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christopheru | all galleries >> Cycling >> a blog about my bicycles > What we have here is a problem
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What we have here is a problem
06-FEB-2012 Chris Underwood

What we have here is a problem

Cambridge, Ontario

Fortunately, not mine today. I saw it as I rode into work today (vs into the tree) and was able to dismount and duck under it. Light for the win! This is a problem with unmaintained trails in the winter. The city (?) or conservation area (?) does not do anything with this bit of trail in the winter. EDIT: I do not want to give the impression that they totally ignore it - it is not however maintained in the same way during winter months that it is during summer. What exactly that means I have no idea:) Anyway... It connects Cambridge to Kitchener and does not get used as much during the cold months and so does not get maintained. Makes sense on one level I suppose. Of course, I would argue that it does not get used by people as much in the winter because it is not maintained. I know that I would ride it every day to work should this piece and more importantly the piece right before it which is deliberately plowed shut were properly maintained. I am pretty sure I am not the only one who would do this...
Oh, I did discover something wonderful. If I get up really early, I can make it to work on the bike without over heating in plenty of time. It is 31km each way, which is a beast of a ride on the inner city commuter when it is loaded (heavilly) and wearing its studded tires. Riding in my Bogs does not help (glorified insulated rubber boots). I won't be riding in everyday - only on those days when I am only at the one job location. Should I end up staying at my current location for a while, my cyclocross bike will be pressed into long term commuter duty, and I will buy another cyclocross bike to replace it. Likely, it would be a 2013 Kona Jake the Snake (it will be a while before this all comes to pass you see, if it indeed does.)

FujiFilm X10
1/280s f/4.5 at 9.3mm iso200 full exif

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Karen Stuebing PM reply 08-Feb-2012 22:45
Yes, that is a shame no one removed the road block. All it would take is 5 minutes with a chain saw. Beautiful photo though with the bike and trees and the one lying across the path.
fotabug PM reply 07-Feb-2012 23:34
Yes, wouldn't be so good to run into that in the dark!
Jim & Josefina PM reply 07-Feb-2012 17:35
How do you keep the mud from flying off the tires onto your clothing?
mananee PM reply 07-Feb-2012 04:31
OK, now I know that 31 km is just over 19 miles (for us US persons). That is a a good distance and how hazardous for you if you were dreaming and zoomed into this with no one appearing for hours. Telling image and with your commentary it becomes more meaningful.
Arnie Peterschmidt PM reply 07-Feb-2012 04:24
This photo tells a story no doubt about it. Good thing the path is straight, a problem like this could be a real headache on a curve or in the dark.
larose forest photos PM reply 07-Feb-2012 03:52
Really interesting commentary, and a super picture in many ways. I am impressed that you ride such a distance to work, by the way. Wow! And I am amazed to see that you have no snow. We were walking on a rail/trail yesterday and sinking halfway up our calves when we stepped off the narrow packed bit in the centre. V