I fell in love with photography from a young age. I used to carry a film camera with me everywhere, even on my bike.
These days I always carry a camera with me when cycling and try to take at least a photo a day. I love sharing with other cyclists, local and elsewhere, in the world.
I can’t get enough of taking photos of our local mountains, nearby stretches of road, and especially areas such as Finn Slough.
I know a lot of people put their bikes away for six months, usually in October because it gets cold and wet.
I understand that, but so far, this December has been fantastic, and I love taking photos in the fog, which we’ve had plenty of lately.
A side effect of this is that the air is cold, damp and the roads are always wet, which again will turn off many people from cycling.
But the scenery along our rivers is fantastic. If you’re a person who has put your bike away for the winter, or you know someone who has, let me ask you this: Will you be going up to any ski mountains this year? Spending a day out in sub-zero weather, in the snow and ice and having fun? Many people I know will be. Yet, they say it’s too cold and wet to ride their bike.
The difference is simply what you wear. People who ski or snowshoe dress for the cold. Fleece jackets, proper gloves, snow pants, goggles and boots.
Likewise, these days when cycling I’m wearing fleece-lined wind and water resistant cycling tights and gloves, a thinly fleeced shirt and jacket, glasses, shoe covers and a small cap under my helmet.
You can still go out and enjoy a sunny day this winter on your bike if you just dress appropriately. I encourage you to think about going for a nice ride along the river this winter, even if it’s cold, or even if the roads are wet. Just make sure the temperature has been above freezing so there won’t be any ice.
So why not just take a few minutes to dress appropriately, grab your bike, walk out your door and start riding.
Get some fenders for your bike, make sure you have your lights and take a camera and go explore outer Richmond and have fun.
Stop in at a local restaurant or cafe and warm up before heading out for more.
Geordie McGillivray is an avid Richmond cyclist. His column appears regularly in the Richmond News.
