WELCOME TO THE YK2HR 2024!

WHEN: May 31st - June 2nd 2024

It’s 500 kilometers of open road, three awesome days of spinning, camaraderie, great food, fun and incredible wildlife sightings. Everyone who wishes to cycle must register

Registration fees:

Early bird until April 15 11:59PM 2024: $275

Regular fee from April 16 - April 30 11:59PM 2024: $300

Late bird fee from May 1 - May 15 11:59PM local time 2024: $375

Free for riders who have not yet turned 18 at any time during 2024. Use discount code: 2024UNDER18

IMPORTANT: Absolutely NO refunds after registration. You may transfer your registration if you are able to find your replacement. To transfer your registration, please send an email to: yk2hrinfo@gmail.com

All Riders must register. A Rider is anyone who cycles any part of the route. If your partner/spouse/friend/children is/are accompanying you by vehicle, that person does not need to register and is welcomed to participate, and for free, in the non-cycling portion of the Ride.

If you and your spouse/partner share driving and cycling, both must register. Your registration fee pays for all meals (breakfast, lunch and supper) and snacks for the 3 days EXCEPT for lunch on Day 1 and Day 3. You bring your own lunch for Day 1. The Ride ends before supper on Day 3

Ride Information

Packing List

Bicycle pump /Patch kit /Spare tubes

Water bottles

Sun glasses

Regular and full finger bike gloves, for the cool mornings

Chamois butter (for your bike shorts)

Bandana or Balaclava (keep your ears warm)/Extra gloves or mitts

Lip Balm /Sun block

Tent /Sleeping bag /Sleeping foam

Folding chair – Or stand while you eat

Personal cutleries, if you wish. NOTE: A plate, bowl, cup, fork and spoon are provided during meals.

Toiletries

Bug dope

Swim suit – for the Hay River Aquatic Center at end of Ride

Daily Meals

Most of your meals on the Ride are included in your registration fee. All meals are communal – we eat and clean up together.

Meals for Day 1, Friday

Lunch: Your packed lunch. Only water and juice are available.

Supper: Consist of appetizer, stew, buns, dessert, coffee and tea. Hot water is available until 9 p.m.

Meals for Day 2, Saturday

Breakfast: Consist of oatmeal and a variety of dressings and coffee and tea.

Lunch: You make your own sandwiches during breakfast. Bread, cuts of meat, cheeses and various spreads will be made available. Juice and hot water will be available during lunch.

Supper: Consist of appetizer, chili, buns, dessert and coffee and tea. Hot water is available until 9 p.m.

Meals for Day 3, Sunday

Breakfast Consist of oatmeal and a variety of dressings and coffee and tea

Lunch: Buy your own lunch at the Enterprise gas station. Only water will be available

Supper: None provided. The Ride ends before supper time

Mandatory Pre Ride Meeting & Gear drop off.

Place: Yellowknife Ski Club meeting room

Time: Thursday May 30, 2024

5.00-5.30 pm. You drop off your camping gear into the trailer at the Ski club parking lot

5.30-6.30 pm. Present overview of the Ride and safety rules and QA

You must attend the Pre-Ride meeting. Safety is paramount on this Ride. This meeting is our opportunity to review highway rules and buffalo safety during the Ride.

Highway Safety

A Rider or vehicle must not stop on the highway shoulder unless there is an emergency. A Rider or vehicle should only stop at a designated Rest Stop, a highway pull out or a driveway. A sweeper vehicle will follow the last rider. The driver of the sweeper vehicle has the authority to pull a slower rider and ferry him/her to the next rest stop. No Rider should leave a Rest Stop unless they are confident of reaching the next Rest Stop within a reasonable time. A reasonable time is cycling at about 20 km/hour.

Bison Safety

You will encounter bison during your ride. During our past Rides, we are aware bisons will keep a wary eye on an approaching pack of cyclists and will either ignore the cyclists or stampede away if surprised. You’re likely to approach the bison without them hearing you on a bike, so you could get too close before they are aware. Slow down and get their attention while still at a distance. Calves are on the ground in June so be very wary of getting between a cow and her calf. Golden rules when encountering bison

-When bison is on the pavement, or either shoulder, or on the slopes of both shoulders – you must stop at least 50 meters away. Wait for a passing vehicle, scream, yell or do whatever it takes to get the bison to move into the ditch before proceeding.

-When bison is on the slope of only one shoulder – It is risky to pass.

-When bison is the ditch -Generally possible to pass.

Contact Details

Questions? Please contact yk2hrinfo@gmail.com

Emergency contact. Andy Wong at 867 445 8540 or Sara Wong at 867 444 9565.

FAQ

FITNESS

Q. I can easily cycle 510 km but that might take me a week. Can I mix cycling/driving?

A. Yes. You can cycle/drive as you wish. Bring your own support vehicle.

Q. I am slow and I don’t have my own support vehicle. How do I keep up?

A. The Sweeper has the discretion to stop and ferry an ambling rider to a rest stop. Or you can dismount and flag the Sweeper.

Q. Really, how fit do I have to be to enjoy the YK2HR?

A. You should be able to cycle at an average speed of 20 km/hour for about 90 minutes non-stop, rest and repeat.

REGISTRATION SUPPORT MEALS

Q. We are a family of 4. Can my spouse and I share cycling and childcare? Who needs to register?

A. This is a family-friendly event and the adults can share cycling and childcare. You and your spouse must register. Accompanying friends or family members eat free.

Q. Is there a limit to the number of cyclists?

A. We are setting a limit of 50 Riders for YK2HR 2024.

Q. How many rest stops are there?

A. Many. Generally, there is a rest stop every 25-35 km section. Please see Ride Information for details.

Q. Are the rest stops stocked?

A. Yes. There will be water, juice, fruits, cookies, food bars and chips. Please bring your own drinking bottle for water/juice. We do not supply disposal cups or energy gels.

Q. How come the fee is $300 per Rider.

A. We need to reimburse the volunteers for their gas, rent the trailer, buy equipment and feed you for an equivalent of two whole days. We also provide snacks throughout the 3 days to fuel your Ride.

Q. Can I pack and cook my own meals as I have several allergies?

A. Yes.

Q. What kitchen facilities are available?

A. There will be a two-burner stove, lots of hot water, basins for washing dishes, dish clothes, etc.

MISCELLANEOUS

Q. I cannot make the mandatory pre-Ride meeting. Is that a problem?

A. We can accommodate. Please send us an email at yk2hinfo@ gmail.com.

Q. I have a mountain bike – is that suitable for the Ride? What about a hybrid/commuter bike?

A. A road bike is ideal but it is not a requirement.

Q. Can I bring a dog?

A. Yes, as long as your dog is cared for. The responsibility for your pet should not fall to the volunteers or other riders.

Q. Can I get help if I have a bike problem during the ride?

A. You are expected to be self-sufficient in the event of a bike problem. The volunteers or Sweeper will be glad to assist you but they are not trained bike mechanics.

Q. What’s the weather going to be like?

A. Expect to be baked, rained, snowed and sleeted on. This is speaking from experience. The temperature ranges from 2C to 22C. Expect 5 to 20 km head winds for parts of the Ride.

Q. I cannot get Friday off from work. Can I still join the ride?

A. Yes. You’ll need to drive out and meet us at the kilometer 182 campsite.

Q. I have other questions.

A. Send us an email at yk2hrinfo@gmail.com.