Winter Cycling: So Much for Skis

Old house, Drumhead

There is no snow. I doubt many people are complaining. For once I am not going to adopt a dissident view. I’m sure lots of people want to get their snowmobiles fired up but I’m equally sure the majority of people would be happy with a continuation of the mild winter we’ve experienced so far. Lower heating bills make people happy. Less shoveling and plowing means less aggravation and less expense. Safer driving conditions are always welcome.

I had hoped, however, that by this time of year it would be possible to begin skiing and snowshoeing. These activities will permit me to write on new topics as well as access places not easily reached in any other season. Snow will permit me to photograph familiar places that have been transformed with a completely different look.

Goldboro

The basic concern for anyone doing anything in winter is remaining warm. Cycling in winter can be a very pleasant activity as long as you’re warm. Obviously there are things to avoid. Strong wind and slippery roads are the two factors I avoid completely. Low temperatures aren’t such a problem as long as there is no wind though I tend not to venture far from home. If I do lose sensation in my feet or hands I can bail out before I get into trouble.

Isaac's Harbour

Yesterday I decided I would try cycling in the Goldboro area. It’s been in the back of my mind to do this since the summer. I began by parking at the church in Seal Harbour. From there I passed through Drumhead and very soon after reached Goldboro. I maintained a steady pace and kept going through Isaac’s Harbour until I reached the end of the pavement. I then retraced my route and returned to the car (route map).

Isaac's Harbour

I had almost perfect weather, virtually no wind with the air temperature right around freezing. The forecast indicated rain for the afternoon but the sun actually popped out instead.

Isaac's Harbour

I enjoyed the afternoon and would certainly recommend this route for other cyclists. The pavement varies from poor to excellent. There are several spots with gashes in the asphalt near the shoulder where a cyclist is most likely to be. To void them it is necessary to veer further onto the road. It’s not a major concern due to low traffic volume but still, something to be aware of. There were some jarring bumps but not so many that I began to deeply resent them. There are a few dips that don’t really qualify as hills between Drumhead and Goldboro with the vast majority of this area being flat.

Isaac's Harbour

Isaac's Harbour

In Goldboro and Isaac’s Harbour you seldom lose sight of the water. The scenic appeal is very high, there is almost always something to look at. In Drumhead the elevation permits a more panoramic view of the ocean and islands. Both Drumhead and Seal Harbour provide direct access to the shoreline.

Isaac's Harbour

Isaac's Harbour

Goldboro

I will definitely return to cycle in this area at other times of the year. 31 kilometers is a very comfortable distance, made all the more appealing by the absence of hills. Next time, if I’m feeling more ambitious, I’ll continue on to Stormont and Country Harbour Mines.