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The foam blocks protect your vehicle roof from scratches or damage.

Unless you’re super strong and not worried about scratching your car, we recommend recruiting a buddy to help you load your canoe on your vehicle. Sure, it can be done solo, but it’s a whole lot easier with a little help.

Attach Foam Blocks

If you are using a foam block canoe carrier, attach the four foam blocks to the gunnels (two on each side) before loading the canoe. Place them at an even distance from the center yoke.

Lift the Canoe

Working with your partner, lift the canoe overhead and carry it to the side of the vehicle. Flip the canoe upside down together as you lift the canoe onto the roof of the vehicle and gently set it down. Only the foam blocks should be touching the roof of your vehicle.

Center the Canoe

Make sure the canoe is centered on the vehicle. On most vehicles, the yoke should be just behind the front doors. If you have a canoe rack, make sure the canoe is centered on the rack.

Secure the Center Strap

Secure the canoe to the vehicle using a center strap and Y straps on each end. The center strap goes over the belly of the canoe at the center point and through the car doors on either side. Tighten the strap and secure the loose end to keep it from flapping in the wind. Closing the car doors will keep the strap securely in place.

Secure the Ends

Next, secure the canoe at each end by connecting the strap to the canoe in front or back and securing the ends of the strap to your vehicle in a Y-shaped pattern. Choose secure tie down points on your vehicle. Tie off any loose ends.

Check Straps Again

Double check all straps for tightness before driving. After driving at highway speeds for a few miles, stop and check the straps again for tightness. Adjust as needed.

Video Demonstration

For visual learners, see the video below by Algonquin Outfitters:

Riding bike on the road requires staying alert to what's around you.

Spring is here, and the bikes are out on the road in full force. The rules of the road might differ from state to state, but there are a few general and common sense tips that apply to almost any situation. Here are a few of those tips on keeping the peace between bikers and drivers.

Tips for Drivers:

• Watch for bikers on the road, at intersections, and at crosswalks. Check your blind spot before turning right, and don’t cut bikers off at the turn. They are often moving faster than you expect.
• Give bikers a wide berth when passing. If it’s not safe to pass, don’t. Wait until the time is right.

Tips for Bikers:

• Don’t ride in a way that expects drivers to see you. Be especially alert at intersections and when passing parked cars, where someone could open their door in front of you as you approach.
• Avoid riding on busy streets when possible. It clogs up traffic and puts you at higher risk for accidents. Choose roads with lower speed limits, neighborhood streets, and dedicated bike paths whenever possible.
• Stay visible. Especially at night. Always use a strong headlight and/or headlamp at dusk or in the dark. Get a flashing red light for the back of your bike. Brightly colored, reflective clothing is another good idea—both at night and during the day.
• Signal your turns. Let drivers and other bikers around you know your intentions well ahead of your actions. Don’t take motorists by surprise.
• Let’s face it—at some point in time, a driver will take a sudden turn without signaling, cut you off at an intersection, or honk when they think you’re in the way. Just take a deep breath, keep doing what you know you should do, and let it go.
• If you’re like most of us, you drive and bike both. The benefit is that you understand what it’s like on both sides. So when you’re a driver, be considerate and aware of those on bikes. And when you’re a biker, do the same for cars around you.

Friends sledding

I can’t remember the last time I went sledding. But a few days after the latest snowfall hit in Minnesota (and just about the only significant snowfall this winter), my friends and I decided it was time to drag out the sleds.

Sledding is fun. Sledding in the dark…even more fun. There’s no telling when you’re going to sail off a ramp some kid built up during the day. Especially when you’re going backwards.

I’d forgotten how you can feel everything under the sled when the snow is packed down. Every bump, dip, and mitten that you run over feels rock-hard.

Although I can’t recommend sledding in the dark (something along the lines of “don’t do this at home”), we did come out in one piece…no broken bones, no bruised tailbones, and no trips to the emergency room.

Time to put away the sleds again until next time the kid in me wants to come out and play.