Winter in Muskoka does not provide good riding weather. I know that in many other places in the country there are brave souls who ride all winter but that is not here. It is not so much about the cold weather but more about the conditions of the roads.
When it does snow, the sanders and salters come out. An enormous amount of grit is dumped on the roads to melt the ice and to allow traction. Nothing can ruin a bike quicker than salt and sand.
So we spend our winters in our dark basements on our trainers dreaming of dry asphalt. We also spend a whole lot of time cross country skiing which is pretty good cross training.
But spring is now here! Even though I still have snow in the front yard, the roads are finally drying out. One good rain will wash the salt and sand away and it is riding season again! By mid April, all things considered, we will be back in full riding season.
So now is the time of year to do some planning. Time to pull out the maps, check you camping equipment list and check out your bike and touring equipment. Is it the year to try a long touring trip or perhaps a long weekend trip instead? Are you able to just leave from you home and plan a looped trip? Or is a trip to a bike destination in the plans? My plans are not all together yet but I will be updating my site and blog at www.davidraithby.com.
There is an interesting way to get out biking being offered in Ontario. It may also be available in other parts of the country. It is called the Bike Train. On schedule days, you can hop on a train with your bike in Toronto and spend a few days touring around another region of the Province. The Bike Train has partnered with other tourism venture and accommodation so it is easy to plan your trip to your needs or to pick a planned trip. What a great way to explore the region next door! Some packages include supported trips complete with guides and transportation of your gear from hotel to hotel. This summer there will be bike trains for Niagara Region, North Bay, South West Ontario and a Toronto/Montreal trip. Plans are in development for an eastern Ontario trip as well as one in Muskoka Region. Visit www.biketrain.ca for more information.
Tags: Axiom, Bike Train, Cycling, Riding, Spring Riding, Touring Ontario, Winter Riding