Author Topic: Logistics of Biking to the Ice Rink with Hockey Gear  (Read 4626 times)

NinetyFour

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Logistics of Biking to the Ice Rink with Hockey Gear
« on: August 23, 2013, 07:27:31 AM »
I have not done any clown car driving since the end of May, and would like to continue that trend.  I have commuted to work for the last 15 years by bike/foot.  However, I have driven to the ice rink (1.5 miles one way--mostly flat) to play hockey, often at 6am in pretty chilly weather.  Now that I am more mustachian, I would like to challenge myself to go to and from the rink on my bike. 

As some of you might know, playing ice hockey requires lots of gear.  My bag of stuff measures about 42 inches (length) by 22 inches (width) by 14 inches (height).  I have considered buying a different bag that can be worn as a (large!) backpack, but I think wearing that while biking on potentially icy/snowy roads could be dangerous.  So perhaps I should get some kind of trailer for my bike, and perhaps those crazy looking studded tires for the bike.  Any ideas?  Many thanks.

Spudd

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Re: Logistics of Biking to the Ice Rink with Hockey Gear
« Reply #1 on: August 23, 2013, 08:01:10 AM »
I got studded tires for my winter bike last year, and I think they are worth it. I slipped and fell a couple of times before I got them, no times since getting them.

I also think a trailer would be worthwhile to carry such a huge bag. We got a kiddie trailer for $100 during the end-of-season sales last year and it's been fabulous. We can carry all sorts of crap now. :)

marblejane

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Re: Logistics of Biking to the Ice Rink with Hockey Gear
« Reply #2 on: August 23, 2013, 08:18:53 AM »
I have a medium Solvit Houndabout bike trailer for my dog, which I also use for groceries. My trailer has a zippered opening in the back for the dog to jump in and out. The cabin length is 26" (you could get a Large trailer, which would be 33" long) and with the zippered opening in the back, the sticks could hang out the rear a few inches. It's pretty easy to take the trailer on and off the bike. If it's just used for the hockey bag, I think it would be pretty straightforward to modify most trailers into a flatbed.

MrsPete

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Re: Logistics of Biking to the Ice Rink with Hockey Gear
« Reply #3 on: August 24, 2013, 09:09:30 PM »
Do you have the option to leave your gear at the rink (except when you need to bring it home to wash it)? 

drg

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Re: Logistics of Biking to the Ice Rink with Hockey Gear
« Reply #4 on: August 25, 2013, 05:24:35 AM »
Do you have a rear rack and panniers?  My thought would be two big panniers for skates, shin guards, elbow pads, gloves, socks etc., then lash your stick perpendicular to your bike, across the top of the two panniers.  Try to fill the two bags so they weigh about the same for better balance.  If your shoulder pads won't fit in the pannier, could you consider wearing them on the cycle there?  It's only 1.5 mi.

I have ones similar to these (60L ones), and I can fit a full set of winter horseback riding gear (boots, helmet, gloves, jacket...) and soccer gear (cleats, shinpads, socks, shorts...) at the same time:
http://www.axiomgear.com/products/gear/bags/journey-series/champlain-dlx/
« Last Edit: August 25, 2013, 05:29:01 AM by drg »