Calgary cyclists brave biting cold, slippery snow for Winter Bike to Work Day

Despite a windchill colder than 30 C, many Calgarians suited up in their long underwear, piled on thin layers, strapped on their helmets and hopped on their bikes for the city's annual Winter Bike to Work Day Friday.

In addition to the biting cold, many had to contend with the fresh dump of snow that, over the past 48 hours, brought 25 to 35 centimetres of powderto the city's pathways and roads.

"It was knee deep in some places," said Joshua Bettle, who biked down to Eau Claire Market from the Max Bell Arena.

"A few people passed by me with fat tire bikes. Even they were walking," Bettle said.

But Krista Phillips said her morning ride in the frigid temperatures was "very invigorating."

"It's the best part of my day," she said.

With a giant windshield protecting his daughter in the front seat, Daorcey Le Bray said cycling is just how he and his daughter get to and from daycare and work each day.

"We normally bike every day, so this is just free food, as far as I'm concerned," he laughed.

Breakfast was advertised to be free for the first 100 cyclists who made it to the event at the Eau Claire Market.