Winter Storm Fern Snow Riding, January 27, 2026

After much anticipation, Winter Storm Fern laid down several inches of sleet and frozen rain on Burke County. The area was relatively lucky and did not have widespread electrical outages that other areas suffered. 

Nikki, one of the Gear Garage Crew, but decided to venture out on her bike on the Tuesday after the storm. The temperature was around 22 degrees which turns out to be perfect for riding Fern's mix of sleet and snow. The surface had good traction and the snow held the weight of the bike. At the very end of the ride, the combination of warming temperature and radiant heat from the sun started to soften the surface.  The big take away is that snow riding in the right conditions is peak fun but make sure to go when the temperature is well below freezing so that the trail is not damaged.