The month of March, the arrival of spring and the beautiful days... ๐ธ
This won't be the program for the snow adventurer you are! โ๏ธ We stay in winter (preferably freezing) and head to the Weekend Warrior in Inuvik in the Northwest Territories of Canada ๐จ๐ฆ. You set off for 3 days across the Dempster Highway and the ice roads of the Arctic, alone with your FatBike! ๐ฒ In total, you will need to cover 480 km (300 miles) through some of the region's most cold, difficult, and beautiful terrains ๐ค. Frozen rivers, isolated roads, wild expanses snow-covered... A true break from the everyday grind to awaken the warrior within you! ๐ช
No dozing off too long during the Weekend Warrior, or you risk turning into an ice block! ๐ง Under extreme weather conditions and temperatures that can reach -30ยฐC ๐ก๏ธ, you will face 3 stages of 160 km of cycling. A true nordic odyssey โ๏ธ, the route will guide you from Inuvik to Fort McPherson, from Fort McPherson to Aklavik, and from Aklavik to Inuvik ๐. To complete this loop, you will find base camps between each stage to warm up ๐ฅ, eat, and possibly sleep a little if you have the time ๐ด. You will need to depart well-equipped as your only warmth will be effort, and your determination will be tested during rest times ๐. But the journey is worth it: you will be immersed in frozen landscapes, covered in white, and once night falls, the northern lights may make an appearance! ๐
After this snowy trek ๐จ๏ธ, why not enjoy Inuvik and its surroundings to recharge? ๐ Discover the Our Lady of Victory Church, unique for its architecture that earned it the nickname Igloo Church ๐คฉ. If you haven't had enough of the scenery during your challenge, explore the Ivvavik National Park, where you may encounter wild animals ๐ง. Want to relax after those chilly kilometers? ๐ Consider a visit to the Western Arctic Regional Visitor Centre to dive into the local history ๐ฆ. Before heading to bed, take a look outside ๐, you might witness a celestial show that lights up your evening! โจ
Neither the cold nor the kilometers will intimidate you, so take on the Weekend Warrior challenge ๐.
The challenge is done in stages of 160 km (100 miles) and goes from base camp to base camp. Here is the itinerary:
Yes, here it is:
Warm and technical clothing
A sleeping bag suitable for temperatures down to -30ยฐC
A FatBike with wide tires of at least 3.8 inches and studded
Bicycle repair kit
Nutrition
Safety equipment (headlamp, survival blanket...)
Time limits will be communicated each day and may slightly vary depending on weather conditions or any necessary route adjustments for safety reasons. These times will be calculated assuming an average speed of 10 to 11 km/h (6 to 7 mph).
You will have an extra supply bag at each camp. This bag should contain the additional clothing you wish to bring as well as provisions for the rest of the event.
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