BREAKING NEWS: Santa is a Cyclist

Typically, Santa warms up for his yearly rounds by skiing with thousands of look-a-likes across the globe. But with 2020 being a not-so-typical year, his annual shred session at the Adirondacks Whiteface Mountain was understandably canceled. Santa, being Santa, did his best to make the most of the situation and busted out his mountain bike for a little single track fun. BikeADK Gearzette correspondent Doug Morgan of Upstate MTB caught up with him for the exclusive.

Where did you ride?
Normally, I don't like to disclose my secret Santa stashes, but in the spirit of giving... this was at Great Bear Recreation Area in Fulton, NY.

What inspired you to go for a spin? 
With Whiteface Santa Day being canceled this year, we wanted to do something outdoors and festive, so we decided to suit up for one last ride before the New Year. 

Do you have any little helpers? 
As it just so happens, Brian Carpenter - who was really good this year - joined me for the ride and our friend Evan Williams from Pure Adirondacks was there to capture the photos. You know, for Mrs. Claus' Instagram. 

How were the conditions? 
The ground was hard with a light dusting of snow to give a wintery backdrop and good trail conditions. We planned ahead and made sure to use specific trails that wouldn't be damaged. However even with light snow, the technical aspects of riding a standard mountain bike were made more challenging. Jumps and berms were very slippery and you wanted to hit your landings as square as possible. We realized a pre-walk to survey the jumps and help tamp down the snow became beneficial. It definitely made you appreciate the need for a Fat Bike once the white stuff flies! Maybe I'll ask for one next Christmas. I know a guy. 

Is this a new annual tradition to prepare for 'the big ride?' 
Well, I wouldn't say my warm red suit was the best technical apparel for riding, but it certainly made a lot of people happy when they saw us on the trail. And judging by the honks of approval from cars passing by and all the people that stopped to take pictures, I'd say we'll do it again.