Pikangikum Ice Road Challenge - FAQ

Q: Who can register for the rides?

A: Riders will need to be able to ride at a 15km/ hour pace and sustain that for approximately 30kms from check point to check point (remember the temperature and riding conditions), up to 125km.

Riders are expected to build up the stamina to cover at least 100 km and spend up to 10 hours in the saddle in a single day. A little training helps make sure you enjoy the ride instead of just questioning all your life choices halfway through (yes, joy is possible on a bike after hour eight).

Once you’ve paid your registration fee, we are also asking each rider fundraise $1000. Because the only thing better than pedaling for hours is knowing it’s helping a good cause.

Q: How long is the ride?

A: The rides are fully supported. The ride is from Red Lake to Pikangikum First Nation, 125km of mixed frozen gravel road, 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 ride. 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.

- We strongly recommend winter footwear, warm winter boots.

-Quick tips: neoprene face mask with holes to cover your lower face and ski goggles works well to cover your eyes. Test out your rides leading up to the event so you know what layering requirements work best for you.

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: Do I need to bring food?

A: Meals for Thursday dinner, Friday and Saturday meals are included in the registration fee along with Sunday breakfast and lunch. Riders will need to bring money for Thursday lunch 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 February 5 from Toronto to Winnipeg, and then take a bus to Red Lake. We will spend the night in Red Lake and then complete the rides on Friday, February 6. On Saturday, February 7 we will be in the Pikangikum First Nation Community for the Winter Youth Festival. On Sunday, February 8 we will bus back to Winnipeg and fly back to Toronto for Sunday evening.

Q: How do I get my fat bike and gear there?

A: We will be travelling as economically as possible. We will be transporting your bike and your gear for the trip 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. In addition to moving your bike up a week before, we ask you to pack a large gear bag that will include: your winter riding gear, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, and your other personal items. There will be no checked bags for this flight and we are asking riders to only carry small carry-on items with them. We will send out an email with more details closer to the ride date.

Q: Do I need a fat bike with studs on my tires?

A: Yes. Studded tires are required for all fat 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. Medical support will be present for the duration of the event.

Q: What do accommodations look like - do I need to bring sleeping gear?

A: On Thursday evening riders will stay overnight at the Super 8 hotel in Red Lake in shared room accommodations. Our overnight accommodations in Pikangikum (Friday and Saturday night) will be a gymnasium floor at Eenchokay Birchstick School. Riders should bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and consider a camping mattress for comfort.

PLAN FOR THE MOST…EXPECT EPIC!