Private Project

Ice & Iron

Since 1985, the Numb Bum 24-hour motorcycle endurance ice race has tested the limits of motorcyclists as they race against time and the elements. What started as a fundraiser for a local children’s summer camp in Grande Prairie, Alberta, has grown into a globally renowned competition.

Holding the world record for the longest and coldest race, the event has attracted legends like Evel Knievel and riders from all corners of the globe.

In 2024, the torch has been passed to the Wapiti Off-Road Association, who are bringing the race back to its original home, ensuring that this iconic tradition continues. The Numb Bum is more than just a race—it’s a way of life.

  • Darryl Haugen
    Director
  • Patrick Nilsson
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    29 minutes 10 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 25, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 CAD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Darryl Haugen

Born and raised in the Peace Country, Darryl is an emerging filmmaker who makes room for the raw, untold tales of the area. She began her filmmaking career at the Reel Shorts Film Festival, where she served on the board, rose to the position of Vice President, and then took on the challenge of organizing volunteers and events. Her passion for film led her to produce her first documentary in 2020 show casing the mixed martial arts community.

Since then, she has contributed a keen, unreserved perspective to a wide range of documentaries, stories, and music videos. She continues to push the frontiers of independent filmmaking and was chosen as a beneficiary of the imagineNATIVE Short Lab + Netflix Fund for Creative Equity for her short script.

Movement, risk, and unvarnished narrative are what Darryl thrives on, whether she's riding her motorcycle or behind the camera. This ride is only getting begun as Ice & Iron makes its release into the world of festivals.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Growing up in the Peace Country, I was surrounded by stories of resilience, adventure, and the beauty of the North.
Ice & Iron is my way of bringing one of these untold stories to life—a legendary race that pushes both human and machine to the limits, set against the unforgiving landscape of winter.

At its core, this film is about more than just competition. It’s about the people who brave the cold, the deep bond within the motorcycle community, and the passion that drives them to ride—no matter the season. When I first set out to make this documentary, one question kept coming to mind:
Why do they want ride on a frozen lake for 24 hours? What I found was a mix of adventure, tradition, and an unshakable love for the open road—even when that road is covered in ice and snow.

My goal with Ice & Iron was to capture both the intensity of the race and the heart of the people involved. I wanted to immerse audiences in the biting cold, the roar of engines, and the camaraderie that makes this event more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. Since we want this race to continue for generations, I wanted to make a documentary that was family friendly and could inspire the audience regardless of age. We simplified the story, kept funny antedoctes, and focused on imagery to pull the audience in. Essentially, after watching this film we hope you aspire to race in the Numb Bum one day no matter your age, location, or riding ability.

As a filmmaker, I am passionate about telling stories from my region that don’t often make it to the screen. Ice & Iron is a testament to that commitment. It’s a story of grit, passion, and a community that refuses to let winter slow them down.

— Darryl Haugen