by Jim Davies
Edmonton Journal, January 13, 1999
Cyclists who pedal their way around the icy, snow-covered Edmonton streets insist they're having a wheely good time.
Whether they're pedalling for pleasure or biking for bucks as a downtown courier, several intrepid cyclists interviewed Tuesday said they have no qualms about tackling traffic in our wicked winter weather.
"I have a blast riding my mountain bike in the winter," said Jim Garrick, 27, an ice maintenance worker at Kinsmen Arena in south Edmonton and part-time student at the University of Alberta.
"I'm doing this to stay in shape for mountain biking in the summer," said Garrick, who's been cycling regularly in the cold and snow.
"When the snow is packed down, it's no problem," he says. But when it's fresh snow, it's more difficult getting around.
"Your biggest worry is falling under a car or a bus. I've fallen down a few times, but I haven't had any close calls. And if you're dressed for it, you don't get cold.
"You generate so much body heat, you have to unzip your jacket. The only thing that gets cold is my toes. I know I'm warmer than pedestrians.
"I think people in cars find it a mystery why someone would be riding a bike in this weather. But I enjoy it."
Garrick's cycling buddy, Karl MacPhee, who also works at the Kinsmen Arena, knows some people can't understand why others would cycle in the winter.
"I like riding in the snow, even though you can't go fast when it's fresh. The other night, it snowed all the way home from the university to Castle Downs. I enjoyed it. It was just like Christmas."
Couriers who cycle for a paycheque aren't complaining about the snow and cold -- although they admit being bothered by some city motorists.
Gerry Johnston, 32, of Dominion Messenger, says, "It's a nice way to make a living. I like it. You're outside all day and, even with the weather we've been getting, it's not that bad.
"When the snow is fresh, it's a real workout -- like riding uphill all the time.
"I slid into a car the other day. That knocked me on my butt. But I wasn't hurt. I get cut off by cars all the time, but I think people are more cautious in the winter, so they're watching out for you more than they do in the summer."
Nick Stauffer, 36, of ACS Express, is philosophical about winter.
"It's just like summer, only colder," he says. And with all the snow on the ground, it's a little less painful when you fall.
"It's fun riding in winter. When it snows, the terrain keeps changing. Ice is a problem. Two wheels and ice don't mix.
"Most motorists -- probably 95 per cent of them -- give us the leeway we need. Rarely do I get honked at or sworn at, but there are always some people in cars who are upset that you're on a bike on their street."
Lorien Partridge, 24, of Scamper Delivery Service, says this winter's snowfall is the worst he's had to bike in during the past three years.
"It's been crazy because of the snow. It's like riding a bike on the beach. I had my first crash today (Tuesday), slipping on some black ice.
"But even with the snow, I move faster than the traffic. I brake faster than cars and I can turn harder than cars in this slippery stuff.
"There are some people who don't realize we have the same right to the road as cars."
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