2024 Ice Road Challenge: Red Lake to Pikangikum First Nation

We have reached our goal of $50,000!

Thank you for the support given to the Pikangikum youth cycling program!

Let’s not stop there…

Every extra contribution will be dedicated to furthering the growth of cycling initiatives in other Indigenous communities. Your continued support will play a pivotal role in seeing cycling education programs, like the one created with the community of Pikangikum, begin, grow, and thrive.

Raising Funds for Indigenous Bike Programming

January 25-28, 2024, riders will bundle up and settle in for an 110km fat bike ride from Red Lake Ontario to Pikangikum First Nation, raising money for youth cycling programs.

The youth of Pikangikum First Nation, in partnership with New Hope Community Bikes and the Ontario Provincial Police, are inviting you to support the development of their cycling activities. Funds raised will go towards facilitating Ride Smart - a safe cycling program, building a pump track, insulating Rusty’s Bike Shop, teaching bicycle mechanics, updating shop tools, and employing youth year-round.

Sponsors:

On Saturday, January 27, 2024, the youth of Pikangikum First Nation are organizing a Winter Festival. Riders of the Ice Road Ride will get a chance to take in some of the unique experiences of The North!

The Ride:

Cyclists will depart from Red Lake, ON, January 26, 2024, making their way to Pikangikum First Nation - 110 kms away. Some riders will choose to depart from Nungesser (35km) or Taxi Bay (17km), with all riders arriving in Pikangikum Friday evening. Cyclists will navigate snow, ice, and extreme cold temperatures in support of youth cycling initiatives.

On Saturday, January 27, 2024, cyclists will take part in Pikangikum’s Winter Festival, experiencing all the beauty that the community has to offer.

To participate, cyclists must be in condition to ride in extreme cold temperatures for the stated distances. Studded tires are required.

For more details check out the registration page or email info@newhopecommunitybikes.com.

FAQ's – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who can register for the rides?

A: Anyone can register for any of the three rides. Once you pay the registration fee, we ask each rider to also fundraise.

Q: How long are the rides?

A: There are three rides, all the rides are fully supported. Riders who sign up for the 35 or 17km will ride in the truck until the starting point for their ride, at which point they will join the full group of riders.

• Long ride: Red Lake to Pikangikum First Nation, 110km of mixed frozen gravel road and frozen bush and lake.

• Medium ride: from Nungesser Road to Pikangikum First Nation, 35 km of frozen gravel road and frozen bush and lake.

• Short ride: Taxi Bay to Pikangikum First Nation, 17km of frozen bush and lake.

Q: What are the elevations like for the ride?

A: The terrain is northern Ontario, so flat with rolling hills along the frozen gravel road portions of the ride. We are aiming to keep the pace for the ride at 15km/h.

Q: Are there rest stops along the routes?

A: Yes, we will be stopping every 20-30 kms along the long ride, and the 35km ride has a rest stop at the halfway point. A support vehicle with a trailer is available as a warming station and to access food. A pop-up privacy shelter will be available for washroom needs.

Q: What should I wear for the ride?

A: You can expect to be riding in temps ranging from -15 to -25 without windchill, so what you wear is important!

Dress in layers with the ability to cover all exposed skin- including your face.

Quick tip: neoprene face mask with holes to cover your lower face and ski goggles works well to cover your eyes.

Q: Do I need a helmet?

A: Yes, a helmet is required to ride in the Ice Road Challenge. Consider using a ski helmet for added warmth and comfort.

Q: What do I wear on my feet?

A: We strongly recommend winter footwear, warm winter boots.

Q: Do I need to bring food?

A: Meals for Friday and Saturday are included in the registration fee.

Riders will need to bring money for Thursday lunch and dinner and Sunday night meals.

Snacks and hydration will be provided for the rides on Friday, but if you require special snacks or hydration during your ride, please bring those items with you.

Q: How are the riders getting to Red Lake?

A: Most of the travel and accommodation costs are built into the registration fee. We have taken care of all the travel plans. We will travel by plane on January 25 from Toronto to Winnipeg, and then take a bus to Red Lake. We will spend Thursday night in Red Lake and then complete the rides on Friday, January 26. On Saturday we will stay in the Pikangikum First Nation Community for the Winter Youth Festival. On Sunday, January 28, we will bus back to Winnipeg and fly back to Toronto for Sunday evening.

Q: How do I get my fat bike there?

A: We will be trailering your bike to Red Lake to meet you there; your bike will need to be boxed up and dropped off at a designated location prior to your departure north. We will send out an email with more details closer to the ride date.

Q: Do I need studs on my tires?

A: Yes. Studded tires are required for all bikes participating in the Ice Road Challenge.

Q: Is there an emergency management plan in place for the ride?

A: Yes. We have consulted with the local hospital and emergency services to provide an appropriate response to potential emergency situations.

Q: Do I need to bring sleeping gear?

A: Yes. Our overnight accommodations in Pikangikum will be a gymnasium floor. Riders should bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and consider a thin camping mattress for comfort.