Last week’s snow showed up just in time for Global Fat Bike Day, the one day each year when riders all over the world hop on their fat bikes and hit the trails for fun winter riding.
If you’re new to it, fat bikes are mountain bikes with extra-wide tires (about 3 to 5 inches) that float over snow and soft surfaces. They open up a whole new season of riding, turning what would normally be “stay inside” weather into the best excuse to get outside.
And our Global Fat Bike Day ride delivered. The early-season storm left just enough snow for that perfect crunch under the tires. The climbs certainly felt like work but then the descents were fast & fun. The whole forest was shimmering in bright sunlight that made it look like it’s covered in glitter.
Eight of us “crazies” spent our Saturday morning in one of the best ways we know how. I’d say riding in the snow is similar to cross country skiing: you’re cold when you begin but the effort warms you right up. Then, it’s just taking in the wonderful sights and sounds and mind-clearing outdoors. We couldn’t help ourself and we had a photoshoot at the top of the trail…. 142 photos on my camera roll later…
A few friends tried to head out again yesterday after the new snowfall, but the fresh stuff is just too fluffy and deep to make much progress. That’s part of the charm of fat biking; the conditions have to is all about catching that window when the snow sets up just right.
If you’ve never tried it, fat biking is one of the easiest ways to get started with trail riding. It’s low pressure (pun intended!) and the snow cushions any falls. We love to enjoy the riding in every season!
Winter riding is here. Come out sometime! You might surprise yourself with just how much fun it is.
