I built up a fixie last winter when I was living in TO because of the salt they traditionally dump there. Turned out to be a very mild winter.

We moved back to BC this summer and I'm wondering if I will be able to ride it at all here - at least without changing the gearing. The island we're on only has two climbs worth mentioning, but there are good ones. Coming out of the ferry there's a 15% beast that's over a half km; and going across the main road of the island there is a 13% that's under a half km.

Both of these roads I inevitably am hauling stuff up them. The only way I might be able to use it on Vancouver Island, is to walk along the beach to the ferry (low tide only methinks), and then cycle into Courtenay (~23km). But that would probably be for work only. And though that's where I'm focusing my search, I haven't landed a job there yet - so who knows what may happen.

My partner and I are going to try and remain c/f as long as possible, but it's going to be tuff. It will take all that we've learned (living in large urban centres) to continue c/f here.

I think one of the main challenges here, is the timing of the ferry. If you miss it, it could be an hour; an hour and a half; or the next morning - depending what time you're coming back.

For the most part, my main bike is my touring bike. It is equipped with super low gearing so those daunting hills are manageable - even with a trailer and a full load. Then there is my actual road bike that hasn't seen much use as of late.