Overview

The Great Divide Challenge, by ‘Cycle 5 To Survive’ is a thrilling and meaningful virtual event that not only promotes fitness but also supports global charitable causes. Here’s how it works:

1. Route and Experience: Embark on a virtual journey along the Great Divide, starting in Banff, Alberta, and ending at the Mexico border. Log kilometers along the route by cycling, walking, hiking, or running from anywhere in the world.
2.  Supporting Charities: Your participation in the event means more than just a personal achievement; it’s a direct contribution to five global charities under the Cycle 5 To Survive initiative. 100% of all funds raised – encompassing registration fees, your personal donations, and any additional fundraising efforts – are entirely allocated to these charities. Every cent you contribute makes a tangible difference in supporting these vital causes.
3. Interactive Engagement: As you reach milestones along the route, you’ll receive unique photos and videos from those specific locations, making your virtual ride more immersive and rewarding.
4. Tracking and Rewards: Keep track of your journey using an interactive map. As you hit various checkpoints, you’ll earn digital badges and even have the chance to win exciting prizes.
5. Go Solo or Join a Team: Whether you take on the Challenge alone or join forces with friends or coworkers, every kilometer covered by team members contributes to the team’s total mileage along the 4300 km route.
6. Join the Community: You’re not alone in this challenge! Virtually join forces with fellow explorers, including PL and Kristen, your virtual guides, who completed the route in 2023, sharing in the communal spirit of this adventure.
7. Be Epic: This cycling series will consist of five epic international rides over five years. The Continental Divide is the first ride. Can you complete all five routes, one per year, between 2024 and 2029? Sneak Peek: Your 2025 cycling challenge will be the 7,000 km European Divide trail.

This challenge is more than a cycling event; it’s an opportunity to combine your passion for cycling (walking, hiking and running too) and exploration with a commitment to making a difference globally. Sign up and join fellow explorers from around the world today.

Take The Challenge

Embark on an international cycling adventure from the comfort of your hometown with the Cycle 5 To Survive Challenge. This virtual event allows you to experience the iconic Continental Divide route without the need to travel. Here’s how you can join and what to expect:

1. Take The Challenge:
   • Full Route (4300km): Virtually complete the entire route within a year.
2. Participation Methods:
   • Cycle in your local community or on a stationary bike at your home or gym. You can also walk, hike or run to log kilometers from anywhere in the world.
   • Track your activities and progress using the Explorer Series Fitmap App, compatible with all leading fitness devices.
   • Experience enhanced engagement with GPS tracking and regular on-course video and photo updates.
3. Solo and Group Participation:
   • Open to individuals, groups, clubs, and corporate teams.
   • A great opportunity to involve friends or coworkers for a shared fitness and exploration challenge.
   • All team members’ kilometers count towards the team’s progress along the route.

This unique challenge combines the thrill of cycling (and walking, hiking, or running) with the convenience of local participation, making it an accessible and exciting way to experience one of the world’s most famous cycling routes.

Track Your Activities

You’ll be able to automatically track all of your activities on our mobile iOS or Android app which integrates with all leading fitness trackers and smartwatches. No manual recording of time or distances needed. Just click and go.

• GPS Tracking & Offline Maps
• Integrations with 9+ fitness apps and watches
• Apps for both iOS and Android
• Integration with Microsoft Teams for groups or corporate events

How It Works

Charities

Schedule: Rolling Start Date

The Challenge officially begins on July 1st, 2024. You can sign up for this event anytime from February 9, 2024, to June 30, 2025. Once you sign up, you will have 12 months to finish your Challenge depending on which distance you’ve signed up for. If you sign up after July 1st, 2024, your challenge timeline starts on the day you register.

Register

From Signup to Success: Navigating Your Challenge

Browse the Explorer Series website to pick your favourite Challenge. When you’re ready to register, we’ll direct you to RaceRoster.com to sign up. Then, once your Challenge start date arrives, you’ll use the Fitmap app to record your activities and access all the necessary details, routes, and maps.