It's Pedal Season: Get on Your Bikes & Ride!

We did it. The green is finally starting to appear! I am so excited to kick off another summer at The Forks.

One of my favourite parts of summer is that everything somehow feels easier. Minimal layers needed! I can hop on my bike jacket-less and socks-less and cruise around town with the warm breeze in my hair and sunshine on my face. I love getting around town feeling relaxed and energized at the same time. It makes me so happy.

For the past two years I’ve been fortunate to share all kinds of stories about biking and The Forks with you through this blog. Here’s the thing about biking: biking is for just about everyone. No matter what your fitness level is - you can ride a bike. It’s movement AND it’s enjoyable. It’s my hope to show you that there are so many ways to integrate a bike riding into your lifestyle in meaningful ways. It’s not just exercise - it’s living life!

As we get ready for another season of summer fun times at The Forks, I want to help you find your inspiration to dust off that banana seat and pedal on down to The Forks for some hangouts. I’ve rounded up my top five biking blog posts to share with you again to help you find your bike riding mojo this summer:

  

1.     Date idea: bike ride and a picnic

Hanging out with someone new? Suggest a bike ride and a picnic at The Forks. Blow their mind with your fun easy going and vivacious attitude. Long time partner: this will certainly break the boring pattern of dinner and a movie.

2. Family hang out! A family bike ride to The Forks

It’s about the journey. Take the long route. Feel the sunshine. Be the active lifestyle example for your kids. All roads lead to The Forks. Bonus: The Forks has everything you need when you arrive.

3. Commute! Biking with a purpose

Make your commute an active commute. Not sure how to do it? There’s an app for that! Read all about the Go Manitoba commuter buddy app and you can ride to The Forks/downtown with the support of an experienced cyclist. Maybe even make a new active friend too?

4. Bikeless? Old bike need a tune up?

The Wrench is at The Forks all summer to help you with all your biking needs! I am still riding around town in the cruiser I picked up from them. They have a great selection of vintage bikes for sale that have been restored AND they even taught me how to maintain my bike! Bike people really are the nicest.

5. Hang time + active time + eating/drinking time

Bike riding with a gang of pals is seriously the best. You feel like a kid again! Gather your buds and head on down to The Forks for a delicious lunch and hang out this summer. It’s so fun.

  

What do you think? Who knew a bike ride can be so much more than a bike ride? It’s a lifestyle! Still scared because you haven’t done it in a while? Well, you know the saying “it’s just like riding a bike…” Well, it is! You can do it!

See you out there this summer! Can’t wait to see all your happy biking faces at The Forks! P.S. Free parking for cyclists! ;)

And here's a few maps to get you started on your route - it's basically under 40 minutes to pedal to The Forks from any corner of the city. 

Lindsay Somers is a Lifestyle Health Coach in Winnipeg. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

Other posts that might interest you: 

• Endless Choices With Flights at The Forks Market
• Picking Something Fresh at The Public Orchard
• A New Year: 3 Ways to Feel Great & Be Active in 2018
• Market Eats: Fries of The Forks Market

Warming Huts wrap-up: Photos that made our jaws drop

The 2017/2018 season for the Red River Mutual Trail was the best yet! It broke two records. TWO! It was the longest it's ever been stretching 10 kilometers from Queen Elizabeth Way on the Red River and all the way to Arlington on the Assiniboine. It lasted 72 whole days, which is the longest we've ever been able to enjoy the Red River Mutual Trail.

Not to mention the incredible Warming Huts that adorned it this year. We're so lucky to have a city full of talented photos with killer Instagram accounts to document it. Here are some of our favourite Insta photos from the Warming Huts on their frozen river home:


TEMPLE OF LOST THINGS
Guy Maddin, OM, CM, Filmmaker & visiting lecturer at Harvard University
Winnipeg, MB

A post shared by @gyk26 on Feb 23, 2018 at 9:24pm PST

A post shared by Kyra (@spinnefix01) on Feb 21, 2018 at 5:40pm PST

A post shared by l i n d s a y s o m e r s (@lindsayhsomers) on Jan 27, 2018 at 1:31pm PST

GOLDEN BISON
David Alberto Arroyo Tafolla 
Morelia, Michoac an, Mexico

A post shared by Nikka Ursula (@cardiamachina) on Feb 26, 2018 at 7:32pm PST

A post shared by The Forks (@theforkswinnipeg) on Feb 26, 2018 at 10:01am PST

A post shared by The Nanny Company Inc. (@thenannycompany) on Feb 27, 2018 at 7:32am PST

TOTEM
Architecture Office b210
Tallinn, Estonia

A post shared by Downtown Peggy (@downtownpeggy) on Jan 27, 2018 at 1:27pm PST

A post shared by The Forks (@theforkswinnipeg) on Jan 26, 2018 at 1:47pm PST

A post shared by Kathlyn Hossack (@katmah1) on Feb 25, 2018 at 9:37am PST

A post shared by Jeff Vernaus (@jeff_vernaus) on Feb 17, 2018 at 9:39pm PST

THE TRUNK
Camille Bianchi and Ryder Thalheimer
Vancouver, BC

A post shared by Winnipeg, MB • Dennis B (@menace204) on Feb 27, 2018 at 8:35pm PST

A post shared by l i n d s a y s o m e r s (@lindsayhsomers) on Feb 22, 2018 at 6:54pm PST

A post shared by Lor Brand (@lorbrand) on Jan 26, 2018 at 11:45am PST

A post shared by Winnipeg, MB • Dennis B (@menace204) on Feb 27, 2018 at 10:23am PST

PONTAGON
University of Manitoba Faculty of Architecture with the City of Winnipeg Customer Service and Communications
Manitoba, Canada

A post shared by Sami Brodick (@toomuchtoocute) on Feb 20, 2018 at 1:17pm PST

A post shared by PONTAGON (@pontagonhut) on Jan 30, 2018 at 4:27pm PST

A post shared by Oh Winnipeg (@oh_winnipeg) on Mar 2, 2018 at 11:18am PST

A post shared by PONTAGON (@pontagonhut) on Feb 8, 2018 at 11:11am PST

#HUGMUG 
Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute Students
Manitoba, Canada

A post shared by Iron Garachico (@irongarachico) on Feb 8, 2018 at 7:57pm PST

A post shared by @gyk26 on Mar 2, 2018 at 10:23pm PST

A post shared by Anna T Fabulous (@annatfabulous) on Feb 11, 2018 at 2:09pm PST

A post shared by Terry Duddridge (@terry.therealtor) on Jan 30, 2018 at 3:54pm PST

Plus some old favourites:

A post shared by Kyra Friesen (@kyrafriesen) on Feb 28, 2018 at 7:12pm PST

A post shared by Joshua (@joshuacookphoto) on Mar 2, 2018 at 7:03am PST

A post shared by savannah rose shore (@savannahshore) on Feb 25, 2018 at 4:09pm PST

A post shared by Brittany R (@b.vibes) on Feb 12, 2018 at 4:19pm PST

A post shared by Katelyn Rach (@katelynrach_photography) on Jan 25, 2018 at 4:33pm PST

A post shared by Stationpoint Photographic (@stationpoint) on Feb 25, 2017 at 1:52pm PST

This is a seriously small selection of the thousands of photos you guys shared. We love seeing your perspective. 😍 Alright, Winnipeg – onto the next season!

___

Other posts that might interest you:

• Welcoming Spring: Hard copy inspiration to spring clean your life
• All booked up: McNally Robinson opens at The Forks
• Weekend Wrap-Up: Photos You Shared That Made Us Go 😍

5 Fall Habits to Start Today: Fall Back Into Routine at The Forks

In Manitoba, it’s completely permissible to throw all regular habits and schedules out the window to squeeze out every last possible moment of our summer.

Now that September is here with things like school, cool crisp mornings, regular schedules and shorter days it makes me realize that I need to get back to my regular routine again. It’s hard, and I feel like we all can use a little help transitioning into fall mode.

Lucky for you, I’ve narrowed down my top five easy and actually do-able habits to get back into the swing of things, here they are in no particular order:

Don’t forget your water bottle! There are water fountains all over the Forks Market where you can stay hydrated. 

1. Drink water (again!) 

I know, so simple, right? Bust out that cute water bottle again! It is much easier to drink little bits here and there throughout your day when you have a bottle on the go. On your desk, in your purse or in your car. It’s a really small change that has a huge impact. Also, I notice a big decline in my mindless snacking when I’m consistently drinking water. Be gone, cabin chips!

Kite and Caboodle in the Johnston Terminal has oodles of books for you to choose from for your fall cozy bedtime reading. 

2. Less screens, more books in bed

Keep those phones and screens out of the bedroom! It is my secret to a good nights sleep. It’s my absolute favourite time of day - crawling into bed with a good book. The perfect way to segue from a busy day to relax mode. A great way to unwind, get perfectly sleepy and doze off effortlessly. If your phone is your alarm, go old school and get an alarm clock. Huge game changer for a solid restful long sleep.

Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company has fresh garden market vegetables every week to make your next amazing salad.

3. Just say no to treats (everyday) 

In summer mode, it’s yes to everything! Daytime beers? Sure! Fries with that? Absolutely! I don’t know how it happened but I seemed to break away from my salad habit. And I love salads. Bring back vegetables! I’m vowing to make a salad with every single dinner. Not rocket science.

Forks Trading Company in the Forks Market has an amazing selection of loose leaf teas and gorgeous locally made hand made mugs from Mud + Stone. 

4. Evening tea 

I don’t know about you, but I got pretty used to a glass of wine or a beer with most meals. Now, I’m not saying ditch alcohol, I’m giving you a strategy to cut down on some nights — with tea. Stay with me here— tea is actually a great replacement. The ritual of making it and sipping from a beautiful Mud + Stone mug from Forks Trading Co. does satisfy that habit. It’s not a habit change, it’s what I technically call a habit switchameroo.

Riverstone Spa at the Inn at the Forks is the place to for all your skin care needs. Whether you’re looking for a new fall pick me up product to a full body spa treatment, they’ve got you covered.

5. Skin care

By the end of summer, I’m feeling a bit weathered, dry and just a bit blech from the hot sun. In fall, I like to treat my skin to a new routine and exfoliate all that sunscreen, bug spray and summer dullness away. A deep exfoliation treatment is pretty awesome. Part massage, part hydration and total relaxation. You can try the at home version, or treat yourself to a full meal deal treatment at the spa. It feels amazing and is an instant pick me up. Let that summer colour glow!

So, there you have it. Five habits to feel GOOD today. Start with a couple this week and before you know it you are a hydrated, well rested, glowing, vegetable eating human again who wakes up every day with energy and a clear mind! Hello, September!


Lindsay Somers is a Lifestyle Health Coach. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram. All photos by Luckygirl Photography.

6 Summertide Events to Help You Hold on to Summer

Fall is going to have to take a step back because summer sure isn't over, and we're taking advantage of every last bit of it with a near summer arts festival – Summertide.

The art, architecture, music, theatre, dance, and literature festival runs from August 21 to September 4 at The Forks and includes a whole set of events that will let you soak in the last lingering days of summer.

1. Bar Nano

August 30, 2017 from 8:00 - 12:00 p.m.

Festival Field

Join us for a drink or two by the Winnipeg sign for Bar Nano – the smallest bar in Canada. This bar is so tiny it's transported by bike and is powered by battery. We can thank Storefront Manitoba for this brilliant idea in support of micro establishments everywhere.

2. Beach Blanket Bingo

August 31 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Beachscape, The Forks Historic Port

Bring your beach blankets and your bingo daubers and take part in the first ever true life Beach Blanket Bingo. There will be no Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalaon circa 1965, but there will be prizes, there will be hilarity, there will be fun had by all. 

3. Parking Lot Picnic

September 1 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Plaza Parking Lots, North Of The Forks Market

What's the best way to kick off the long weekend? There are many ways, but we're thinking a picnic in the sunshine is just about perfect. Bring your own picnic or grab something from in The Forks Market and join us in the parking lot outside. A wandering band will entertain you throughout your last lunch of the summer holidays.

4. The Aviary: An Installation of Light and Sound

September 1 - 3 from dusk to 11:00 pm

The Forks Historic Port

Wander through an ethereal and electric installation of wire framed birds and whimsical bird houses amongst the trees along the northwest side of The Forks Historic port. On Saturday night, the Riel Gentlemen’s Choir will serenade you from canoes on the Assiniboine River dressed in suits made of light. Yeah, suits made of light!? We can't wait to see this.

5. Bicycle Tricycle Bike Parade 

September 3 from 10 am – 12 pm

Begins at The Canopy – Parade at 11:30am

You bring the bicycle, tricycle, trainingwheels and family, we’ll provide the decorations and parade route. Art City will be here to provide the straws, streamers and cool things for your bike wheels and handlebars. Then show off your creation and participate in a parade throughout The Forks site.

6. Synonym Art Consultation Presents: NEREO ll with apprentice artist John Padua

September 3 - 4

South Main Entrance

Pop in to see a live mural painting to help kick off Wall-to-Wall Mural & Cultural Festival 2017! On Monday, join us for DJs and dancing while the Synonym crew covers another one of our walls in their stunning art.

Why don’t you: go on a family bike ride to the Forks?

One of my earliest memories is riding around on bikes with my Dad. It was 1983, his shorts were short and his ‘stache big. We rode around our neighbourhood watching the world go by with the wind blowing in my mushroom cut - it was the best.

Exercise time + outside fresh air + hanging out with your family makes for a pretty great day.

Have you ever tried riding your bikes to The Forks as a family? With Canada Day around the corner and busy festival season upon us (Canada Summer Games Festival - ## nights of free entertainment + fireworks, and Interstellar Rodeo), it’s pretty awesome to ditch the car and roll on into The Forks not having to worry about traffic delays and parking. Bonus: on Canada Day there will be a free bike valet, a wonderful service run by volunteers to keep your bike (and gear) safe and sound while you play the day away.

Wondering where to start?

Let’s begin by helping you plan your route. There are many bike routes to get your family to The Forks safely.

The four main active transportation routes to The Forks:

1.     North: Waterfront Drive

2.     South: Churchill Drive

3.     East: Esplanade Riel

4.     West: Assiniboine Ave (and bonus Riverwalk!)

From each of those routes, this map identifies two additional bike routes leading away from downtown to suburban neighbourhoods. Most leisurely bike travel is about 20km/h, which means most of the city is only a 30 minute bike ride to The Forks. It doesn’t take very long!

If you live outside the map area, Google does an excellent job of outlining safe bike routes and travel times. Use Google maps as you normally do, but click on the bike icon, voila! There’s your bike route!

What to ride? Little ones who aren’t quite big enough to bike solo can be supported by a number of ways: chariots, bike seats or even tandem attached bikes. There are many bike shops around town that can help connect you to the right equipment to fit your needs. bikewinnipeg.com is also a great resource for all things cycling.

What to pack? Water, sunscreen, frisbee, soccer ball, sidewalk chalk, bug spray, and a big old blanket for chilling! One of biggest perks about riding to The Forks to hang out is - everything else is there! Food, beer (yay!) and washrooms! It really is a phenomenal public space for families just to hang out. You can pretty much just show up.

Riding bikes together as a family is wonderful way to spend time together. It’s ridiculously fun. It shows your children the value and importance of movement. Parents are role models for behaviour, bike riding together shows them that it’s fun and helps them build safe healthy habits of active transportation.

The Forks is leading the city in active transportation initiatives with Target Zero. There’s a 24/7 bike repair station next to the Forks Market by the bright orange rail cars. Get all the air for you need for your tires the tools to keep your bike in tip top shape! If you want to find your riding legs, you can try riding around The Forks on your next visit with a rental at Bee 2gether (tandem, quad and novelty) bike rentals and the White Pine Bicycle Company.

Having the Forks as a destination is a pretty way to ride around and see the city. Then, you arrive and play outside. And just hang out together.

Can’t wait for you to try it and see what all the fuss is about! See you this summer at The Forks!

Lindsay Somers is a Lifestyle Health Coach in Winnipeg. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter. All photos by Janine Kropla @janinekropla. Special thanks to Vinh and Rebecca Huynh for letting us tag along on their family bike ride.

Other posts that might interest you:

• 12 must-see acts at The Forks this Canada Day | 12 spectacles à ne pas manquer à La Fourche en ce jour du Canada
• From Fools, with love!
• 4 Treats You Have to Try at Neon Cone This Summer