SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Most people drive along the highway to Hay River, but a group of local cyclists decided to put a new spin on things.

Fourteen bikers, including two eight-year-olds, cycled their way to the Hub between June 5 and 7 in the "Ride to Hay River." Andy Wong was the main organizer for the trip. He said the idea to bike south came from a chat at the Yellowknife Ski Club one day.

"I was out skiing with friends and someone mentioned doing something after the ski season ended," he said. "We talked about it and a southern bike ride was the popular thing. After, we tried to figure out where to go. Hay River was the logical choice because it was right there along the highway and it had good recreational services."

The group set out on the ride at 9 a.m. on June 5. Wong said the plan was to ride eight hours per day with rest stops planned along the route.

"We rode for about two hours, then a break for lunch, then back out again," he said. "We camped at kilometre 185 on the highway on the first night and then at Lady Evelyn Falls Campground in Fort Providence the next night."

Originally, Wong said the plan was to open it up to as many people who were interested in taking on the trip, but he didn't want it to get too big.

"We would be on the highway, so we wanted people who be responsible," he said. "It was going to be a long ride, so people who didn't do a lot of biking wouldn't have been suited for this. It was mostly done by invitation."

Traffic along the highway wasn't much of a problem because of the ferry situation at the time, Wong added.

"The ferry was closed from Friday evening until Saturday morning, so there was no threat from cars at all," he said.

Dave McCann and his wife, Doris, went along for the ride. He said having a chance to see the scenery of the North along the ride was the best part.

"It was definitely challenging, to say the least," he said. "I've never done anything like this before, but it was great to see the bison along the road and enjoy the good weather. It was very rewarding."

Bison is what almost got the group into a little bit of trouble, Wong said.

"When we approached a pack of bison, they got a little defensive," he said. "I guess they didn't know whether we were wolves or something, but they began to run alongside the road, so we had to slow down. After a bit, they backed off after they realized we weren't a threat."

Once in Hay River, Wong said it was a low-key kind of celebration.

"We went to the recreation centre at just relaxed," he said.

A return trip is planned for around the same time next year. Wong said he would like to see some more participation in 2010.

"It's a great way to appreciate the North," he said. "It's good food, good people, good weather and I really want to do this again."