Hi, my name is Katherine and I am a cycling addict. I bike to school/work every day of the week, rain or shine, though I much prefer the shine. During the summer, I could proudly wear my tight biking shorts, biking shirt and red helmet and zoom through the Gatineau Park like a pro.
Now that the temperature ranges between -2 and -10 (at 7 am and 6 pm), those shorts have joined my bikini and sun hat and out came the long johns and gloves. As much as I felt somewhat attractive this summer, now I feel like a duly padded snow(wo)man: I wear a breathable jacket with long johns, uber warm gloves, a wool scarf and a pink tuque. I could deal with the whole thing until I had to add a tuque under my helmet. I’m toasty warm going down les Allumettières, but I sure hope I don’t meet anyone I know.
By the time I reach campus (12 km later), I have a runny nose, a frozen tushy (and yet sweaty armpits) and only a secure bike storage standing between my hot coffee and I. But this is only the beginning of a thread of cold bike rides, though I’m debating putting my bike through slush and salt, I’d feel bad for it. I would love to be able to bike year-round as it is my downtime, work out and transportation all combined into one awesome sport! Ah, dear bicycle, I shall miss thee!
By the time I reach campus (12 km later), I have a runny nose, a frozen tushy (and yet sweaty armpits) and only a secure bike storage standing between my hot coffee and I. But this is only the beginning of a thread of cold bike rides, though I’m debating putting my bike through slush and salt, I’d feel bad for it. I would love to be able to bike year-round as it is my downtime, work out and transportation all combined into one awesome sport! Ah, dear bicycle, I shall miss thee!
-kath