Winter bike riding with studded tires is a safe and rewarding activity, though it does require some specific considerations beyond summer riding. When making a turn with studded tires on ice it's important to not lean too far as the tires will slip out if there are not enough studs contacting the surface to keep traction. Instead in winter it's best to slow down and keep the bike as close to upright as possible while initiating turn. Studded tires offer excellent traction on snowy and most icy surfaces, although traction will vary depending on how slick the surface is, always be aware of changes to the surface as you are riding. Even with studded tires it's easier to lock up tires when braking on a slick surface , never grab brakes too hard or suddenly as it could cause you to lose control.  Additionally riding in winter with the cold temperatures you will have to wear warmer clothing, including a good pair of winter gloves. Using gloves with the shift and brake controls on a bike can make it harder to grab brakes and shift levers, although with a little practice it will start to come naturally. Mittens are not recommended for winter riding as they make it harder to keep a firm grip on handlebars when reaching for brake levers.

If your interested in trying out winter riding check out the studded tire rental bikes available in Cordova, Alaska.
cordovagear.com/bike-rental-cordova-alaska.html

photo courtesy of Darcy Saiget

The Holiday Light Ride is very fun way to celebrate the holiday lights and festive atmosphere in Cordova during December.  Ann Solberg and Darcy Saigat had an idea for a Holiday Lights Bike Ride and now for 3 years in a row the ride has been a great success. 

This year the ride was on December 18th at 4pm just as the natural light was getting dim enough to make the holiday lights begin to really show off their colors.  This ride is an easy fun family bike ride, everyone and anyone can join the fun.  The meeting place is at Hollis Hendricks Park by the Cordova Community Medical Center.  While the group is arriving it is fun to watch the bikes arrive all dressed up in holiday lights.  While riding to the meet the group at Hollis Hendricks Park, riders with bikes dressed up in holiday lights hear fun and cheery comments from surprised people on the street, especially when passing the Alaskan!

The first part of the ride always begins by parading in front of the Cordova Medical Center lobby windows where the long term care residents are excitedly watching from inside.  Lots of waving and smiles with wishes of  "Merry Christmas" and "HO, HO, HO" make the parade fun for the folks inside a creates a very cheery atmosphere! 

The riders then continued down Chase Avenue and this year were surprised to see a huge star lit up hanging from a crane at the Wilson Construction Company,   There are many stops to admire the lights and wish pedestrians and people who happen to see the riders "Happy Holidays".  People in Cordova have the Christmas spirit and go all out to light up their homes and create a very festive environment during the darkest days of  winter.  Eventually after weaving around side streets all around the main part of Cordova the group met at the Cordova Center where Mimi very graciously opened the building (on her day off) for a nice cup of cocoa, a warm up and some fun conversation. 

If this sounds like a fun way to celebrate, be sure to join us next year for this fun annual Holiday Lights Ride.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

photo courtesy Natasha Casciano

It's always exciting to watch the waterways freeze over and anticipate sliding around on their surface. In Cordova's mild winter climate there is commonly a repetition of freezing with thawing events in between. Ice conditions can change drastically from day to day, and even at different times over the course of the same day. Before venturing out onto the ice for adventures, play or necessity, it is important to accurately assess the current conditions to make sure safety is the highest priority. Minimum ice thickness levels required to safely support people is set at 4" advised by the Alaska Departments of Fish and Game and Natural Resources. Their graph can be referenced below for various activities.  Ice thickness can be determined by chopping through the ice with an ice axe, chisel, auger or cordless drill and checking the hole with a tape measure.
   It is important to check the ice repeatedly as traveling to different areas as ice thickness can vary, even over the same body of water. Activity below the surface such as river and stream outlets, currents, gas bubbles, heated water and pressure ridges can cause areas of thin ice or even pockets of fully open water surrounded by otherwise supportive ice. Being prepared for possible submersion in worst case scenarios is also a smart plan. Items such as life jackets, rope, ice picks, helmets, whistles, cell phones and extra warm clothing are good to have on hand. Ice screws can be used to anchor ropes out on the flat ice surface when there is nothing else available to tie ropes off to. The direction from which you approached the broken ice is usually the most supportive direction to attempt climbing back out on. Making sure to tell others of your plans and location when venturing outdoors, staying alert and carrying safety gear is the best way to have a fun and successful day on the ice!