Fat-tire bike ride set for Feb. 5 at Willow Winter Carnival

Anyone who has ever wondered what it is like to roll across a snowy landscape on a fat-tire bicycle now has a chance to find out how much fun it can be.

Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers, Arctic Cycles and the Willow Winter Carnival are teaming up to bring rental fat-tire bikes out to the carnival for an afternoon of winter biking.

Billy Koitzsch from Arctic Cycles will fit cyclists to his lightweight rental bikes at a cost of $35 for the bike outing, which is scheduled to begin at noon on Saturday, Feb. 5, and last about two and a half to three hours. Most of the bikes include poagies to help keep riders’ hands warm.

Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers member and Willow resident Travis Hallifax will lead the ride. Cyclists with their own fat-tire bikes are welcome to join the ride.

Those wanting to rent a bike must contact Arctic Cycles prior to Feb. 4 to reserve one, either at arcticcycles@hotmail.com or 351-8545. Call as soon as possible, because the number of bikes is limited and sizing is critical. People who reserve rental bikes may pick them up at the Willow Community Center, located on the west side of the Parks Highway at Mile 69.8, at 11 a.m. The cyclists will use trail loops groomed by the Willow Trails Committee. The trails cross varied terrain as they wind their way around the lakes and through the beautiful forests west of Willow.

Cyclists should dress in layers; wear warm, lightweight, not-too-tight boots; bring warm gloves (since not all of the bikes will have poagies), as well as balaclavas or neck gaiters, and a small day pack in which to carry water, snacks and an extra layer. A daypack is necessary since rental bikes do not have racks or bags. Toe and hand warmers are also a good idea.

The ride may be cancelled if a large amount of snow falls before or during the scheduled ride, or if temperatures fall way below zero. People may contact Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers at trailhead@vmbah.org or Arctic Cycles for updates.

For more information, visit the Willow Winter Carnival website at waco-ak.org.