Gray has long been a biker, and has rode in Boissevain during the winter for years. All he had at first was a manual bike, but he moved into using a powered fat bike, known as an e-bike. A fat bike is basically one with wider tires, Gray said they usually start at three inches, while his is 4.6 inches, which can ride over snow easily. The e-bike has an electric motor. His does not have a throttle, but three different levels of power. You can turn it down or up depending on how much exercise you want to get, or how fast you want to go.
“You still pedal, and you can still get exercise. I use the assist all the time, just different levels. You can change it if the hill is steep.”
He has had this bike for about a year, getting it used from Calgary. He said he had to switch over to an e-bike to ride out in BC when he visited his daughter.
“I go out when I want to,” Gray said. “It’s not like a regime. I go out when I feel like it or someone calls me to go out. Steve and I go out biking a lot together.”
Cann said he started out cross-country skiing, which he still does. In fact, when he moved to Boissevain about two decades ago, an important part was being as close to the TMPP as he was. He said he has had a fat bike for two years now.
“Fat biking is a great sport,” Cann explained. “It’s a great way to stay in shape and a way to enjoy the winter. The last couple of weeks have been better for biking, as the snow is getting packed in now.”
Unlike Gray and some of the others he bikes with, Cann only has a manual bike. It means a little more work and the others might go a little faster, but he says it is still great to get exercise out in nature either way. He added the e-bikes have been a game changer in making the sport more popular.
Both said the activities in the park have been a Godsend since the COVID pandemic. Cann said it has been one of the only places people have been able to go to stay active.
“There has been a noticeable uptick in people in the park. More people are skiing and biking. The more people out there the better. It has really been noticeable the last two years. You are seeing some new people out there.”
“It has been great during COVID,” Gray added. “It’s a place where you don’t have to wear a mask and can get some fresh air and exercise.”
Cann added they have seen a lot of people using the other spots like the outdoor rink. There are warming huts along the route and the new adventure huts run by Casey and Christina Guenther are open this winter as well.
Pauline Nadlersmith, who lives in the Turtle Mountains has been a committed skier from a skiing family. She is also heavily involved in the skiing club, Turtle Mountain Nordic, which has been introducing people young and old to cross country skiing in the park. The seasonal change this year has been noticed.
“There’s tons of snow this year,” Nadlersmith said. “People come from all over to ski on our trails.”
She added there is new signage in the park this year advising walkers to stay at the side of the trails as their footprints can cause hazards for skiers. They are also working on getting some equipment to groom trails in the International Peace Garden as well.
The jackrabbit program for young skiers has been well attended Nadlersmith added. At the end of the month, they will hold their Fiesty Rooster ski and fat bike race, which ties the two TMPP activities together.
“We are hoping for a good turnout from all over the province. The trails draw a lot of people to the area.”
It has been quite cold at times this year. Gray and Cann said you do have to dress for it, and like everything else it depends on the wind. If it is calm in the park, the sun is shining and it is not too cold, it can be a very pleasant time.
Both spend a fair bit of time fat biking, sometimes with others who are skiing with them. They plan to continue into future winters, inspiring each other. Like Nadlersmith, they give a lot of credit to those who keep everything in shape for everyone to enjoy.
“You have to give a shout out to the parks guys,” Cann stated. “The tracks are groomed like any high end trail. This park is the envy of others. It is really high class.”
“The parks guys do an excelled job out there,” Gray continued. “It is just beautiful. I still think it’s underused.”

by PAUL RAYNER Recorder staff