Statesman

Issue date: 12/10/08 Section: Outdoors

Media Credit: Submitted photo / Jake Boyce Jake Boyce enjoying a cold bike ride.

As vehicles spin out and swim through snow-covered roads, Jake Boyce finds stability on two wheels. Most bikes hibernate through the icy months of winter under the dorm bed or in the back of the garage, but for Boyce, cycling is a year-round activity and should never be put to rest.

"It's a good way to break from my summer routine," Boyce said.

Jake Boyce is a recent graduate from St. Olaf University and works as a mechanic at the Duluth Ski Hut. To him, winter is go-time. He spends his summers on his road bike but when winter rolls around, he gets to break from the asphalt to hit the hard-packed trails. He usually bikes in the Hartley Nature area because of its high traffic of hikers. Highly frequented trails yield a harder snow-pack, and according to Boyce, that is key for traction when cycling in the winter.

"Winter cycling is nice because you can ride anywhere and everywhere," Boyce said.

Junior Seth Carslon shares this interest with Boyce.

"Duluth is a beautiful snow-covered town," Carslon said. "I love to rip around on the icy trails and roads on my bike."

Unlike summer, winter cycling calls for a few more layers of clothing. Shorts and a cut-off tee just won't suffice.

"Your toes and fingers get really cold," Carlson said with a confident grin, "but you feel tough because you are usually the only one out there biking."

Boyce parallels Carlson's thoughts on the biting winter weather.

"Wear booties," Boyce said. "Otherwise your feet will freeze and that is no fun."

To Boyce, cars are unnecessary and there is no reason for bikes to lose air in the tires and accumulate dust over winter. Boyce and Carlson both cycle in the winter not only for the enjoyment, but also to stay in shape. Since winter tends to confine students to their dorms and apartments, winter cycling can provide an exciting way to work out. Boyce prefers to ride at night, where he seeks solitude on the trails.

"Riding at night is the most exciting because the trails are yours and yours alone," Boyce said.

So as winter pushes its way across the north and car batteries struggle to kick engines into gear, Boyce and Carlson will be grinning ear-to-ear as their treads roll over sheets of snow, kicking up snowballs in their wake.

"Winter," Boyce said, "is play time!"

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