Cycling in the winter can be tricky, but as riders learned at a recent workshop, it’s not impossible.
The North Okanagan Coalition for Active Transportation hosted a Ride Through Winter workshop at Vernon’s Okanagan Regional Library Saturday.
About 25 people attended the workshop that consisted of four presentations on different aspects of winter bicycling, followed by a Q&A session and draws for prizes donated by local businesses.
Laura Medcalf, local cycling and triathlon coach, discussed the importance of visibility, including the importance of having daytime running lights on your bike and how to effectively use fluorescent and reflective gear.
She also presented on winter fitness for cyclists.
John Szeliga, a professional bicycle mechanic at Sun Country Cycle, discussed equipment, apparel, and winter bike maintenance.
Also, Bruce Mol, NOCAT member, gave a presentation on winter cycling route selection.
NOCAT thanks Sun Country Cycle and Okanagan Regional Library for sponsoring the event, and the Starting Block, Ratio Coffee and Pastry, the Downtown Vernon Association, True Outdoors, Nature’s Fare Markets, and Sun Country Cycle for donating draw prizes.
The goal of the North Okanagan Coalition for Active Transportation is to see more people walking and riding bicycles more often by encouraging citizens to support infrastructure development that will enhance safe and active transportation and connect to the upcoming Okanagan Rail Trail.
For more information about NOCAT, go to nocat.weebly.com or search for NOCAT on Facebook.