Roll into winter with a fat tire bike

Outdoor enthusiasts looking to find a new way to roll into the new year might consider fat tire biking. From frozen ground to hard packed snow, fat tire bikes have become popular for tackling all sorts of terrain across the Valley. Local organization Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers (VMBaH) is a resource for fledgling riders.

“It’s just like riding a bike, anybody can get out and give it a try,” VMBaH Chair Carlene Van Tol laughed.

One of the attractions to fat-tire biking (also referred to as fat biking) is the ability to access terrain that other winter activities cannot. Fat-tire bikes can ride on frozen or exposed ground where skis or snowshoes aren’t effective. Wide, studded tires allow for fat-tire bikes to “float” over terrain, making it easier to control the bike and prevent sliding on slippery surfaces.

Clothing choice is a major component for fat biking. Van Tol is a proponent for layering clothing, especially synthetic or wool for both the upper and lower body to wick moisture.

“Cotton is rotten, you don’t want to wear anything that retains moisture. Because if you sweat, it can freeze on you,” Van Tol said.

Additional fleece and puffy layers are helpful depending on weather conditions. A windproof layer for tops and bottom is important for travelling at high speeds that riders will be traveling. Van Tol said all riders have their preference for how warm or cold they ride but should avoid getting wet at all costs from sweating.

Winter boots with thick socks and foot or toe warmers are important for when riders have to get off their bike or for pedaling for long periods of time. Bike pogies, or large mittens that attach to the handlebars, are beneficial for winter bike riding. Pogies protect stationary hands from wind and keep them warm on long rides. Lighting is crucial in the winter months when days are short. Rear taillights, a forward facing light, a light on the helmet and lights on the wheels all help to not only make the trail visible to the rider, but the rider visible to others.

Staying hydrated and taking in calories is important for staying warm while riding. Having foods that won’t freeze and carrying a warm beverage like hot chocolate or apple cider in a thermos are great ways to stay not only comfortable but safe.

“Always bring snacks. You’re burning a lot more calories just being in the cold, and then to be exercising in the cold, that caloric need,” Van Tol said.

Eye protection is important when traveling at higher speeds or into the wind. A face covering or balaclava can protect exposed skin on the face and nose from wind burn and frostbite.

Users should know how to adjust tire pressure to accommodate the type of surface they are riding on, as well as how to address any potential mechanical issues that might occur.

Backcountry Bike and Ski in Palmer offers fat bike rentals and can outfit new riders with the right gear to hit the trail. The staff, which includes board members of VMBaH, can answer any questions new riders might have.

The Moose Range Winter Trails provide multi-use access for fat bikers. Other popular trailheads include the Crevasse Moraine Trail System, Government Peak Recreation Area and Mirror Lake Singletrack. More advanced riders looking to test their skills can make their way out to the Knik Glacier for a long day trip or a ride in Hatcher Pass. Trailforks, an online website and mobile app, is a great resource for trail information and current trail conditions.

Bikers should consider where they are riding on trails groomed for multi-use. Bikers should also pay attention to right-of-way rules that can change from one trail system to the next.

VMBaH offers monthly Moonlight Miles rides for people to get together and ride during the evening. A neighboring club, the Chugach Mountain Bike Riders, host wide-wheeled Wednesday rides for people to connect as well. Joining a community of like-minded people helps to beat the winter blues and to get outside and moving.

“I think it’s mental just as much as it is physical because I love getting out with others,” Van Tol said. “It gives me a social outlet and it’s more encouraging when you get out with others and you see they’re struggling too.”

Riders can stay connected with all VMBaH events on their Facebook page and on Instagram. Van Tol encourages people to subscribe to the VMBaH monthly newsletter, the Trail Post.

“I just tell people when you get older and look back on your life, it’s not the things you did you regret as much as the things you didn’t do,” Van Tol. “Don’t wonder what fat biking is like, just go out and give it a try.”