Winter cycling alternatives

While there are many who cycle all winter long in the snow, I learned last year that I’m not that hardcore (yet). A studded tire did make a big difference cycling on ice. However, I found it impossible to cycle through the snowdrifts that the plows pushed into the bike lanes. Plus, all the salt quickly rusted my gears. Only a few months after purchasing a used mountain bike to use for winter riding, I was back at the bike shop sheepishly asking for help with the rust locked gears. Thankfully, I’m still working from home and still walking distance to a grocery store.

Eating cookies while sitting inside all day is not helping my fitness level, though. Friends have invited me to Zwift rides. I’ve only tried riding a trainer once; and, it was incredibly boring. All that pedalling in place to go nowhere. The great enjoyment that I find in cycling is being outside and getting to go somewhere more quickly than public transit, usually someplace with food or an event.

This year, I’ve embraced a new winter activity to continue getting at least some exercise: ice skating. There are outdoor rinks around my neighborhood. However, none of them rent skates. The thrift store had a pair of hockey skates in my size. That investment has paid off, as I’ve been cycling at least six times already. And, some of those times have been with my summer cycling group. It’s a great way to meet up and enjoy some exercise, either on an indoor or outdoor rink. So far, we’ve met at Regent’s Park rink and the Maple Leaf Gardens rink.

We’re still cyclists at heart, watching the weather forecast, wishing for it to get above freezing to melt off the rest of the snow and ice. Here’s hoping for cycling next weekend!