Contrary to popular belief, winter biking is not just for maniacs, nor particularly more difficult than two-wheeling in summer, proponents say.
Test the theory next Friday and you might even end up a little richer for the experience. The money kind of richer. Not the learning-something-about-yourself-and-becoming-a-better-person kind.
On Feb. 15, Thompson will be one of two cities in Manitoba and several across North America participating in Winter Bike to Work Day, says local organizer Bruce Krentz, who took up the winter biking habit a couple of years ago and hasn't looked back.
"It's a possibility," says Krentz. "People do it."
Those who do it next Friday will be entered for a draw to win a $50 gift certificate from Doug's Source for Sports. All you have to do is ride your bike to work and send a picture to Krentz by text at 204-307-6099 or by e-mail at bkrentz@brha.mb.ca. Alternatively, you could stop by Doug's Source for Sports and tell them you rode to work, or call 204-677-1742 and leave a message.
Even if you don't win the money, says Krentz, a health promotion co-ordinator with the Northern Regional Health Authority, some good will still come out of your effort.
"It's good for the environment, good for you," he says, and it will help take away the stigma of winter biking, proving once and for all that you don't have to be crazy to do it.
Krentz admits the chances of a really warm day for the Thompson event are particularly slim, but touts the many advantages that make it easier to take up winter biking in Thompson than in a larger city.
"We're a very walkable, cyclable community," he says, with any given point in the city likely no more than 15 minutes from any other. "It's very easy riding."
What's more, though you might not believe it unless you try it, Krentz says once you drop below freezing, the number of degree you fall is not really an issue.
"The difference between -20 and -40 isn't that big a deal," he says. "Pedalling through a foot of snow is way worse than pedaling through -35. It really isn't that slippery. It's worse around zero degrees."
Any Thompsonite who isn't a shut-in knows how to dress for the cold, no matter whether they're walking or taking their car, and there's nothing special needed to bike comfortably in winter weather, just a good windbreaker and some warm layers underneath. It's easier, in fact, than dressing to bike in the rain, Krentz says.
As for the bike, just make sure there's air in the tires and you're good to go.
"You don't need to do anything special for your bike other than dig it out and go," he says.
Several people have already indicated they'll take part in the challenge, including some members of the staff at Juniper Elementary School and some employees of Manitoba Conservation.
Krentz said he's hopeful that 20 people will be up for a winter bike ride, but whether it's more or less, at least it will be a beginning.
"Hopefully we get at least three cyclers," he said. "Ideally, 100 would be great. If there's enough people, you'll feel safe and won't feel weird."
You also be more than prepared for later this year, when Krentz hopes to have another bike to work challenge, most likely in the summer.
For more information on the event and helpful advice for winter biking, go to www.winterbiketoworkday.org.
