IMPORTANT: To get info on volunteering, please submit this form using the check-out feature on the website. This helps us keep our communication organized. We’ll send out an email to folks who are interested when we get closer to the event. Signing up doesn’t commit you to the Oasis, just lets us know you’re interested so we can follow up.
Embark Oasis- Arrowhead 135
The Embark Oasis is the third and final check point along this epic route. We set up two hot-tents, a giant bonfire and have a 48 hour party in the woods of Northern Minnesota in January.
We also have important work to do, providing check-ins, warm water and GOOD ENERGY for the mad few who traverse 135 miles by bike, ski, kicksled and foot through this wild, cold wilderness.
The Embark Oasis at the Arrowhead 135 is a highlight of our year, and we would love to share the fun with you.
We're starting to plan now, so if you're interested, let us know. You are not committing to being there nor can we promise a particular schedule. We'll let you know more as plans develop!
Learn more about the Arrowhead at https://arrowheadultra.com
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The Embark Oasis will be staffed from 10am, Monday Jan 25, 2027 through 10am Wednesday Jan 27, 2027. We will be ready for racers from 4pm Monday through about 6am Wednesday.
Our aid station is north of Cook, MN near the Wood Loop Ski Trail trailhead. The roads have changed, and Google doesn’t know about it, so keep an eye out for the official “Mapkin” to guide you there.
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The success of the Embark Oasis, and the safety of the racers, depend on us making sure all our bases are covered at all times. We've broken this down into duties we need covered at all times.
1. Check-in: Check all racers in and out of the checkpoint; Text a photo of in/out times to organizers hourly; Check in with the racers to make sure they are fit to continue. Their health and safety are their responsibility; we are there as a resource to check on them, including checking for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
2. Stoker/ Fire Keeper: Keep outdoor fire as well as fires in both hot tents burning safely; Keep cambros full of warm (not hot) water, Elderberry Hydration and Maple Steamer. Keep lanterns & camp lights lit; Tend fire-making supplies (make sure wood is dry, tiki fuel & camp light batteries are stocked, etc), be an ETERNAL FLAME OF GOOD ENERGY for the racers! You are the primary STOKER!
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A good attitude is key! Duties include check-in, Fire Keeper/Stoker and Provisions. If you have skills that will help in a winter wilderness environment, please let us know, but all that is required is cozy gear and Good Energy!
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Winter camping will be available at the aid station. There is also a motel in Cook, and various cabins in the vicinity. Volunteers are responsible for their own lodging.
Things to Know
Getting There
Google won’t get you there, but the Mapkin will!
From Cook, head Northwest on Hwy 53.
Turn RIGHT onto Ashawa/ 115, then Immediate LEFT onto Wood.
Follow Wood to the T intersection with Olson. DON’T GO LEFT!
Turn RIGHT, cross the railroad tracks, then turn LEFT onto the new section of Wood Road. Follow Wood to the T intersection with Winnifred Road.
Turn RIGHT onto Winnifred & follow it all the way back to the parking space.
Cold Weather Safety
These are general guides to review, but are not a replacement for medical training. If you see concerning symptoms, alert someone with medical training. There is a hospital in Cook we can transport folks to.
Plan Your Adventure
GEAR:
Arrowhead is cold. Really cold. The only time we’ve managed to freeze our Maple Energy was at Arrowhead. Know your body, know your gear, keep yourself safe. Check out the racer gear list!
FOOD:
We will have prepped grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup (vegan), and hot Maple Steamers for volunteers (not racers) that you can heat up at the kitchen tent. Please bring your own dishes (bowl, spoon, cup) as we do not have the ability to wash dishes at the check point. There are restaurants, pizza places and a grocery store in Cook on the off-chance you’d like something other than another grilled cheese.
Shelter:
We will have a bonfire and two hot tents to warm up in, one primarily for racers, a smaller one for Team Embark. The tents are a great place to shake a chill or catch a quick rest, but won’t work as a primary sleeping option- we recommend arranging lodging.
There is a nice little motel in Cook, the Vermilion Hotel, just a few miles from the checkpoint, as well as numerous cabins and lodges in the area.
There is some space near the Embark Oasis if you have a winter camping set-up, but (I’m going to be Mom here) please take care of yourself, it’s no-joke kind of cold, or sloppy-wet or both, back and forth. Camp at your own risk and please please be safe!
