Three years after Whitehorse crowned the 2023 Canadian XC Marathon champions on a stunningly beautiful course, the legacy of that event is still growing. Yukon Fat Tire Fever is the focal point of that growth, the weekend where the impact of nationals can be seen most clearly and most publicly.
A single day race, a growing riding community
Whitehorse already had a well established network of destination-worthy singletrack, both in town and nearby, when Canadian XCM nationals touched down. That network was built and has been supported by a vibrant riding community over the past 20 years. But just because a community is healthy, doesn’t mean it can’t get bigger and better.
For racers who keep following the events as they move around the country, the focus is often on the next event. Even for us in the media, it’s easy to get caught up in that constant movement to chase the next thing.
For the communities that host these events, though, the race may move on but life keeps on going right where theyare. The legacy of a major event, though, can spark a lasting change when it touches down in a community, even if it’s only for a year, or a weekend.
“From a legacy perspective, since 2023 the number of Yukon cyclists who participate in local events and programs has grown significantly in all disciplines, especially mountain biking, gravel, road and fat biking,” says Geof Harries, one of Yukon Fat Tire Fever’s organisers. “Our youth programs have seen big increases because of the Canadian Championships. Kids saw what was possible, goals to aspire to and got even more excited about riding and racing bikes. When we used to struggle to find enough athletes to send complete teams to the Canada Summer Games and outside races, we now have intense competition in all categories for these coveted team spots.”
Yukon Fat Tire Fever brings everyone into the party
Before 2023, Whitehorse already had a longstanding (15 years!), volunteer-run long-distance mountain bike event. But after XCM nationals, Harries wanted to build on the momentum of both events in a more welcoming format.
“We wanted to re-use most of the same XCM event course, but make it more approachable by introducing a two-person category and only timing key sections of the course, rather than start to finish,” Harries explains. “The idea was to encourage fun and adventure for more types of people.”
It can be hard to turn away from the classic and expected race formats. For the Fever, Harries says it’s paid off.
“The results have been amazing! Yukon Fat Tire Fever is proud that we have, on average, over 40 per cent female participation.”
More than a race: Yukon Fat Tire Fever celebrates Whitehorse’s singletrack community
While the new Yukon Fat Tire Fever follows the 2023 XCM course, it adds distance and a twist. As mentioned, only some parts of the course are timed. That makes the rest of the day a more social-paced tour of Whitehorse’s best and most scenic (it’s very scenic) trails. Harries says riders tend to stick together in groups, which is way more fun than suffering alone for 50 km, right?
It also makes the Fever a great way for visitors to experience Whitehorse. Getting a guided, supported tour of the area’s best singletrack is a great way to spend a day. But no one is going all the way to Whitehorse just for one day. The Fat Tire Fever low-pressure, community-focused environment means any rider new to town is likely going to end the day with a few new friends. Whether locals or other visitors, it’s a great way to find a ride buddy for the rest of their trip.
A gateway to the Yukon riding experience
If you’ve been curious about what riding in the Yukon is like, and be all accounts you really should be, Yukon Fat Tire Fever could be your gateway to good times on singletrack. The 2026 event runs August 8. Harries says that’s the ideal time to visit the area.
“Early August in Whitehorse often already sees leaves changing and sometimes early morning frost on the ground, making for an epic start and a true Northern Canada mountain bike experience ”
Travel to the Yukon is different, but straight forward. Air North has direct flights to Whitehorse from Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna and Vancouver. And, Harries says, it’s not your average airline experience. Local coffee, actual food and even warm cookies are still the norm for in flight service.
If you’re bringing a bike, Harries says you don’t even need to rent a car if you don’t want to. Hotels, rentals, local coffee roasters and breweries, and the bike course itself are all within 10km of downtown. Just ride your bike!