that rides around a muddy trail makes the trail a little wider that it was when it was
built. Repeated misriding like this usually results in a trail closure.
If it's deep and wet, spin in a low gear and
keep seated so that your back end doesn't spin out (I've had a great experience with
this...).
Try to put less weight in the front. The
front tire might plow into the mud, causing you to endo.
Pulse both brakes after going through the mud
to scrub off the mud.
Mud, much like water, can do a lot of damage
to your bike, so be careful. Specifically, it tends to wear out the brake pads very
quickly.
If the mud is thick, try going though it fast
-- you will sort of "hydroplane" across it, which leaves less goop in your
brakes and gears AND get you through it quicker.
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