Way back in November 2014, on a balmy sunshiny afternoon before a single snowflake fell, Grease Rag hosted their 6th Annual Winter Skill Share at the beautiful Upper Blake School.
We heard the experiences of winter biking from different WTF perspectives, sharing excitement and confidence with riders, gearing up to get us out during Minnesota’s toughest season. Along with several hours of winter know-how, we also shared snacks, hot tips, prizes, and even hosted a clothing/gear swap.
In the sessions, we highlighted four important aspects of winter cycling:
“Bike Setups and Options” with Janni
“Safety, Handling, and Routing” with Kat
“Clothing” with Casey and Christina
“Maintenance and Cleaning” with Angie
After the sessions, presenters gathered together to answer questions from the audience. An active back-and-forth between the expert audience and expert panelists exposed a range of experiences, interesting perspectives, and creative solutions to some of winter’s common challenges.
Finally, we wrapped the Winter Skill Share up by collecting feedback (intel for future events). Filling out the short questionnaire was a participant’s ticket into the gear swap. Newbies lined up first, those who were about to tackle their first winter of cycling, followed by everyone else who filled out the feedback form. Everything from gently worn snow pants, to hair ties. Something for everyone.
This event, in it’s 6th year, is more than just winter cycling skills and a technical approach to maneuvering and surviving a rough cycling season. It is SO MUCH SHARING of homegrown experiences and wisdom from WTF riders who have mastered their layering, routing, handling, maintaining, and choices for getting out in the winter. We are out there every day… high fives!