Yes, Saultites…even we can keep cycling all winter long. Winter cycling is a great way to reduce fossil fuel use and your carbon footprint and to stay fit. And it’s not as difficult as you might think. To help you get started, we spoke with staff members of the Algoma Bicycle Company here in Sault Ste. Marie about tips and advice on how to cycle safely in snow:
- Consider getting a bike just for winter riding — typically a fat bike — as the conditions cause components to wear out much faster
- Be sure to wipe your bike clean of snow and salt and lube your chain often to prevent it from rusting
- Equip your bike with fenders to stop snow from flying up off of your tires
- Get a good bike light and use it
- Add winter-specific brake pads
- For better traction, install heavier treaded or studded tires
All accessories recommended are available locally at bicycle shops and outdoorsy stores.
It is just as important to dress for the occasion. Wear:
- Bright reflective clothing
- Warm inner layers and a waterproof outer layer (snow/rain pants)
- Warm winter cycling gloves and boots
- A winter-specific helmet with integrated insulation or a form-fitting hat that fits under your all-season helmet
Now that your bicycle and you are equipped for winter riding, let us look at where to ride around Sault Ste. Marie. You can ride on city streets, but just be mindful that falling snow and tall snow banks can make it harder for drivers to see you. Some safety tips:
- Again, install and use a bike light and wear reflective clothing
- Practice riding, breaking, and turning in the snow in a parking lot or side street before you ride on a busy street
- Choose routes that minimize time on main roads
If you want to ride for fun, the Sault Country Club, Crimson Ridge and Hiawatha Highlands all offer multi-purpose trails that people can fat-bike on during the winter. The Hub Trail is also a great place to ride as the snow remains packed down pretty well from daily use and creates a different experience than the rest of the year. Hiawatha Highlands and Crimson Ridge will be grooming fat-bike trails this winter, which will be accessible to members with a season pass or those who purchase a fat-bike/day pass. The Sault Country Club trails are free for use, if you enjoy the trails then a donation is helpful to maintain them.
Whether you will be riding around the city or on trails:
- Make sure that your bicycle and your person are ready to handle the conditions as winter riding is more slippery and dangerous
- Visit a local bike shop to learn more about how to get winter ready
- Consider putting winter cycling gear on your holiday gift wish list
And if you do take up winter cycling, pat yourself on the back for helping to reduce greenhouses gases emissions!
Our thanks to Clean North volunteers Brett Macchio and Emma Pearson, who contributed to this post.
