The Wendigo Ultra is a self-supported fatbike event that takes participants through Whitewater Township and into Quebec, with options for 50km, 100km, and 150km.The out and back course includes 20km of lake ice, some gravel roads and abandoned rail line groomed for snowmobiling. The Wendigo Ultra is designed to push the limits of those willing to accept the challenges that lie ahead, noted organizer Cameron Dube of Beachburg.
“By registering for this event and showing up at the start line, you agree to those challenges and risks associated with this type of event,” he said, adding, “If you are unaware of those potential risks and dangers, then perhaps the wendigo isn’t for you.”
At the end of Saturday’s event, organizer Dube said, “Congratulations to all the riders. Success depended on proper preparation in all facets of winter fatbiking, from showing up with the required gear to training the body and mind for the task that stood in front of you.” It is events like this that create stories and memories that last weeks and months, sometimes even years, he noted. Many lessons are learned about gear, food, hydration and most importantly, yourself.
The riders’ environment included windswept lake conditions, gravel roads and rail trail groomed by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs. There was also lots of open country.
Wind was the riders friend and enemy, he said. Riders began and ended at Whitewater Brewing Company just west of Cobden on Hwy. 17. There were three checkpoints depending on the kilometres the riders went – Beachburg Arena for those going 50 kilometres; the provincial bridge for the 100 kilometre riders and the Art Brulant Café in Shawville for those riding 150 kilometres.
This is an event that does not happen without many volunteers, Dube said.Paul Harding pre-groomed the lake path and cruised the lake all day ensuring rider safety.
Tim Ward and Guillaume (Gee Man) prepared a fantastic Checkpoint for the 100 km and 150 km riders and ensuring rider safety for the whole day! Kimberly MacLean checked in the 50km riders at the arena in Beachburg.
Connor Furneaux and Cody Miller were able to get some great drone footage and pictures. They were also the race officials at the Art Brûlant & Impressions: Roasted Art & Coffee checkpoint in Shawville for the 150km riders. Raymond Sander-Regier is the owner of the cafe and art studio. He is an avid recumbent fatbike rider. Please go there to ride the endless gravel roads of the Pontiac and finish with a Java by Raymond! Cari-lynn McSorley was the photographer, who took hundreds of pictures and ensured rider safety on the lake Guy and Kathleen Willis, the owners of the cottage on the lake, allowed the participants to exit and enter via their property.
Christopher Thompson and the Whitewater Brewing Company staff hosted the entire event, from 6 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. “Your staff are incredible, patient and kind people,” Dube said, adding, “The coffee, food and bear was great. “We could not ask for a better place to run this event.” Steve Olson, the Christmas tree property, allowed the participants to use his property to enter the lake. There were also many sponsors who provided incredible prizes, including Live to Play Sports, 45NRTH, Endura, Bikestud, MEC Mountain Equipment Co-op (Ottawa Store), Thief Bikepacking, StemCAPtain and Red Bull
“Special Thanks to the Whitewater Sno-Goers and 780 Association des Motoneigistes de Pontiac Snowmobile Drivers Association for allowing us to fatbike on your trails,” Dube said. Next year’s event is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 9, 2019. Just a reminder, this year’s BORCA Spring Chicken Run in Whitewater Region is Saturday, May 12. Go online to register at BORCA Spring Chicken. More photos on the Wendigo Ultra facebook page
