Ian Hall, long time friend and some time worker here at Olympia is organizing one of the most epic events these parts have ever seen - Actif Epica, a 130 km winter bike race along Crow Foot Trail, from St. Malo in southern Manitoba to St. Boniface here in Winnipeg, taking place on Feb 18th, 2012 (entries due by Jan 10th).
If this challenge piques your interest but you have more question than answers as to just how to take on a cold event of such proportions you're not alone. That's why a get together of like-minded individuals is being organized. You'll be able to compare notes with others, maybe find a few training partners, and listen to and ask questions of the best - local cycling legend and epic winter riding event survivor, nay, conquerer, Lindsay Gauld.
The 411 is after the jump - for much more info on the race itself surf over here. If you can't make the meeting you can still join the group ride noted further below:
Whether you’re planning to ride the Actif Epica bike challenge or even just considering it, you probably have some questions about how to prepare for it and what kind of gear you might need. We totally get that. We also know that meeting some possible training buddies can help too, so we’re having a little get together to go over things and answer questions. Then, a couple days later, we’re organizing a relaxed group ride to try it out.
Get together: Wednesday, December 14th – 7 to 9 p.m. at Olympia Cycle and Ski, 1813 Portage Avenue.
Group ride: Sunday, December 18th – 9 a.m. at the Assiniboine Forest parking lot (meet at Grant Avenue at Chalfont Rd) for a 2-3 hour group ride. Experienced ride guides will lead the ride at an easy pace (we’ll go as fast as the slowest rider) that will head out the Harte Trail and tackle some open prairie sections.