A fundraiser to support biking programs in Pikangikum First Nation is back following a four year hiatus.
The 110km trek will begin on Thursday and will see cyclists from the community and other organizations in the region participate.
Justin Mabdalena is one of those taking on the challenge and says funds raised will support of biking initiatives in the community, including the construction of a fat bike track.
“Kind of a dirt and gravel bermed flowing area where students of all ages, or young people of all ages can ride bikes around, somewhere within the school, so that can be between spring to fall, again so the pump track.”
Other initiatives supported by the fundraiser include insulating a workshop for the fat bikes, to allow for year round maintenance, as well as purchasing more bikes for the community, which was done during the last fundraising event in 2020 and saw more than $50k raised for the community.
Fat bikes have risen in popularity over the years, especially as they allow for cyclists to ride during the winter months.
Coincidentally, the terrain in the Pikangikum area, both during the summer and winter, is perfect for fat bikes.
The event is being supported by members of the Ontario Provincial Police and its Cycling Team.
Provincial Constable Adam Belanger who is also participating, calls it an opportunity to not only promotes healthy active living, but to also better get to know community members.
“In this circumstance, through the OPP, is invested in this to engage youth through the bicycles and so our effort to ride is to raise funds and awareness, but the bicycles are a tool we’re using to engage youth in a positive way.”
2024 marks the first year Mark Dela Cruz, who co-runs the remote community’s bike program with Mabdalena, will be cycling the full challenge.
He notes he’s done smaller runs from Taxi Bay to the community, which is roughly 17km, and has done up to 30km during other runs, so the more than 100km trip could be challenging but with warmer temperatures in the minus five range in the forecast, he feels very confident.
“So I’m feeling that might actually be too warm, cuz we do go out on rides in the winter now, and negative fifteen I’m still sweating so get better gear I guess to wick all that moisture.”
The ride kicks of on Thursday and upon arrival in Pikangikum will wrap with activities at the community’s Winter Festival on Saturday.
Anyone wishing to donate can do so by visiting here.
