Winter ultra distance fat bike events for the truly hardcore Canadian cyclist

Mountain bikers are known to seek out challenges, from technical trails to long rides and races, but these three winter ultra distance events take “challenging” to the next level. Ranging from 50 km to 500km, all three see racers voluntarily set out on ultra distance races during the coldest part of winter in some of Canada’s most frigid provinces. With February in the Ottawa Valley being the warmest option on the list, it takes a near-unique personality to seek out these events. “Near,” because each of these events draws out a surprising number of racers seeking to test their physical and mental limits in the depths of a Canadian winter. If you’re looking for a little more than your standard winter fat bike race, here’s three Canadian winter events to test even the strongest most-weather immune riders.

Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra
February 1 – 9, 2018
Whitehorse, Yukon

Following the Yukon Quest sleddog trail,  Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra racers depart Whitehorse to cover marathon, 100 mile or 300 mile distances. In odd number years, there’s an option to race the entire 430 mile distance to reach Dawson City. Combining extremely remote wilderness with ultra distances is not for the faint of heart. Add in a February start in the depth of a harsh Yukon winter and Montane Yukon Arctic Ultra is one of the most demanding races you could contest in Canada. Good luck to anyone brave enough to tackle this one.

Wendigo Fatbike Ultra
February 10, 2018
Cobden, Ont.

The least remote race on the list and the race offering the shortest distance option, Wendigo Ultra might be the easiest of the three races on the list, but it is far from easy. Racers cross over 20km of lake ice in distances of 50, 100 or 150 km, self supported, through the Ottawa Valley. Wendigo Ultra may not be in the Yukon, but Ontario winters aren’t exactly tropical. If ultra endurance fat bike racing interests you, this might be the race to get your feet wet. Metaphorically, that is. By all accounts, you want to do everything you can to keep your feet dry during these events.

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Actif Epica
February 16, 2018
Winnipeg, Man. (finish)

Actif Epica combines extreme distance racing, over 125, 162 or 200 km distances, with a celebratory atmosphere. Organizers present the Actif Epica as “a human-powered event, bringing communities together in a DIY celebration of human ingenuity in a cold winter environment.” Don’t confuse the welcoming attitude with an easy race, though, as participants still have to battle the unrelenting cold and brutal winds of a Southeastern Manitoba winter on their way back to the finish in downtown Winnipeg. Actif Epica is tough enough to be a qualifying event for the infamous Iditarod Trail Invitational in Alaska. Anyone seeking more of a challenge than “just” the Actif can attempt the midwestern triple crown by adding the 160 mile Tuscobia Winter Ultra and Arrowhead 135 in the same season. Do so successfully to be conferred to The Order of the Hrimthurs and have your name added to the Realm of Legends, fantastic additions to any race resume.