Conquer the Cold

Conquer the Cold Information

How The Challenge Works

Conquer the Cold is for people who work in downtown Ann Arbor, and Ann Arbor area community members (lives or works in area). Participants must record at least one trip that starts or ends in Ann Arbor on win.getdowntown.org to be eligible for badges and prizes.

To participate, log travel to work and personal trips on the challenge platform. You will automatically be entered to win based on the trips entered. Prizes will be awarded for most green trips at the end of the challenge, those reaching 10, 20, 30, and 50 green trips taken (while supplies last), and several drawings from among those who have logged trips each week.

To take part on social media, take a photo in front of the new light and sound art installation, Oscillation, at Liberty Plaza! Post the photo on Instagram or Facebook and tag @getDowntown for a chance to win a prize. Social media post must be visible at end of challenge on February 20th to be entered and tag @getDowntown. Alternately, entries may be submitted by sending photo meeting same criteria to information@getDowntown.org by February 20th. Entries sent by email are providing getDowntown with permission to share the photo. A winner will be selected randomly from participants.

Prizes

Prizes for participants include:

• $250 gift card for Bivouac Ann Arbor (most green trips taken)
• Brooks England messenger bag courtesy of H.E.H. Human Electric Hybrids (runner up for most green trips taken)
• Fuzzy socks* (10 green trips)
• Winter hat* (20 green trips)
• Planter with seeds* (30 green trips)
• Fleece neck warmer* (50 green trips)
• Various Ann Arbor gift cards (weekly drawings)

 

*Socks, hats, planters and neck gaiters will be available to qualifying participants while supplies last. 

Winter Commuting Resources & Videos

For future bus riders:

• Watch this 2-minute video about how to use TheRide.
• Use VR to interact with all the features of TheRide’s buses or get an inside look by watching the recorded video.
• Tips on how to ride the bus in winter weather are available on TheRide's YouTube channel under the Winter Riding Tips playlist.
• U-M community: Did you know you ride TheRide for free with your MCard? Simply have your MCard in your hand when you board the bus and the driver will tell you what to do next. Find additional details here.
• Find additional bus resources at www.getdowntown.org/commuter-resources/bus

For sidewalk users:

• Find information about Ann Arbor’s sidewalk snow and ice removal responsibilities.
• Find additional walking resources at www.getdowntown.org/commuter-resources/walk

For people who want to drive less:

• Park for free and take the bus using one of TheRide’s designated or shared parking locations.
• Share the responsibility of driving into Washtenaw County during winter with other employed adults by joining the VanRide program. 
• Check if there is anyone seeking a carpool or vanpool partner from your town at CommuterConnectMI.org. The results might surprise you!
• U-M community, check out the resources provided by U-M Logistics, Transportation & Parking

For aspiring and current bicyclists:

• Common Cycle, welcomes the public to seek help from volunteers and use tools to maintain and repair bicycles at their dedicated workspace (416 W. Huron St., Suite 11, Ann Arbor, MI 48103) on Sundays from 11am to 3pm.
• Review how to load your bike on TheRide here.
• See a map of bike lanes and trails in Washtenaw County (as of 2022). 
• Learn about free and paid bike parking locations in downtown Ann Arbor.
• Find additional biking resources at www.getdowntown.org/commuter-resources/bike

TEAM CAPTAIN RESOURCES

Here are some tips for motivating and growing your team!

1. Create a team and add members to see your stats together via win.getdowntown.org/account/racing. Members cannot add themselves to your team. 
2. Pick up free resources and trinkets for your team from the getDowntown Program! Resources include bus schedules, how to ride the bus, how to bring your bike on TheRide, and more. Stop by our kickoff social on January 21, 2025 or reach out to us to make alternate arrangements. 
3. Invite co-workers, family, and friends to join you at one of our events or ask them to complete one of the social media activities with you!
4. Plan a fun midpoint check-in on February 5 to keep your group engaged and accountable. 
5. For questions, ideas, and troubleshooting help, contact info@getdowntown.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate and win?

Conquer the Cold is for people who work in downtown Ann Arbor, and Ann Arbor area community members (lives or works in area). Participants must record at least one trip that starts or ends in Ann Arbor to be eligible for badges and prizes.

How can I participate in Conquer the Cold?

Log any local trips you take to work, shopping, and more on win.getDowntown.org or the getDowntown app (Apple | Google) . You will automatically be entered to win prizes based on the trips you report between January 20 - February 20, 2025.  

What is the social media aspect of the Conquer the Cold challenge? 

To take part on social media, take a photo of yourself in front of the new light and sound art installation at Liberty Plaza. Post the photo on Instagram or Facebook and tag @getDowntown for a chance to win a prize! 

What are the prizes?

Prizes will be awarded for most green trips at the end of the challenge, those reaching 10, 20, 30, and 50 green trips taken (while supplies last), and several drawings from among those who have logged trips each week.

Should I start or join a team to participate? 

Teams are not required to participate. Starting or joining a team with your co-workers, family or friends allows you to see your results together and gain motivation from friendly competition. There are no team prizes. 

When is the last day to participate? 

Participants have until February 20, 2025 to participate in activities that qualify for the prizes. The last day to log trips completed during the challenge is February 27, 2025.

Is earning points part of Conquer the Cold? 

Points are not directly related to outcomes in Conquer the Cold. Points can be earned on the challenge platform, win.getDowntown.org. These points can be redeemed for discounts at participating businesses as described in the “Rewards” section of the platform. 

Can my Conquer the Cold prize be mailed to me? 

Most prizes must be picked up from staff at the Blake Transit Center.