Winter Cyclists Get a Grip
Despite the frigid winters in our Saskatoon climate more and more daily cyclists here are extending their practice year round. On Sunday, February 7 almost 200 of these enthusiastic winter cyclists assembled at the Farmers Market for the city’s first winter ice cycle. I will take some time to fill you in on this great event and share some of my experiences as a winter cyclist.
Ice Cycle was organized in the interest of promoting cycling as a viable transportation choice and building some camaraderie among practicing winter cyclists. The afternoon began with a winter riding workshop for new riders and then the group bundled up in style to complete a short route en mass throughout the core of downtown Saskatoon.
The parade filled an entire lane and stretched over many city blocks. For many, the idea of a parade of cyclists might invoke images of sunglasses and spandex, but on this occasion the chill of winter necessitated an eclectic combination of hockey jerseys, tutus, ear muffs and ski goggles. The spirit present throughout the event showed that winter cycling is viable, growing in popularity and even fun.
Only a decade ago, winter cyclists were a rare breed but today they are a common sight on Saskatoon’s icy winter streets. While the cost of fuel escalates and it becomes ever more frustrating to navigate the congested roadways in an automobile more and more people are making the switch to their bicycle. As an automobile driver one may not have been aware of this shift but I can vouch for the dramatic increase in winter cyclists I have observed quietly filtering through the less traveled streets of the city.
I remember trying to ride my bike to my elementary school once and this initial experiment gave me the impression that bikes and winter do not go together. I struggled to maintain momentum and balance through loose freshly fallen snow and probably could have made the trip faster on foot. This first winter cycling experience was slow, cold and just plain ridiculous. It’s a safe bet that’s probably what most people would think of winter cycling. However, I would later learn that with the proper equipment and clothing winter cycling is not always as ridiculous as my first experience.
A few years ago, inspired by other winter cyclists, I let my vehicle registration expire and committed to riding my bike for one whole winter season. I took this second experiment a bit more seriously and acquired some new equipment to give me the best chance of success. To help make my journeys safe, I began by purchasing a studded tire. I first bought just one for the front tire and now ride with two studded tires because they work so well to improve traction on icy roads. I also wanted to make my journeys relatively comfortable so I invested a good pair of long underwear, a balaclava and some ski goggles as well. I am happy to say the results of this experiment were much more positive. I remained committed for the entire season and have yet to renew the registration of my vehicle!
I have found that winter cycling to be more enjoyable than I expected but yes it still has some challenges. Just as you would think, it has been cold sometimes if I do not dress just right. However, I have now learned what clothing to wear for each temperature range and I have found that my body will generate plenty of heat as long as I keep moving. Cycling is also slower in the winter months. A bike has more mechanical resistance due to the cold temperatures and I think my body must have the same increase in resistance because I just don’t seem to pedal as fast. There are also days where cycling would be ridiculous such as the week after our blizzard in January but these exceptional periods are not reason enough to avoid cycling altogether. I simply choose to walk or take the bus for a few days and resume cycling when the streets are packed down again.
Finding solutions or compromises to address these challenges has allowed me to enjoy the many positive aspects of winter cycling: I now appreciate my urban travels because I can easily avoid busy roads and enjoy the quiet travel time for reflection; I am more in touch with my surroundings because I can hear the birds sing and experience the peaceful silence that comes with each day of freshly fallen snow; I probably benefit a little from the physical activity; and being frugal, like a good Mennonite, I always love being able to travel at will for free. While these are all great positive aspects, the largest reward of winter cycling is that it allows me to minimize my impact on our planet and be more self sufficient and that has been enough motivation to get me through the coldest days, horn honks and occasional tumbles.
