The Cycling Association of Yukon and its partners have organized Yukon Bike Fest, a series of fun events from Saturday, Aug. 26 to Monday, Sept. 4.

Yukon Bike Fest surrounds the national-level mountain bike race that will happen in Whitehorse on Sunday, Sept. 3.

The national race is bringing cyclists of all ages from across the country to the Yukon to compete in the 2023 Canadian Cross-Country Marathon Mountain Bike (XCM MTB) Championships.

Canadian XCM MTB
Championships

For the Championships, there are age categories ranging from 13 years old to over 65 years. There’s also the Open category for mountain bikers who want to ride the course with everyone else, and perhaps test themselves against friends and family.

Course options are organized by these same categories and include 90 km, 60 km and 30 km distances. Each lap is about 30 km.

For the youngest riders, the course is 20 km and excludes the difficult sections. There will also be ride-arounds for the more challenging features on the full Marathon course.

Registration for the race closes on Tuesday, Aug. 29. Sign up now so you don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime event in the Yukon!

The Championships will take place at the Mt. McIntyre trails, on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.

Yukon Bike Fest

There’s a full schedule of events for Yukon Bike Fest, with something happening most every day. For more information and to register, go to https://yukoncycling.com.

Saturday, Aug. 26

Velonorth GRMB Gravel/Mountain Bike Extravaganza

Tuesday, Aug. 29

Medicine Chest Dirt Girls Group Ride

Wednesday, Aug. 30

Youth Ride with the Pros for youth 12 and older

Mount Sima Slamfest

Thursday, Aug. 31

Terra Riders Shuttle Night

Friday, Sept. 1

Canadian XCM MTB Championships - Practice Day

Saturday, Sept. 2

Kids Cookie Criterium for kids 12 and younger

Canadian XCM MTB Championships – Practice Day

Canadian XCM MTB Championships – Welcome Reception

Together on the Trails Yukon mountain biking film premiere by Cycling Canada

Barrel Sider Invitational Bike Polo Tournament

Sunday, Sept. 3

Canadian XCM MTB Championships - Race Day

On-site community expo featuring local vendors, youth and kids’ activities, Winterlong Brewing Beer Garden, Terra Riders Air Bag Zone and more!

Barrel Sider Invitational Bike Polo Tournament

Monday, Sept. 4

CAY President’s Recovery Ride to Winterlong Brewing

Volunteer party at Winterlong Brewing

– Submitted by Geof Harries.