Q & A

Lake to Lake Events Mountain Bike Festival

1.Q: What is the Lake to lake Festival all about?

A: In recognition of one of the best sports on the planet and 14 years of running one of Canada's most successful mountainbike events, we will be celebrating the sport of 'Mountain Biking' by offering two great mountain bike races, combined with a bike Expo into one big festival. Add to this a beachside BBQ, and lot's of fun and entertainment and you will enjoy a memorable and entertaining day sure to be a highlight on everyones calendar for years to come.

2. Q: Why has the Lake to Lake course been shortened from 50 km to just under 29 km?
A: The original course has a great history, however due to prohibitive logistical issues of going through half a dozen townships and private land, the time has come to either cancel the event, or try to organize an even that is even better than the original with more single track, more parking, better facilities and one that is safer for our participants.

3.  Q: What changes should I be aware of for this year’s 29er event: 
A: Both Lake to Lake and Pond to Pond events start at Brock University and finish at Charles Daley Park. Please note that we are no longer offering a shuttle service so you will have to arrange your own transportation for you and your bike. The corporate category has been eliminated due to declining interest. There are substantial discounts available for early registration, up to 36% if you register before December 31, giving you access to the lowest registration fees possible. Last but not least, the Lake to Lake Expo event will be ramped up this year with more retailers and all cash donations from the expo going to charity.

4. Q: What kind of bike should I be using in this event?
A: We strongly recommend that you use a mountain bike! Road bikes, tandem bikes and recliners are not permitted. Cyclocross and hybrid bikes can be used, if you are an expert and the conditions are suitable for this type of bike.

5. Q: Is the course safe to ride?
A: We recommend that you ride to the level of your ability and use common sense in technical areas and road crossings. For safety, we have St. Johns Ambulance personnel riding the course; as well, they are stationed near the finish area. The feed-zones, police crossings and many volunteer locations have cell phones for deploying emergency services. We also recommend that you bring your own cell phone for additional safety.

6. Q: Can I pick up my friend's or team-mates kit and number plate?
A: Yes, but please let them know you are doing this.

7. Q: Do I have to be at the award ceremonies to qualify for all the great draw prizes?
A: Yes and the prizes are well worth staying for! Usually we have many Giant bikes to give away. Awards will start around 3:00-3:30 pm and last for about 1 hour.

8. Q: Are any proceeds going to charity?
A: In past events we have been supportive of various charities including United Way, Niagara Warehouse of Hope, Aids Niagara, and the Justin Brown foundation. This year we will donate all cash donations from the Expo event to charity.

9. Q: Are you accepting any mail in or drop off registration?
A: No, since 2005, neither mail in or drop off registrations have been accepted.

10. Q: I forgot to buy an event t-shirt during registration or want to buy an extra one for a friend. Are these t-shirts available for purchase at the event?
A: Our quality event t-shirts can be purchased for $15 and the quick drying tech shirts for $25. These can all be bought after the ride at the event Expo.

11. Q: I registered and did not get a confirmation by e-mail. What’s going on?
A: The issue is that many people have spam filters set to HIGH, so many confirmation e-mails end up in the junk mail folder, particularly with hotmail and yahoo accounts. Just check the 'confirmation list' on the 'register' link and if you find your name, then you are registered.
 

12. Q: Will there be a bus and bike shuttle this year?
A: No, due to the close proximity of Brock University and Charles Daily Park, participants are asked to organize their own transportation .

13. Q: When does online registration close?
A: Online registration closes at 11:00 pm (Midnight) on the Wednesday before the event. This allows us time to get the number plates assigned and labels prepared for pick-up the next day.

14. Q: How difficult is the new Lake to Lake "29er" and the Pond to Pond course?
A: Both routes contain a variety of trails ranging from road to technical single track. Compared to past years we have added a lot more single track to the Lake to Lake 29er event for an action packed and fun 29 km course. The Pond to Pond course is a user-friendly 17 km course for less experienced riders and is much easier than the Lake to Lake 29er course.

15. Q: How long does it take to complete the course?
A: This year we expect the top riders for both events to finish around one hour, with slower riders taking up to 3 hours.

16. Q: Is there day-of or day-before registration?
A: There is no day-of registration, but you can "Late" register the day before the event between 12-4 pm at Charles Daley Park, Lincoln on the Saturday, before the event.

17. Q: Can I pick up my event kit and number plate prior to race day?
A: Yes, on Saturday, one day before the event, between 12-4 pm at Charles Daley Park in Lincoln.
 
18. Q: Am I able to get a copy of the course map, so I can pre-ride the course?   
A: The Lake to Lake organizers obtain special permits each year to use private lands that are off limits to the public. Therefore, we are unable to promote the use of our route and cannot give you a copy of the map; however, a full course map will be posted the morning of the event at our Brock University start location.

19. Q: Where is Charles Daley Park and what facilities do they have?

A: Please visit their website for more information at www.lincoln.ca/siteengine/activepage.asp?PageID=71

20. Q: Can we camp at Charles Daley Park for the weekend?

A: Yes, please contact the park directly by calling 906-563-8205