March's Sister Cyclist is Katherine Glowacz. Her work brought her to Calgary to work for the city as a Bicycle Education Coordinator. Since her arrival in Calgary, she has been an integral part of making cycling better in this wonderful city, and she also cycles through the winter!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in southern Ontario in St. Catharines, but I have lived in Hamilton, Toronto, and Kitchener. I moved to Calgary a year ago, and I work with the City of Calgary’s Bicycle Program on education and encouragement initiatives. I love working with all the wonderful people who are helping make Calgary a more bicycle friendly city - it is inspiring to see the dedication in the community. Outside of work, I stay busy cycling around Calgary, hiking, bird watching, and browsing farmers markets and crafters fairs.
Tell us a little about your bike.
My everyday bike is a Giant Cypress. It's a great ride to both the office in my work clothes, and in my shorts around the Glenmore Reservoir on weekends.
My husband and I also have a red vintage tandem bicycle we found for our wedding a few years back. It was worth getting bike grease on my wedding dress for the fun pictures and our friends loved riding around on it. The bike came to Alberta with us and we hope to use it on this year's Tweed Ride.
What started you biking?
Growing up, I loved exploring my neighbourhood by bike. During family outings along the Niagara Parkway, we would bring our bikes, and all the kids would ride in a bike gang along the pathway as far as we thought we could go without getting in trouble.
When I was on the McMaster University First Response Team, bicycles were the fastest way to get around the campus for medical emergencies. At that time, I also commuted by bike and I started riding on Hamilton’s beautiful rural roads.
Living in Toronto allowed me more opportunity to explore biking for work and play, it was the fastest and cheapest way to explore the city and check out different neighbourhoods. Some weekends, I would ride out to the end of the GO Train line along the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail stop in shops/restaurants along the way and then take the train back downtown.
What do you like best about travelling in your city?
I like getting to know Calgary by bike - both the city and the people living in it. I love bumping into people when I’m cycling and being able to stop and have a conversation with them. I think social connections enrich our urban lives and I find biking (and walking) make that possible.
What is your favorite riyoko piece (and what do you wear with it)?
I love my pair of Riyoko bamboo fleece tights. I wear them when I bike to protect less durable tights and add extra warmth. I’m excited about my next Riyoko purchase, I’m looking forward to getting a pair of Riyoko leg warmers . Fall and spring in Calgary can continue to be chilly in the mornings and evenings, so the leg warmers will help add extra warmth.
Tell us a trick or tip you have for cycling/ traveling ( i.e packing your bag/ manoeuvering in traffic/ handling cat calls/ wardrobe tricks etc.)
My bike doesn’t have a chain guard, so I bike in knee high boots. This allows me to tuck in my work pants without worrying about my pants catching or ripping as well as adding extra warmth.
What is your philosophy?
Break every big idea or goal into smaller components, it allows you to celebrate small wins and work towards the bigger goal in a tangible way
