ADVENTURE // CYCLING
SNOW ZONE
EDITOR : MEAGHAN BAXTER MEAGHAN@VUEWEEKLY.COM
Here are five winter riding tips to consider as you go two-wheeling this winter:
• Slow down and ride cautiously, especially when turning and breaking. • Ensure you are visible with both lights and reflective accessories. A front and rear helmet light is eye-level with vehicle drivers on those earlier dark evenings. • Purchase a second winter riding bike with wide tires and fenders. • Clean and maintain your bike regularly, including washing off dirt and grime, and keeping all movable parts well greased, lubed and oiled. // City of Edmonton
M
ost cyclists are often referred troduced a new cycling initiative along to as fair-weather riders, 106 Street between 29 Avenue and meaning they ride when the weather Saskatchewan Drive. The goal of this is most optimal. However, there's pilot project is to maintain a plowed a separate group of cyclists that one-metre-wide bike lane along this ride year-round through all types of corridor that includes a mix of dediweather, and these are referred to by cated bike lanes, buffered bike lanes many different names, most often in and shared-use lanes. Shared-use paths are already cleared of snow within 48 the "WTF" context. While winter cycling is not impos- hours after the end of snowfall. While in the right direction, and recsible, it does take a certain type of in- it's a step The CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL ognition that more and more people dividual, and some additional preparaSCHOOL - Abu Dhabi riding year many avid cyclists tion before hitting the roadisincurrently sub-zero hiringare teachers and round, administrators have yetschool to useyear this route. temperatures. First is having a dedifor the 2014-15 cated "winter bike" that can be properly "I'm all for anything that meaning12345 WHY JOIN OUR TEAM? fully expands the non-hardcore cycling equipped with suitable tires, fenders we are a fully accredited International SchoolI haven't had population, but honestly, and other riding accessories suited Alberta for Education tax free salary with housing, airfare, and extras paid it," for says Darren Marka chance to ride cold-weather cycling. The second-most 2 hrs of of prep timeriding /day for classes; great students important aspect winter is teachers; to land,small a self-proclaimed hardcore com amazing travel comfortable opportunities and muter. cultural experiences "I ride with my family all winwear clothing that is both outstandingispersonal andthe professional opportunities ter, asgrowth I want my kids to know winter and warm.Layering typically shouldn't make them hibernate." answer, butApply having the right type of Now www.cisabudhabi.com clothing is equally important. Third is Others are a bit more skeptical. Mark adapting to riding in the harsher winter Jung, Redbike club president and group elements, such as cold, wind, snow, ice, leader of Edmonton Interclub Bike Rides states, "I think the notion of clearslush and other obstacles. This winter the City of Edmonton in- ing the 106 Street bike lanes for cycling
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use is interesting and inherently contentious, but my personal thoughts on this matter are that there are just too few winter cyclists willing to take that route to make it economically logical. Regardless of whether the bike lanes are visible, this fact is not going to entice more people to winter commute." Bike shops and organizations have also recognized the increase in winter riding, and many offer a variety of accessories and advice, while some even offer winter cycling workshops and their own organized group rides. Michael MacFynn, public relations manager at Revolution Cycle, says "we have a ride every Wednesday even in winter." Mike Blennerhassett from the Hardcore Cycling Club also offers winter group rides. "There is a dedicated group that rides on Mondays with all types of bikes," Blennerhassett adds. "I lead and participate in two weekly winter rides on Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons," Jung notes. "They are designed to be trail rides utilizing the Edmonton River Valley trails system. They last from 1.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the temperature and trail conditions." "Every year we offer winter riding seminars at our non-profit community bike shops, as well as do-it-yourself tire-studding workshops," says Christopher Chan, Executive Director, Edmonton Bicycle Commuters Society (EBCS). "Our seminars cover everything from clothing, route choice, riding style and lighting, to different options for the type of bike and accessories to use." Indications of increased winter riding
• Dress warmly by layering with waterproof, windproof and breathable clothing, including gloves, hat and goggles to protect your eyes. V
seem to be showing up everywhere throughout the city. "I know MEC sold out of their initial batch of studded tires in the very first weekend of snow, and other bike shops have seen similarly brisk sales," Chan adds. Keith Hallgren is a volunteer at EBCS, and describes himself as a utilitarian cyclist. "My bicycles serve to handle many of our everyday needs. We are a family of car-free cyclists," he explains. He's also the words behind the wonderful Raving Bike Fiend blog, where he's posted much of what he teaches at the winter cycling classes." An emerging trend in winter cycling is the increased presence of what has been branded Fat Bikes. Surly Bikes were the first to mass-produce this genre with its Pugsley frame and extrawide tires. There are definite advantages to riding this type of bike in winter. There's no real need for suspension as the tires give them so much compliance. Some are more than four inches wide, enabling riders to seemingly float across snow with the lower tire pressure requirement. This year has seen other manufacturers hitting the market with their own line of Fat Bikes, many with aluminum frames and carbon forks to reduce the weight. Ben Fedoruk, manager at Revolution Cycle, has been commuting for 25 years in all seasons and has a Fat Bike
VUEWEEKLY JAN 23 – JAN 29, 2014
designed for winter riding. "We are one of Edmonton's biggest Fat Bike dealers, and this year we introduced our own model, The Mayor, that we spearheaded with a vendor out of Toronto," he says. "This year we've noticed a huge increase in Fat Bike purchases, as these bikes make riding on the snow a lot easier than the standard bicycle profile," adds Mark Roebuck of Western Cycle. "I ride a fatty for fun on the single track and for bad snow days, a singlespeed 29er for cruising on the hard pack, and I've even studded the cargo bike," Markland says. Whichever type of bike you choose to ride, just make sure it's equipped to get you through the long winter riding season. Jung, who identifies himself as a stalwart cyclist who predominantly rides and races mountain bikes, has some advice for those willing to bundle up and ride. "From my experience winter riding in Edmonton, I've learned not to be arrogant about enforcing your rights as a cyclist by taking a lane on major roads as you are just going to put yourself in danger and anger motorists," he explains. "You may have to take detours, back alleys or ride on the sidewalk, but you are protecting yourself from danger and vitriol from motorists. This city also has a big grid system, so it's easy to find side roads." BRYEN DUNN
BRYEN@VUEWEEKLY.COM