Otherwise, all the standard techniques for dicey situations apply -- keep your weight centered for maximum control, use a light touch on the power and the brakes, and learn to anticipate the unexpected. This is especially true if you're airing it out -- depending on where you land, your bike may or may not behave at all the way you expect.

Sealed cable systems are also popular in the winter because they keep the mud from screwing up your shifting and braking. Gore-tex lines are an effective solution (about $55), but you don't have to spend that much to get protection. The sealed cable system from Alligator and Jag Lines work just as well, and costs less than $20 at Fairhaven.

Another big issue during the mud season is lube. Just about everybody on Galbraith Mt. swears by ProLink. Another majority opinion: avoid wax based lubes like White Lightening.

The late, lammented Base Camp used to offer the excellent Patagonia flier vest (which is wind proofed on the front and shoulders), along with Patagonia Capilene tops and bottoms until REI put it out of business (as with The Great Adventure before it).

Now you can Patagonia Capilene garments at REI, as well as a full selection of cycling tights from Zoic, Sugoi, Canari and Danskin.

The first thing you want to do is clean and wax your bike. This will keep the gunk from sticking to the frame and eliminate a lot of problems down the trail. Some people use Lemon Pledge for this; other swear by natural carnuba wax (it really doesn't matter what brand). 

You should also clean your bike after every muddy ride with the hose, but remember -- don't spray the water directly at the bearing and seals. If your bike isn't too muddy (or if the mud dries before you get a chance to clean it), it's better to clean it with a rag, rather than hosing it.

The single most important thing to clean on your bike is the drive train. Wipe off and oil your chain with ProLink or a similar oil twice after every ride: once right after you wash it, and then the next day before you ride again.

You will probably need to "floss" between your gears with a rag and/or brush, and clean the pulley wheels on your derailleur too. After a really muddy ride, you may want to use a brush (an old toothbrush works great; just make sure it isn't your husband/wife's toothbrush) to clean between the links of your chain. 

If your bike has V-brakes, it's also very important to clean the rims on your wheels, as they can get encrusted with a lot of crud. Bikes with disc brakes don't need as much attention in this regard.

Finally, if you're riding in mud and hosing your bike a lot, don't forget to put a drop of oil on the pivot points of your pedals every few rides.

Happy trails!