Why hello there!

Just under two weeks to go! This is the second in a series of e-newsletter updates about the Winter Cycling Congress 2014. Major announcements only. This one is a doozie. Please read carefully.

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1. See who is speaking. Go here to learn a bit more about all of the talented speakers that are making this event special. 

2. You can be a speaker too! Tell everyone your story on Thursday night! Be a part of an exciting public event where delegates, speakers and the people of Winnipeg are invited to mix at the St.Boniface Research Centre to exchange stories! With a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear from guests from around the world, we are inviting everyone involved in the conference to consider submitting a short, image-based presentation to be presented rapid-fire style in the Samuel N. Cohen Auditorium. Based on the popular Pecha Kucha presentation format, "Betcha Couldya: Reflections on Human Powered Winter Travel" is a fun event with music, drinks, DIY workshops, mingling and a succession of stories from at home and around the world.  Speaking slots are limited. Topics are open ended. Entry is free or by donation to local bike education programs. Go here for more information, and to sign up to speak. Made possible by Alta Planning + Design.

3. Do you need a bike? Courtesy of Winnipeg's local volunteer-run bikeshops and others, there will be a limited number of bicycles available for "rent" to conference guests. Rental is by donation. Bikes vary in size/type. Bring your own lock (mandatory) or helmet should you choose to wear one. First come first serve. To help us gauge interest, please go here to fill out a brief form. Made possible by the WRENCH.

4. Hungry? Sign up for the Moveable Feast . . . Winnipeg's one-of-a-kind Winter Cycling Restaurant Tour. Thursday evening, just before the Betcha Couldya, this one-of-a-kind opportunity features a stop on the now-famous Raw: Almond restaurant right on the frozen river, warm drinks in a snow maze, dessert on a winter patio and more. Come see and taste Winnipeg for yourself! Spaces are reserved for conference-goers, but is very limited. Sign up now. Made possible by The Downtown Winnipeg Biz and Freig and Associates.

5. Sign up for the Winnipeg Cultural and Architectural Icons Tours. Also Thursday evening, just before the Betcha Couldya. Featuring special access for conference delegates, speakers and volunteers only, this is your chance to visit the newly built Canadian Museum for Human Rights and the inimitable Winnipeg Art Gallery. Culture buffs will not want to miss this one. Go here for more info and to sign up. Thanks to Freig and Associates and the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ for organizing.

6. Winter Cities Bicycle Infrastructure Design Course. Tuesday all day. There is still room left for participants in this important pre-conference session being held at the Millenium Library on Tuesday, February 11th. The design course costs extra, but is heavily discounted for conference participants. Sign up now! Kudos to our friends at Urban Systems for making it happen. 

7. U of M Post Conference Session - Cold Campus Cycling. Friday afternoon, just after the conference. Typically university campuses exhibit some of the highest numbers of winter cyclists. The U of M may not be the University of Madison or the University of Oulu, but they have big plans. Our biggest University is undergoing some significant and exciting changes and they are keen to get feedback on what is possible. Come down and hear from 4 experts who know how it works and participate in some lively discussion and workshops. Go here for more info. Brought to you by the U of M.

8. Can't make it to the conference? Have to work?  There is still plenty of time to commit to riding on Winter Bike to Work Day on Friday, February 14th, 2014.  Celebrate winter riding the simplest way. There are numerous communities participating (From Alaska to Winnipeg to Finland) - or just sign up as an individual. Everything you need to know is here: Winter Bike to Work Day.

9. A Few Good Causes. Faced with the slight possibility that this non-profit conference may have money left over once we cover expenses, any additional money raised will be donated to local and international causes working to improve cycling conditions for everyone. Specifically, The WRENCH (local volunteer bike repair for at-risk youth), Bike Winnipeg (local volunteer bike advocacy) and the Winter Cycling Federation (for the development of future conferences).

10. Music, Fancy Dress and More. The next update will feature information on after-parties, local bands, the banquet at one of Winnipeg's oldest and most beautiful hotels and much more.  

Thanks again for staying connected to a very special conference.

Contact us anytime for questions or comments! 

We would sincerely like to thank our partners the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba. Thanks also to our major sponsors Mobycon, Urban Systems, Vélo Québec, Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, Rivers West Red River Corridor/Winnipeg Trails Association, University of Manitoba, Green Action Centre, Tourism Winnipeg, The Forks, Alta Planning + Design, Eco-Counter, Stantec and everyone else who has have helped make this conference a success. This could not have happened without you.
 
Feel Free to Share this Message Widely. 

Sincerely,