When biking the Prairie Providences or Prairie States you have to lean to become one with the wind. It is relentless and can change direction from one day to the next. It can push you forward, and the next day bring you to a halt. It can push you off the road or slide you sideways. And then there can be weeks when there is no wind at all. It can be -20 F and weeks later +100F. Towns can be hours apart and when you arrive there might not be any services. We say it builds character.
What a great overview of the Prairie experience. Thank you! I admit, I never became one with the wind. And you're right about the distance of towns. Many had no amenities. The village I stopped to have coffee in, didn't even have a grocery store. The lady at the hotel sold some groceries. Also no medical services nearby. A very different experience and an eye opening one for me.
The Prairies really made me miss the Rockies! Even though there were grueling climbs that were also mentally tough, I still found the Rockies easier than the Prairies. I'm glad you had a better time in Saskatchewan than I did though. I think I had 5 flats before crossing into Manitoba where I got my 6th flat in a week. I finally found some Marathons in Winnipeg and had a MUCH better time after that!
Like you, I much preferred riding in the Rockies. I had a tough time in SK, but was glad that I didn't have any flats. I remember you posting about the flats while riding through the province. I had Schwalbe Touring Plus tires installed on the bike and didn't get any flats while crossing - a small miracle, really.
"what an adventure, the prairies are really really pushing me physically, mentally and they're just harsh. I really can't wait to get out of Saskatchewan" speaking as someone who's spent their entire life in Saskatoon; same.
Another awesome video Agnieszka! Such mental challenges paired with relentless brutal weather! I think that it is telling that you found Saskatchewan (in spite of flat terrain) more challenging than the climbs of the Rockies! Ya, stealth camping is a mental game too! Thanks for sharing the boundless kindnesses that you received from Saskatchewan's people. Truly heartwarming! Glad that they kept you safe! Love that you got some engineers to honk for you! Now you're a 'gravel expert'! I am truly astonished that you had mosquitos actually cling/bite while riding!! When I was doing the Hastings Heritage Rail Trail it was Deerfliesthat stuck and bit through my bike gloves. to see the buff came in handy! Wiil you go through Brandon? I was 4 & 5 years old when I lived there. Roll On, Roll on, Past Saskatchewan!
Yes, Saskatchewan was much harder for me than the Rockies. It was the wind that got me. I could not get used to being thrown around the road this way and that way. I was truly vulnerable while riding there. But the people! I could go on about how amazing people were. Every single day I encountered someone who just made my day. Bugs, yes, I was very surprised with these mosquitoes. I didn't think it was mosquitoes, because it was so windy there, but they looked like mosquitoes and maybe they were just used to the wind. Other bugs will soon appear in my videos. Deer flies and their friends will get me in Manitoba and of course Ontario. No, I didn't ride through Brandon. I continued staying off hwy 1 for as long as possible, and joined it only on arrival in Winnipeg. That was a shock to the system, because of how loud it was.
I remember when you posted on Instagram about the storm in Saskatchewan. That was that scary time where they had all of the tornados! That is so nice that people stopped along the side of the road to help you!
I know, right?! I have this unfound fear of people setting the tent on fire while I'm wild camping. I have no idea how the thought got in my head, but that's what I think about when I try to wild camp. In my case it's a mind block.
@@WheelsonaBike what i do is stake out my tent before dark and not erected the poles/canopy until dark. Makes me feel better that (I think) no one sees me that way.
Awesome video of Sk!!! We have traveled extensively in Sk, but you took a route we have never traveled! Can't wait for your footage of Manitoba!!! And yes the wind is unforgiving in both Sk n Mb!
Canada is such a big country and there are so many road options to take. I would be very surprised if anyone rides the route I did. It's not the most common route, but I just wanted to stay away from big highways. Manitoba was better for me.
Forgot: I just built a Kona Sutra from the ground, up. And I also have Arkel bags, but mine are the GT model. (Go big or go home!) I also went with the PDW all metal fenders, a Deore XT drive train, Hope hubs, rotors and headset, TRP hydraulic brakes and microshift bar ends. A Brookes Flyer and the Redshift Shockstop plus 700x47 Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour mean that the ride is really smooth! Peace!
Thanks for sharing these specs! I'd like to upgrade my fenders to metal ones as well, the plastic ones are not the best quality. I had the 700 x 45 Schwalbe Touring Plus tires while on tour and they were cushy. Can only imagine the comfort of the thicker ones you chose.
@@WheelsonaBike If you are ever near Waterloo, ON, my frame is a 50. Welcome to try it out! (We have some amazing places to cycle. Have you been through Elora or West Montrose, yet?)
Wow! I've never had anyone let me stay in there church. I slept in back of one, stealth-like, but someone called the police on me. They checked me out for a while then let me stay. So nice of the father.
Churches became one of my go to accommodation options when camping and Warmshowers hosts were not available. When I was in Newfoundland, I approached a local church and the priests asked me if I was going to do drugs in the basement. Needless to say - I was not, and they let me stay. I had a good laugh over that one and it still makes for a good story.
I live next to one of the largest estuaries in the world, in Brigham City, Utah. The local paper ran an article about mosquitos. They are attracted to dark colors, black and red are the worst to wear. I find that to be true in the summer.
@WheelsonaBike Also; Don't eat bananas in mosquito season either, it said. Something about scents from the digested fruit smell in the skin that attract the little buggers. Sheeze!
@@WheelsonaBike I'm not talking about big jail, but some town have small jail at the police station, once in Bathurst, new-Brunswick, a friend and I asked the police department if we could spend the night in jail, they said yes and of course they did not lock the door,
Hahaha! That's a great story. I never thought of this, but yet another option to consider. I have considered approaching a fire station to ask if I could camp on their grounds, but never the police. Great tip.
I do look forward to your episodes. My longest tour was only about 1,500 km (Waterloo, ON, to Ottawa, return.) There is an interesting contrast, for me, between your experiences and mine. First, because I avoid pavement because pavement means traffic and I am allergic to cars. (When you got on the TC I just about screamed!) Second, because I "stealth camp" as a rule. Where people open their doors and their homes to you if you knock I harbour no such dreams. Stealth camping gets easier the more you do it. I follow a few simple rules: First, if there is any evidence that ANYONE has EVER even BEEN there before then it is not a campsite. Second, NEVER get caught. Third, NEVER break rule two. Peace!
Yes, that's the beautify of touring, we can do it the way we like to and the way it works for us. I'd like to do more stealth camping, but it's just not something I'm comfortable with. It never got any better. I prefer the company of people. Thank you very much for sharing your tips for stealth camping. What do you mean by "when you got on the TC" - what is TC?
Welcome to SK! I drive truck everyday last 13 years and hate Saskatchewan highways everyday 😅and it seems like people in SK don’t like to stand up against government 😂
I'm not sure which comment you are referring to, as you left a number of them, but they all make sense to me in context of the videos you're commenting on.
I rode across Canada last year. I got the Xnito helmet in February of this year. Does that help? Also, I rode my acoustic, pedal bike across Canada. Even if I did have the Xnito helmet, I don't think I would've taken it with me for reasons I share in the video.
Yes, I'm sad to have missed it as it's stunning (I've seen photos and videos). But I just couldn't handle SK any more. It was very rough for me while there. The video doesn't show it, but I couldn't make myself stay there any longer than absolutely necessary.
When biking the Prairie Providences or Prairie States you have to lean to become one with the wind. It is relentless and can change direction from one day to the next. It can push you forward, and the next day bring you to a halt. It can push you off the road or slide you sideways. And then there can be weeks when there is no wind at all. It can be -20 F and weeks later +100F. Towns can be hours apart and when you arrive there might not be any services. We say it builds character.
What a great overview of the Prairie experience. Thank you! I admit, I never became one with the wind. And you're right about the distance of towns. Many had no amenities. The village I stopped to have coffee in, didn't even have a grocery store. The lady at the hotel sold some groceries. Also no medical services nearby. A very different experience and an eye opening one for me.
The Prairies really made me miss the Rockies! Even though there were grueling climbs that were also mentally tough, I still found the Rockies easier than the Prairies. I'm glad you had a better time in Saskatchewan than I did though. I think I had 5 flats before crossing into Manitoba where I got my 6th flat in a week. I finally found some Marathons in Winnipeg and had a MUCH better time after that!
Like you, I much preferred riding in the Rockies. I had a tough time in SK, but was glad that I didn't have any flats. I remember you posting about the flats while riding through the province. I had Schwalbe Touring Plus tires installed on the bike and didn't get any flats while crossing - a small miracle, really.
"what an adventure, the prairies are really really pushing me physically, mentally and they're just harsh. I really can't wait to get out of Saskatchewan" speaking as someone who's spent their entire life in Saskatoon; same.
Progress. Another good one, thanks. Enjoying the trip vicariously.
Thank you for watching!
I love SK. Same as your reason. Weather is rough but peoples are soooo good. I still miss my friends in there.
Yes! People were absolutely incredible.
Another awesome video Agnieszka! Such mental challenges paired with relentless brutal weather! I think that it is telling that you found Saskatchewan (in spite of flat terrain) more challenging than the climbs of the Rockies! Ya, stealth camping is a mental game too! Thanks for sharing the boundless kindnesses that you received from Saskatchewan's people. Truly heartwarming! Glad that they kept you safe! Love that you got some engineers to honk for you! Now you're a 'gravel expert'! I am truly astonished that you had mosquitos actually cling/bite while riding!! When I was doing the Hastings Heritage Rail Trail it was Deerfliesthat stuck and bit through my bike gloves. to see the buff came in handy! Wiil you go through Brandon? I was 4 & 5 years old when I lived there. Roll On, Roll on, Past Saskatchewan!
Yes, Saskatchewan was much harder for me than the Rockies. It was the wind that got me. I could not get used to being thrown around the road this way and that way. I was truly vulnerable while riding there. But the people! I could go on about how amazing people were. Every single day I encountered someone who just made my day.
Bugs, yes, I was very surprised with these mosquitoes. I didn't think it was mosquitoes, because it was so windy there, but they looked like mosquitoes and maybe they were just used to the wind. Other bugs will soon appear in my videos. Deer flies and their friends will get me in Manitoba and of course Ontario.
No, I didn't ride through Brandon. I continued staying off hwy 1 for as long as possible, and joined it only on arrival in Winnipeg. That was a shock to the system, because of how loud it was.
😍 Great episode! Looking forward to seeing the next one...
Thanks for watching!
I remember when you posted on Instagram about the storm in Saskatchewan. That was that scary time where they had all of the tornados! That is so nice that people stopped along the side of the road to help you!
Yes, that was the day there were tornados, but I wasn't aware of them. I was just expecting some rain. People blew me away in SK.
Good people find good people ♥
Very true! The law of attraction is real.
I just love your videos! 😀
Thank you! I appreciate you watching.
So interesting different people’s perspectives on things.
I’d be more afraid of sleeping in a strangers house than wild camping!
I know, right?! I have this unfound fear of people setting the tent on fire while I'm wild camping. I have no idea how the thought got in my head, but that's what I think about when I try to wild camp. In my case it's a mind block.
@@WheelsonaBike what i do is stake out my tent before dark and not erected the poles/canopy until dark. Makes me feel better that (I think) no one sees me that way.
"No Windies, No Stormies" - nice reference to Ryan Van Duzer's saying :)
I'm one of his biggest fans! 😉
Awesome video of Sk!!! We have traveled extensively in Sk, but you took a route we have never traveled! Can't wait for your footage of Manitoba!!! And yes the wind is unforgiving in both Sk n Mb!
Canada is such a big country and there are so many road options to take. I would be very surprised if anyone rides the route I did. It's not the most common route, but I just wanted to stay away from big highways. Manitoba was better for me.
@@WheelsonaBike so many options in Sk, fewer in Manitoba. Looking forward to your Manitoba video! I hope the wind was kind to you in Mb?
It was pretty much the same. I had plenty of headwind, side wind on this trip until I got to Newfoundland, and there I had tailwind bliss!
Alsask, I'm guessing on the border of Alberta & Sask.? Canada loves it's silly portmanteau places and streets. ;)
Yes, it's right on the border. Didn't spot a Sasman though. 😉
Forgot: I just built a Kona Sutra from the ground, up. And I also have Arkel bags, but mine are the GT model. (Go big or go home!) I also went with the PDW all metal fenders, a Deore XT drive train, Hope hubs, rotors and headset, TRP hydraulic brakes and microshift bar ends. A Brookes Flyer and the Redshift Shockstop plus 700x47 Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour mean that the ride is really smooth! Peace!
Thanks for sharing these specs! I'd like to upgrade my fenders to metal ones as well, the plastic ones are not the best quality.
I had the 700 x 45 Schwalbe Touring Plus tires while on tour and they were cushy. Can only imagine the comfort of the thicker ones you chose.
@@WheelsonaBike If you are ever near Waterloo, ON, my frame is a 50. Welcome to try it out! (We have some amazing places to cycle. Have you been through Elora or West Montrose, yet?)
My frame is also a 50cm one. Thanks for the offer, I appreciate it. I have also not ridden in the places you mention. Thank you for suggesting them.
you`re my fav 💖
🤣🤣🤣 Thank you.
@@WheelsonaBike it's true, you're amazing
Wow! I've never had anyone let me stay in there church. I slept in back of one, stealth-like, but someone called the police on me. They checked me out for a while then let me stay. So nice of the father.
Churches became one of my go to accommodation options when camping and Warmshowers hosts were not available. When I was in Newfoundland, I approached a local church and the priests asked me if I was going to do drugs in the basement. Needless to say - I was not, and they let me stay. I had a good laugh over that one and it still makes for a good story.
I live next to one of the largest estuaries in the world, in Brigham City, Utah. The local paper ran an article about mosquitos. They are attracted to dark colors, black and red are the worst to wear. I find that to be true in the summer.
Mosquitoes love me regardless of what I wear. They always find a way to attack. New season, new bites already.
@WheelsonaBike Also; Don't eat bananas in mosquito season either, it said. Something about scents from the digested fruit smell in the skin that attract the little buggers. Sheeze!
mosquitos, wind, rain, hail, tornadoes, 100 kilometres of gravel, you had it all. Churches are a nice place to spend the night, jail also.
🤣🤣🤣 Hadn't thought of spending the night in jail, but you may be onto something...
@@WheelsonaBike I'm not talking about big jail, but some town have small jail at the police station, once in Bathurst, new-Brunswick, a friend and I asked the police department if we could spend the night in jail, they said yes and of course they did not lock the door,
Hahaha! That's a great story. I never thought of this, but yet another option to consider. I have considered approaching a fire station to ask if I could camp on their grounds, but never the police. Great tip.
I do look forward to your episodes. My longest tour was only about 1,500 km (Waterloo, ON, to Ottawa, return.) There is an interesting contrast, for me, between your experiences and mine. First, because I avoid pavement because pavement means traffic and I am allergic to cars. (When you got on the TC I just about screamed!) Second, because I "stealth camp" as a rule. Where people open their doors and their homes to you if you knock I harbour no such dreams. Stealth camping gets easier the more you do it. I follow a few simple rules: First, if there is any evidence that ANYONE has EVER even BEEN there before then it is not a campsite. Second, NEVER get caught. Third, NEVER break rule two. Peace!
Yes, that's the beautify of touring, we can do it the way we like to and the way it works for us. I'd like to do more stealth camping, but it's just not something I'm comfortable with. It never got any better. I prefer the company of people. Thank you very much for sharing your tips for stealth camping.
What do you mean by "when you got on the TC" - what is TC?
Welcome to SK!
I drive truck everyday last 13 years and hate Saskatchewan highways everyday 😅and it seems like people in SK don’t like to stand up against government 😂
The roads were surprisingly bad! Highways, residential streets and just unpacked roads. And you're right, people shrug and say "it's Saskatchewan".
My former comment was supposed to be on your WIND video. I don't know how I did that????? 😮
I'm not sure which comment you are referring to, as you left a number of them, but they all make sense to me in context of the videos you're commenting on.
Where’s your xnito helmet?
I rode across Canada last year. I got the Xnito helmet in February of this year. Does that help? Also, I rode my acoustic, pedal bike across Canada. Even if I did have the Xnito helmet, I don't think I would've taken it with me for reasons I share in the video.
I didn't ride today because wind and cold ugh.
It was very windy in Toronto today. VERY! But I rode an ebike. :)
What is outlook?😮
It's a town in Saskatchewan.
Too bad you missed the Qu'Appelle Valley. It exonerates Saskatchewan.
Yes, I'm sad to have missed it as it's stunning (I've seen photos and videos). But I just couldn't handle SK any more. It was very rough for me while there. The video doesn't show it, but I couldn't make myself stay there any longer than absolutely necessary.
*redeems.
Pepsi the "Ford" of the soft drink world!!
Well, I grew up on Pepsi when I was a child in Poland, I'm not sure Ford had anything to do with it.
@@WheelsonaBike the "Ford" reference was to the car not Doug!
Right, thanks for the clarification.
Coke please
🤣😉