Sudbury residents brave the cold for Winter Bike to Work Day

The frigid temperatures aren't stopping Sudbury residents like Julian Rickards from biking to work. 

Today marks International Winter Bike to Work Day, an annual event celebrating bicycle commuting in the winter. The initiative also serves as a friendly competition between cities around the world, with bike riders signing up online to show their commitment to take on the challenge. So far, over 9,000 bikers have said they would be taking part. 

For Rickards, the event gave him an excuse to get active despite the cold winter Sudbury's been experiencing this week.

As for his commute, he said preparing for it was no different than getting ready for a day of skiing. 

"I've skied closer to -30 temperatures. For the most part, it's similar gear," he said. 

"I wear a balaclava, snowboarding helmet, a ski jacket and ski pants. But, I did wear hiking gaiters at the bottom of my pants over my boots so that my pants didn't get caught in the chain."

However, riding to work had its challenges. Rickards, who works for the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines, says this winter has been difficult for biking as the city's been experiencing warm spells that results in a lot of slush on the ground. 

"There were some soft spots where my tires sank. I had to stop and get off and walk a few feet before I hopped back on," he said. "I really only ride on paths and sidewalks and plowing of those has been pretty bad."

But despite the snowy conditions, Rickards adds that he will try to ride to work again soon. 

"It really is a meditative activity for me. It was really nice to feel that again."