Being from Canada this is kind of awesome to see a bunch of Brits shuffling around on the ice :) Great job! Going back to riding/racing on our local velodrome this year for me on top of the normal amounts of road/cx/gravel racing. It's -20 celcius this morning and icey as FAK out on the roads, riding outside in the warmth is a bunch of months off here in western canada.
Good for you, KB! Haha, now you're in _my_ world (hockey player & coach). Definitely need to bend your knees deeper for balance & to facilitate longer strides. Press your knees forward in the skates so you feel your shins press against the tongue of the boot. To _STOP_ begin by weighting the _one_ skate you want to stop with, your toes pointing inwards (like a wedge) which will begin to dig in the weighted skate & pivot in that direction; when you're at ~45 degrees add more weight until you come to a halt. Practice your weight transfer & stopping _near the boards_ so you don't impede the flow of other skaters. ...more later if you like! (I taught skating along with all hockey skills for over 25 years.)
You're welcome to try out the kayaking. I've been there using it as an alternative winter sport and returned again to the bikes finding it all consuming. White water kayaking is addictive. Over several years, I learned the skills as I was challenged on new type features. I found open canoeing the best relaxing sport on water. Bikes on any dry day are still the best sport. Welcome to 2024
I started skating when I was 5. I am now in my 60's and periodically skate. Not as often as I would like, but even after a 20 year break of not skating, it came back like riding a bike. Love the speed, love the freedom. Same feeling as riding a bike. Enjoy this new venture. You will love it.
I thought, “She’s taken up ice skating…” and then you arrived at a rink. Hah! Ditch the rental skates…they’re safe but a bit mushy…you can’t feel your edges very well.
Especially since it seemed like there were a lot of beginners there. Not only do you need to make sure you don't fall, you have to watch out for other people knocking you down.
Katie, you're the boss. In Sweden we do this kind of long-distance ice skating on our lakes in the winter. I think it's called Nordic Skating or Wild Ice Skating abroad, but to us it's just simply ice skating. It's an amazing nature experience and totally comparable to long cycling in the kind of feeling of freedom and peace it gives. The ice skates are very elongated to allow you to flow of the ice with very large but slow and graceful movements. If the ice is right it also gives of a really cool bouncing sound; we say that the ice is singing.
Happy New Year Katie, hope 2024 is happy and prosperous for you. Why not join me and a couple of friends and do Ride to the Sun on the 22nd June. It’s a ride that starts in Carlisle and finishes in Edinburgh, but you cycle through the night. No pressure for timings or watts achieved, just a fun jaunt with a fish and chip stop on route and a bag piper playing when you reach the highest point.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing different things. I love cycling, but also love to mix things up and go hill walking and climbing. I love to share my time amongst my other passions. Just do whatever gives you the most fun and enjoyment 😀
Mountain biking is good in the winter too. Because we get the thrill and control aspect - do not need the pretty blue skies of summer and the gnarly nature of winter adds to it. Don't need to ride lots of hours to feel satisfied either. And get even more dramatic scenery/landscapes/escapism in the off roads wilds. It's like "push yourself" mode and take it on. It feels less grim, and can stop at any moment without worrying about cars.
You know we haven't heard you for a while when your heart goes a bit hollow but you can't see anything wrong around you, you just feel that something's off. Even though your being present here is deeply appreciated by all of us, cherished and protected, I still feel that if you are wanting your time off, you should catch it and live it the way you need to as we care about your wellness and vitality more and we don't want you to lose any of it. On the topic of variety you're spot on, I've dropped so many activities myself out of fear of not being perfect to begin with whereas you should aim at becoming good, not start great. I dabble in football and tennis, I played table tennis for a while, that's also very addictive! Basketball, that's real love for me. Played the piano for a while, but then there are so many things I wish I had some more time to take a crack at any of them. Best of luck with Ice skating, you can absolutely do it, if you crave it enough you will! And it looks a very fun and engaging activity too! Welcome back Katie ! 😁😊🙂 👋 🇮🇹
I love your enthusiasm for life and delight is experiencing new adventures. Reflection is good, and balance is the key to happiness. Have a wonderful 2024. Namaste
I love skating too! It’s my winter sport while cycling is the summer sport. I just had my first intro to ballet lesson yesterday; its so fun to try something new, even if you’re bad at it!
A star again! Takes me back 50+ years to Queens in North London, the side barriers are very painful when you dont know how to stop. Be careful of your ankles, and take the skates off before you go to the bar!
it looks very fun! Keep us updated on your progress. There is also a great video of some guy called Adam Nadas or something like that, which is a pro skater and dresses up as an old man who makes incredible things and it's one of the best YT videos. In regards to 2024, cycling wise, I got a touring/trekking bike, the Canyon Pathlite 6, which imho is an example of how gravel bikes should be (and aren't, 'cos they are very close to road bikes when it comes to gearing for the most part). Also for when the Pathlite 6 stock tyres wear out, I've been searching for some wider slick tyres (I am a sucker for them) than usual, and for typical asphalt, save the GP5000, almost none were 35mm. But I found the perfect tyres for the Pathlite 6, and the very hilly terrain here --also very rainy weather. The Continental Contact Urban (great rolling resistance, best ever wet grip, okay price, 37mm and excellent puncture protection) and the Continental Grand Prix Urban (which are as fast as the GP5000, light, not that expensive, 35mm wide, super wet grip), which combined with the 36T 10-51T (1x12) gearing of my Canyon Pathlite 6 they are ideal for my bike where I live, for the rain and hilly terrain, relatively light rough terrain... I'll probably go with the Contact Urban 'cos of fine puncture protection whilst having an excellent rolling resistance and wet grip according to reviews: www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/tour-reviews/continental-contact-urban Grand Prix Urban review, which are even better in some regards: www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/tour-reviews/continental-grand-prix-urban
Katie, my wife and i bought sit on top kayaks over the lockdowns and they are SOOOO much fun. We love just cruising about on them and taking picnics and just chilling. You would love a bit of that. I got myself the Rapha Pro team thermal base layer for Christmas (upon your review and recommendations).......what an amazing bit of kit it is. Its so comfy and toasty and the long neck is so good. Haapy New Year KB, hope you have a great one with lots of fun activities to share with us all.
You know the old saying, Katie - a change is as good as a holiday. Well, the Dolomites excluded, I guess! (I'd love to get to see them in person one day, too.) There's one really great thing about skating, Katie, which is that, once you get to the stage of skating 'normally' (compared with what you did in this vid), the muscles you use are the same as for most cycling. Another thing, you may find that there are Audax events for skating. For instance, the Russians may put on an Audax for skating right across Lake Baikal. Just a thought. I've just done a 'sign-off' in Strava; I've found the riding really difficult in the past few years, so it was time to 'pull the plug'. I wish you all the best in all your future endeavours, Katie!
As you like to climb and want to go to the Dolomites you should consider the Sella Ronda either on Road, e.g. Sella Ronda Bike Day, or off road with a MTB on Hero Dolomites You can do it by participating in an event or of course on your own. Another highlight would be climbing up the Passo Stelvio. There is also one day where it is closed for cars and motorcycle and only open for cyclists.
It’s interesting seeing a number of people that were doing a tonne of cycling, myself included, feeling like they need more variety lately. I’ve struggled with cycling over the last 6 months with poor weather, working full-time and starting a full-time degree. I’ve not had the time for as much hiking in the peaks either, and my body hates running after years of pounding pavements, so I’m definitely up for seeing more activities and looking for ideas and inspiration for how to keep myself active. Like many, I’m invested in you as a personality in addition to the cycling content. You bring comfort and motivation to us when we need it, and hopefully there’s a feedback loop in us giving you that bit of motivation in return. Just be true to who you are and we’ll keep tuning in☺️ xx
Yes, I’d love to see you vlog other stuff other than cycling. Here for all the content whatever that may be. Here’s to 2024, a year filled of adventures 😁
The wind in her hair 🙂 Smile on her face 🙂 With stars in her eyes🙂 2024 a new happy place🙂 Life is beautiful🙂 Katie kookaburra🙂 Shows us the way 🙂 Happy 2024🙂 Many happy Days🙂 Happy Day's 🙂 ☮️kevin
Katie, get yourself to Bormio and do the Mortirolo, Gavia loop. Add in the Stelvio for fun😊 Lots of climbs across the border as well. And maybe watch the Giro whilst you're there👍
That’s great that you are ice skating I tried it years ago and never let go of the side the whole way round. Have a look at coast to coast in a day June. It’s a beautiful days riding.
Great to do other stuff, last year I did kayaking, I was awful to start with but got the hang of it. Loved it. Ever tried skiing or snowboarding Katie? Only done it at snowdome it was great. But love the sun and warmth to much to try a snow holiday.
I dont make resolutions but making sure im more active, joined up to zwift again and really make an effort twice a week to ride, aswell as jogging when i can, i play a fair bit of golf and want a lower handicap so allround fitness would help alot!
I've been doing 30 minutes a day since November with "Indoor Cycling Videos" YT channel, and they have loads of Dolomites vids. Best scenery. Great off-roads there too, through forests.
Katie, your funny, sweet and encouraging, I think even of all your videos were on skating (which I’m lousy at) I’d still watch them. Happy New Year from Oz, it’s 31 and humid here in the Blue Mountains so you’d probably feel quite at home riding as it is hot and hilly with plenty of Kookaburras to keep you company if you ride really early. They just have a habit of waking me up very early in the morning and then have the cheek to laugh about it. Wishing you well this year in whatever you pursue and I’m sure as I think many who follow you would agree that whatever you put your heart to you will master and do very well. Stay safe and enjoy your 2024.
You've brought back some bad memories of taking a bunch of 3 bus loads of y8 kids to Blackburn ice rink nearly 30 years ago... On a more positive note, Dolomites, that was my new thing for 2024, absolutely brilliant riding, stunning scenery. You'll love it there
Great idea to focus on fun this year. I took up kayaking and find it is great for mindfulness and upper body strength. Being on the river watching birds and bats is invigorating.
Love the energy and encourgement Katie - I think you should do monthly updates 🙂 It's great to have variety in life and also in your channel as you'll never lose your avid fans. Can't believe you haven't got a cycling event booked in already 🤭 Looking forward to seeing the new setup and this year is going to be the best! Enjoy it x
Katie, I follow you because of your positive attitude you sharing my passion for cycling was a bonus. Seeing you excited about a new challenge will be fun to see. As for the skating, as you get comfortable with it you will feel the flow! Happy New Year!
Katie, it looks like you had soooo much fun on the ice and your enthusiasm is just brilliant. Good idea to try new things and mix it up a little, it keeps life interesting.
My friends and I used to attempt to play ice hockey and do speed skating. Lot of fun! So, yes, to you posting more of your ice skating adventures! Other non-cycling sports to consider are indoor or outdoor rock climbing and bouldering. Pretty fun, challenging, and a bit scary at times. Anyway, thank you, Katie for all of your fun videos. Looking forward to more!
I've been less motivated to ride lately because the tire/wheel combo I've got makes it REALLY hard to fix flats. I love these tires but they are really tight and I can't afford to buy different wheels. I did my research, found a honking good tire lever which, amazingly, makes changing a tube a snap. I'm back on the bike and actually can't wait to get a puncture!! How crazy is that???
Funny, I went ice skating yesterday at Warwick Castle. Took my daughter, now she wants to go again at local ice rink. I’ve not been for many years but luckily I’ve found I’m still quite good at it. 👍👍😏
Happy new year Katie. Haven't ice skated ice since i was very young snd i wish id pursued it more as i was rubbish. You should have a go at snow boarding Or skiing Katie
Nice to see you on ice!⛸️ In southern Canada 🇨🇦 before global warning we would have lots of outdoor ice to learn to skate. Why not try a triathlon this summer if you haven’t yet! Olympic distance or Half Ironman?
Happy new year Katie 🎉 looking forward to seeing what you’ve got coming. Hoping me, you and Phil can get out for a ride this year. I might be able to keep up once I’m into this training for the Fred
Skating is great cross-training. I'm ridiculously lucky to have outdoor facilities near me, including one 5 km trail through a forest. Wait until you discover skates with Boa closures!
I was guessing skiing 🎿 but ice skating is just as fun! Always a great thing to diversify your hobbies. Would be cool to see your skating progression throughout the year so I'm all for the extra curricula videos 😀. Also excited to see what cool events you are able to ride in 2024; by no means do I have the money to be able to go on "big" trips but still get excited doing the local events in midwest just because of the excitement you and other cyclist project! 🥳
So cool! Ice skating is SO fun 😄 our only rink in Tasmania, Aus closed in 2022 😱 so if we want to ice skate we have either a 1hr flight or 13hr ferry crossing...boo!
Katie, you've taught me amazing things to improve my cycling but I draw the line at strapping knife edges to my feet and trying to look coordinated! - Bob (Toronto)
Good to see something a bit different, it's a good way to widen out your channel, but personally I'll be skipping the ice skating videos. Maybe vary the additional topics? Re. Zwift, what computer specs do you use?
Sounds like a busy year coming up for KK! I plan to improve my fitness over the winter (zwift…) and get back into tennis and/or pickleball. Also get back into swimming if I can get some pool access…
Very cool Katie! I grew up ice skating in the Midwest of America. I have a lot of fond memories of skating. Are you considering the Maratona Dles Dolomites?
Dolomites are stunning! As with most things you strap on your feet on ice, golden rule - don't look at them, look forward! Also without being a killjoy cannot recommend enough even on an ice rink (where other learners are likely to run into you) wear a helmet, falling backwards even at slow speeds and smashing your head on the ice can have very serious, life altering outcomes, be it skates or ski's. Sounds good re mixing it up with your activities, the spice of life and all that. If you enjoy ice skating get skiing if you've not tried it. Think about that fun feeling on the bike on fast descents, its just that feeling of freedom and fun, oh and well the apres is good too and normally decent folks, i think you'd love the vibe/freedom. Edit - Not Pendle ski club though re:North West if that is still going lol - artificial sucks!
Just sounds like you've had some cycling burnout. I'm sure those ultra endurance events play a role like you said, takes it's toll on your body and mind. Personally I've always been an outdoorsy person so hiking, kayaking and trail running will be fun to see. These are things I need to get back into. Been real focus on trying to rebuild cycling fitness after years off. Having a balance and other interests to mix it up is important. Rock climbing is fun too if you have any interest in trying that.
Your impact is felt in many positive ways. I totally agree trying out other sports and trying to get good at them is another thrill worth exploring. camping, bike camping, hiking, ice skating, roller skating, etc , all great things to explore. It's completely understandable to have a bit of burnout from the youtube race. You have been dedicated for years. Hope you definitely find something that keeps your interest. Also would love to see what your nutrition is like , recipes for any home made bars, etc, any advice on stretching and other things you do off the bike if anything to keep in shape or train or meditate or what have you. What motivates you to keep going? If you are not motivated, then that's ok too! Good luck in 2024!
Look at you go Katie! Super skills! As a Canadian, most of us taking learning to skate for granted, and it's WAY easier to learn as a little kid (not as far to fall, centre of gravity lower and when you do, its more of a slip and right back up again. Super brave! Love this. Now that I'm a senior, my wife and I both use helmets, only just recently. I use my mountain bike helmet with the visor taken off. Good thing because last year an enthusiastic youngster took her feet/ skates out from under her in a collision and the helmet saved the day! You might consider wearing one? Great that you are diversifying! Yes to a full spectrum of kinesthetic events and...FUN!!!
Just like skiing! I grew up on PEI, so skiing wasn't common, but when I moved out west I had to learn, and wow it was so much harder to learn than skating was when I was a kid! Can't live in BC without knowing how to ski, haha.
Happy 2024 Katie! No new hobbies for me, but focusing on my cycling fitness. Barely got on the bike last year :( I came for the cycling content but stayed for how awesome you are. It’s fun to see you try new things and other activities besides just cycling, looking forward to your future videos.
Awesome!!! Bad, nope, just on the learn curve. Skating is part of life where I live. My wife went back to figure skating lessons after a 30 year break. Tough as heck but so rewarding. Get yourself some private lessons. You'll never look back. Welcome to the club.
As a Canadian (that spent a lot of his childhood in Blackpool) I can really understand the ice skating bug. First tip, get an all sport helmet. The ice is hard and you fall backward a lot. Second, if you want regular skates and not figure skates, the best are CCM Tacks (In my opinion). The more you skate the better you will be on the bike as the muscles are used differently. Look at speed skaters in the summer, they're in the velodrome. First and foremost, keep having fun.
Katieeee! You remain one of my fave cycling RU-vidrs. Love your spirit. Any plans to do the Gran Fondo NYC in the future? I would so love if you and Francis Cade did it and I could meet up with you guys!
You are a real tonic. Interesting that reflection about not being terribly good at something when you 1st puck up an activity. Very much how i started last year after joining a local cycling club. I barely could hang onto the back of the C group initially but over the months I have been working on my fitness and occasionally gave gone out with the B group members. Tailed iff a bit due to an injured leg at the end of 23 but this year really motivated to train for the Ride London in May. I've never ridden 100miles before, 80 being my furthest a few years ago. Looking forward to the challenge though. Keep on with your multi discipline New Year and cant wait for uour latest exploits.
More or less the same situation for me, felt really burnt out from cycling last year so took time out, did a half ironman and ran a marathon so getting back into cycling this year. Lost 30% of my FTP! I'm going to continue running, booked a cycling trip to Italy and and purchased an inflatable kayak!
As a long time skater and rec hockey player (another Canadian), I always wear my bike helmet for public skating. So easy to throw it on! I also like to have knee pads even though I’ve been skating my whole life. I’m not ever going to fall, except when I do😀
I personally see your channel as a Katie Kookaburra channel and for the most part you fill it with cycling content. You are the channel Katie, and if all you do is cycling, it does make you seem a tad boring after a while. Diversify Darling and have fun doing it.❤
Good for you Katie its always good to find something else you enjoy. Im kind of in the same place as you with my cycling, im on a 'return to fitness' plan on zwift, spent first quarter of last year injured + moved house and just never really got back into my cycling last year, so im pushing myself to get fit over the winter so i can get out and enjoy doing some more sportives this year. Do you have any recommendations for Yorkshire Sportives?
I’ve always found that the figure skates are much easier to skate in vs the ice hockey type skates. Not sure if they have those to try but might help as they’re more stable I find 😊
Try hiking. Really makes a difference in my cycling. After a long hike I’m always amazed at how much stronger I am on the bike. Also, less stress on the joints than running and you get to enjoy the scenery!
If it isn't fun, I don't do it. I have never done an FTP test and probably never will. I am getting my left knee replaced next month, so hopefully I can go hiking again. Have a wonderful and fun filled 2024!
