#FillThePodium
Because no rider should stand on the podium alone.
Applications for #FillThePodium 2024 are open!
Intro to MTB Field Trip
Want some help getting ready for you first MTB event? We’ll be heading to Turkey Point Provincial Park June 1&2 to learn MTB safety and skills while having a chance to spend time with our community.
Why we need #FillThePodium
#FillThePodium is a program to ensure that no rider rides alone. Even when there are opportunities for gender-diverse athletes to compete in cycling events there are many barriers that remain. These barriers often lead to low participation in these events. Indeed, participation is often so low that a single rider will stand alone on the podium. #FillThePodium aims to provide all the support necessary for gender-diverse athletes to focus on enjoying their time on and off the bike.
The Program
The #FillThePodium program supports community. We work with event organizers and local businesses to ensure there are awesome spaces for gender-diverse athletes to put their wheels in the dirt. A big part of that commitment is making sure riders have everything they need to be successful on the day of their event — whatever that means to the individual. Successful applicants will get free registration and access to financial support, transportation, gear, food, accommodation (this may be camping) and more. It’s all coordinated based on individual needs.
In 2024, we’re focusing on three whole weekend events where there’s plenty of time on and off the bike to enjoy the atmosphere. Those three weekends feature six different races including two MTB disciplines (XC Marathon, Enduro) and two Gravel styles (traditional loop, 8 hour lap race). There’s something for everyone!
#FillThePodium at Hurtin in Haliburton 2023
About Hurtin in Haliburton
In its sixth year, Hurtin in Haliburton Gravel Relay Race has become recognized for its relaxed and beginner-friendly format featuring a 27 km backcountry gravel loop. Participants can expect flowy gravel roads, beautiful scenery, 330 m of climbing/lap with the option of racing solo or in teams of two, alternating throughout. They offer a safe and social environment for the growing gravel community with the philosophy that all participants Start Together and Finish Together encouraging participants to build friendships whether on the course, in the pits, or at the post-race celebration.
The event takes place on September 13-15 at Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve. On-site camping is available both nights.
The race is a lap race in which you complete as many laps as you can in an eight hour period. In 2023 our riders ran the spectrum of abilities completing between one and seven laps.
#FillThePodium at Substance Projects’ Scrappy Badger 2023
About Substance Projects
They believe the world would be a better place if everyone rode a bike at least three times a week — it’s their guiding principle.
Their events aim to get people outside and active and to leave our trails and communities a little better for it.
Their events are about riding; you can ride to race, you can ride to just have a good time with friends, you can ride to try something new. Whatever way you do it, it’ll be great.
In 2023 we came to realize the effort Substance Projects puts into making each event special. Whether it was the sand at Scrappy Badger or the river crossing at Screaming Squirrel there was always a moment that made you stop and think about how you’ll always remember that day. This year we’re adding a host of new events from them so there will be new surprises in store.
See below for more info on the events.
#FillThePodium 2024 Full Support Events
August 23-24
Eager Beaver Weekend
by Substance Projects
Sat: XC Marathon
Sun: Gravel
Sun: Enduro
Mansfield Outdoor Centre
Mulmur, ON
September 13-15
Fri: Pre-Ride
Sat: Gravel Lap Race
Sun: Travel Day
Haliburton Forest & Wild Life Reserve
Haliburton, ON
October 19-20
Turkey Point MTB Weekend
by Substance Projects
Sat: XC Marathon
Sun: Enduro
Long Point Eco-Adventures Resort & Retreat Centre
Turkey Point, ON
Other Partner Events
September 7-8
Kingston MTB Weekend
by Substance Projects
Sat: XC Marathon
Sun: Enduro
Glenburnie
Kingston, ON
Team pit stop at Hurtin in Haliburton 2023… five hours into the race.
Who qualifies to apply?
In order to qualify to participate in #FillThePodium and have the opportunity to receive support, riders must
Self-identify as gender gender-diverse / non-binary
Commit to registering as gender-diverse (some events have a variety categories in which you can ride e.g. adaptive, fat bike, etc.)
Be eligible to participate on race day according to the rules set out by race organizers
Be a resident of Canada
What's the selection process?
Submissions will be selected at random with a few exceptions; priority will be given in the following order (the lower the number the higher the priority):
Riders that express a financial need
Riders that have never participated in a cycling race
Riders that self-identify as being from equity-deserving communities
Riders that have participated in race, but have never done so in a gender-diverse category
We recognize that these priorities are not mutually exclusive and our selection will reflect this. For instance, if a rider qualifies as both priority (1) and (2), they would have a higher priority than a rider that only qualifies as priority (1).
Do none of the selection priorities describe you? Please, still apply! We’re always looking to bring in more people and there’s a lot of space in the program.
What's expected of me if I’m accepted?
Communication and trying your best — that’s it.
After you’re accepted we’ll arrange a meeting with you to talk about your goals, needs, and desires so that we can tailor our support to you. In return, we expect that you let us know if your plans change, you’re unable to make the event, or if you just want to ask about what tires might be best for the event. We’re here to support you as a person first and athlete second.
When it comes to race day, just do your best. We support riders that have a wide variety of skills and fitness levels. You don’t have to train all summer to participate, but if you want to we’ll absolutely support that.
When’s the application deadline?
April 30th is the first application deadline with monthly deadlines after that. Every month we’ll assess applications and grant spots in the program until such time as funding runs out. Make sure to get your application in sooner rather than later!