Winter Bike Day 2024 – Feb. 10

 

Similar to last year’s Winter Bike Day, we are doing this again in 2024! We are hosting Winter Bike Day 2024 on Saturday, February 10 in conjunction with the global Ride Together Day. We are encouraging all Calgarians to get out and bike, or take multi-modal transport without the use of a private vehicle, to multiple designated destinations. Goodies will be given at various locations, and there are chances to be entered in two different prize draw categories.

Hot Chocolate Fest and Winter Cycling Congress Draw

New this year, Bike Calgary is partnering with the YYC Hot Chocolate Festival in support of Meals on Wheels. Starting on February 1 and ending on February 10, you can take a selfie with your bike and hot chocolate at any Hot Chocolate Fest location and post it on social media (tag @yychotchocolatefest). By tagging Bike Calgary (@bikecalgary AND use #WinterBikeYYC2024), you’ll gain an entry into the main prize draw (see below).

For a chance at the second prize draw category, make sure to add @WorldWinterBike on X. You’ll be entered to win two passes to the Winter Cycling Congress (www.yegcyclingcongress.ca), which is happening in Edmonton February 22-24, 2024. Thanks to Ever Active Schools for donating these passes.

How it Works: “Hot Spots” and Prizes

There are 16 Hot Spots around the city. You are encouraged to visit one or more of these locations – we have a few suggested route maps below. Hot Spots have goodies to hand-out for the duration of the time that they are open, as well as a “passport” that will be stamped at each location you visit. Submit a scanned copy of your passport by the end of the day Feb. 11 to winterbikeday.yyc@gmail.com, no matter how many you’ve visited. For every stamp you have, you will get one entry into a draw for our bigger prizes! Prizes include handle bars, hip and stem packs, and gloves. Don’t miss out! Draw winners will be contacted in the days following the event.

Hot Spots List and the Frosty Cowtown Fondo

Hot Spots and their opening hours for the day are below. Please note that I Love You Coffee Jr. is different than what was printed on the passport. It is two blocks away and the hours are different. Apologies for the confusion.

 

• • BikeBike Inc. – 11AM – 6PM (NOTE: address printed on passport is incorrect; actual address is 430b 40 Ave NE!)

• • Bike and Brew – 10AM – 5PM

• • Bike Root at the University of Calgary – 10AM – 2PM

• • Chix Eggshop – 7AM – 3PM

• • Calgary Heritage Roasters – 8AM – 6PM

• • Paradise Beverage Company (formerly Elite Brewery and Cidery) – 11:30AM – late

• • Good Trade – 8AM – 5PM

• • I Love You Coffee Jr. – 8AM – 3PM (note this is different than the information on the passport)

• • Joe’s Garage – 12PM – 3PM

• • Pedego Calgary – 10AM – 5PM

• • Ridley’s Kensington – 10AM – 6PM

• • Ridley’s Westhills – 10AM – 6PM

• • The Naked Leaf – 10AM – 5PM

• • Two Wheel View (non-profit organizations like Bike Calgary, and Alberta Bike Swap will be at this location) – 11AM – 4PM

• • Sprawl Calgary – 1PM – 3PM

• • Village Ice Cream (University District) – 11AM – 11PM

All 16 locations are marked on our Frosty Cowtown Fondo map for those who want to see which ones are closest to them (or try getting them all!). C-Train stations are noted for multi-modal trips.

In addition to the prize draws, most of the hot spots are offering more incentives to get out and explore!

 

• • Free giveaways: Good Trade Kensington, Ridley’s (both locations), Village Ice Cream, Bike Root, Bike and Brew, Bike Bike, Chix Eggshop, Calgary Heritage Roasters), Elite Brewery

• • Other prize draws, discounts, or fun activities: Sprawl Calgary, Bike Root, Chix Eggshop, Calgary Heritage Roasters

Suggested Rides for a Family-Friendly Day

We don’t expect folks to visit every Hot Spot, but want to encourage friends and families to ride together. Here are a couple suggested self-paced routes that highlight many of our official Hot Spots and other destinations that make for great city bike rides. Where possible, routes use separated cycling infrastructure or calm residential roads. These are just suggestions–feel free to ride where, when, and how long it makes the most sense for you, and always be cautious when approaching intersections or sharing the road.

 

Other Fun Biking or Biking-affiliated Events In the City

Chinook Blast – Frolicking and Fitness with SNO in the City – Presented by the Shaganappi Nordic Operations (SNO) Club 

Another great FREE event on Feb. 3 (Saturday), and Feb. 4 (Sunday) from 10AM-2PM at the Shaganappi Point Golf Course (1200 26 St. SW, Calgary) where people can experience the exciting winter sports of fat biking, snowshoeing, and XC-skiing. Participants will be able to access these activities in a safe and fun manner, with the availability of equipment as well as on-site instruction and guiding.

Click here for all the details.

Arctic Adventure – Presented by the Bridgeland Riverside Community Association and the Bridgeland-Riverside Calgary Events

From February 9 – 11, the Bridgeland Arctic Adventure will be filled with games and adventures, and there may be bike-related events in relation to this event.

Click here for all the details

Rides Across Calgary

Wherever you are, we’d love to see you get out and bike on Saturday! If you tag @bikecalgary AND use #WinterBikeYYC2024 on any social media platform, or email us a picture of your ride at winterbikeday.yyc@gmail.com, you will be entered into our prize draw. Those who visit one or more Hot Spots get a bonus draw entry for sending us a photo.

Check out the Calgary Pathways and Bikeways Map to find bike-friendly routes near you. The online map also includes information on snow clearing.

Leave a comment below with your best route suggestions! 

Thanks to our Partners and Sponsors!