Cougar Angie
Winter Riding
by Angie Ho


Dig out your lights and waterproof socks, Vancouver's winter is here!

 


We're finally kicking off a very late winter (no complaints here!) so I'm digging down to the bottom of my gear box to plug in my Night Sun head lamp, and pull out my SealSkinz waterproof socks. When I was working as a courier I tried a few pairs of the Goretex socks but found that they leaked, so I went for the less expensive SealSkinz. They last more than a season, and seem rider-friendly (not so fragile when pulling them on and off). Although the SealSkinz aren't totally waterproof after the first season or so, they are still WAY better than regular woolies alone! Just wear a thin pair of polypro or other sock underneath for comfort. (we will be testing some SealSkinz ourselves here at nsmb to see for ouselves - Ed.)

I'm not sure what the deal is with my $400 Night Sun light set, though. They never worked very well right from the start. On the plus side the battery pack is tiny (about the size of a cig. pack) and there is low, med, high setting but the charge doesn't last as long as it's supposed to.


Angie Ho ~ facing the elements. Photo ~ Mike Truelove
Our fall season was short but sweet. Every year I forget how much I really do like the fall weather. This is the time of year when I ride the most - I'm getting older you know and dealing with the summer heat isn't so enjoyable. The fall weather this year was dry and mild but we were still blessed with the reds, oranges and yellows of our maple trees. The smell of autumn forest is something I remember every year: so familiar when it's here, yet so far away in other months.

Ian Moult ~ enjoying the weather. Photo ~ Mike Moult

Now, with the leaves long gone and the rain turning the trails into one massive soggy cornflake bowl with puddles the size of small lakes, riding is enjoyable still so slap on yer lights, oil your chain, put on a wider, softer front tire and GET OUT ON THE TRAIL! Once you're in the forest you'll remember why you got out of bed in the first place!

Just another rider...
Angie

Angie is the brains and the brawn behind Corerat, a local manufacturer of burly clothing and armour for you and your bike. Corerat gear is produced right here in B.C. and can be ordered from Angie's Web site

Check out her stanchion protectors that we sell right here on nsmb.com.