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Archive for category Cycling Journal
I went to the Lake Of the Woods for the weekend. The loggers and cottage community out there operate an ice road for the purpose of vacationing and hauling logs out of the forest. It’s just so much easier to move appliances out of the back of a truck, rather than out of a rocking boat. Many loads of lumber could be seen out on the shores earmarked for various construction projects like docks and cottages.
It only made sense to go for a rip on the ice road!
Others had the same idea, only they were fishing for delicious walleye pike. You can see the ice through a this layer of snow in this picture, but the road conditions did vary quite a bit. In some places it was bare ice, swept clear of snow. You could see that the ice was at least 2 feet thick by the cracks and fissures visible in the crystal clear ice. In other places snow drifts would move across the road, and despite the -25C temps, melt water would creep from the edges of the road. this is so counter intuitive,.
Beautiful vistas frozen right into he landscape. I’ve canoed past this island so many times in the summer, but it evokes a totally different sentiment in February.
The drivers were all very courteous, or was it curious as we passed.
Sometimes the road has to portage over an island. The planning process for the ice road must be very complicated, as it seems to change routes every year.
Stunning cottages are completely visible now without the deciduous leaves.
Firewood ?
Totally the wrong bike for this kind of expedition. The tires were not studded and the Tioga DH were really squirmy and meant only for gravity racing, but I could not resist the urge to pedal out on the ice road. The full suspension only made staying upright more challenging. Next time, I’ll bring the Norco Charger decked with studs.
Interesting article in the Winnipeg Free Press today. Here’s the link
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/bike-group-peddles-one-metre-rule-for-provinces-roads-115857489.html
As is typical, the comments were far more interesting, nay informative and eye opening than the actual piece. Thank you for hosting this conversation Winnipeg Free Press. Care to comment?
Really Cold Commuting
Feb 3
Winter cycling poses a number of challenges and conundrums. Like in this photo we pose the question.
Would you rather ride up or down a skating rink?
Can’t go back the other way…
At -30 Celsius and with 30- 50 km per hour winds, nothing lives or moves but the wind and snow. When it’s this cold, there is no humidity All moisture just falls to the ground. Deafening silence from what is normally a noisy summer time destination.
Truly an eerie experience. Night falls at 4:30 here and the chances are you begin your commute to work in total darkness, and return in total darkness. Things brighten up around 8 am.
The question is, what time day where these pictures taken at?
Taking refuge in the Tyndall stone monument at the Forks to make an adjustment.
A really nice mural has been painted on the counter weight of this antique bridge. With all the bright lights it almost feels like the sun is shining down on you. A much welcomed though in January.
The skating rink at the Forks loops around the grounds for miles. I ride through frequently,and they do a great job of keeping the routes plowed for pedestrian traffic.
In some parts of town, the conditions are getting ridiculous already. Totally fun, but ridiculous. There’s a side walk in under there, I think?
I’ve had these pics on the camera for a while. I rarely carry the camera with me anymore. Just trying to keep the bulk in my luggage down. I need a good smartphone…
Tell me again, what’s the fastest growing winter sport?
Have you got some winter bike riding pictures you would like to share? Drop me a line Here.
Some nights are just too nice to park the bike.After the commute I took the Norco out for a ride because the conditions where just too good to pass up.
Flotation.
Beautiful powder. Look at that fluffy rail.
What’s the fastest growing winter sport today?