The Ice Road Challenge
I first heard of the Ice Road Challenge when I interviewed Tammy and Aleida from New Hope Hope Community Cycle. I thought “that’s a noble cause” and let the idea slip away. Then I ran into Tammy again at a Turkey Point event and we talked more about the Ride and my interest was peaked again. Finally I interviewed Aleida again and I decided to join.
What is the Ice Road Challenge
The Ice Road challenge is a fully supported 120-ishkm ride from Red Lake Ontario to Pikangikum. The ride is a fundraiser to benefit cycling programs for youth in remote northern communities. Thanks for many of you, they’ve raised over $60 000 from this years ride.
The Experience
In my mind, the experience needs to be split into categories of experience.
The Travel
Pikangikum is really far way from where I am in Southern Ontario. It was an once in a lifetime (maybe more) experience to travel there. The organizers made the whole experience easy and enjoyable. I wish they planned all my trips.
The Ride
The first 90km of the ride were great. The weather was manageable, the pace was conformable, the terrain was variable without being challenging, the company was pleasant and the food provided was excellent.
Then came the last 30ish km. I don’t know how to describe this… it got dark, my light died, it felt like someone threw an anchor out the back door, my tire pressure was way too high, and I crashed. But, I wouldn’t use the word bonk. My energy was still okay, but the riding got really hard. Anyway, it’s not an adventure until something goes wrong, right?
The Sleeping
As comfortable as can be for a gym floor.
The Community.
I knew from speaking to Tammy and Aleida that the Pikangikum community was going to be very different than the comfortable neighbourhood that I’ve grown up in. Due to my outsider perspective, I’m hesitant to share my thoughts and observations as we toured the community. Suffice it to say, many community members – including teachers, New Hope, and The OPP are all contributing positively to the lives of the children and the community at large.
The Day After
The next day was dedicated to touring the community, going skiing, snowshoeing, etc. I chose to spend my day quietly recuperating. Is it possible to bonk the day after the ride? I managed to loaf, eat, sleep, visit the Maker’s Market and loaf again. Full disclosure? This sunset ride was staged (by me, not by anyone else). I was too bagged to ride, so I rode in the truck, took the video, and got back in the truck. Sorry… the internet is full of liars and charlatans. I didn’t want to fake it.. I was too tired to do it. That’s a good reason, right???
The Big Question…
Would I do it again?
Yes. As simple as that. Yes.
And you should too.
