It seemed like only yesterday when the snow covered the ground. My studded tires tearing over ice, the wind chill numbing any exposed skin. In fact it’s been at least one week since it snowed, right?
Well we are mostly through May, and yes it has been a slow start to spring and summer this year. That has only meant more winter cycling this year! On the bright side I’ve had lots of time to work out my spring gear. The only problem is, that I’m afraid to let go of the winter cloths. I think i may have been traumatized by riding all winter…. I feel the need to always pack a toque (snow cap for you Americans) or extra socks, gloves, balaclava, lock de-icer. Even on the warmer days of 10 degrees Celsius I still find myself wearing tights under shorts when I know I’ll be sweating it after the first kilometer of my commute.
Is it possible that I miss winter riding?
I can tell you I don’t miss the frozen hands and toes, or doing numerous hike-a-bikes on my daily commute through deep snow. The frozen shed lock is no more, and the handlebars are now warm to the touch.
Despite the arctic conditions I do miss the winter riding. The entire city’s landscape seems to change daily in January. The snow blowing and drifting, accumulating into new terrain and obstacles to conquer, almost as if a new course had been laid out overnight.
The Seine is a small river that meanders through Winnipeg. I quite enjoyed kayaking the route in the spring so I wanted to see what it was like in the winter. Being completely sheltered from the wind, the river had frozen solid with a surface so smooth you could mistake it for a hockey rink. Two inches of snow provided decent traction and silenced my studded tires. It’s a very uncanny experience cruising in top gear through this winter wonderland. There are no sounds to be heard , no birds, cars, sirens, just the wind and the sound of your heart pumping in your temples.
Here’s a few pictures for those out there still missing winter…
Lots of different foot prints on the ice. But from who?
Lots of different foot prints on the ice. But from who?
Cat or Otter?
So this is where the foot prints lead.
A monster oak tree on the river’s edge.