FAT BIKE FRENZY – A WINTER CYCLING FUN FEST.

Cam’s first fat biking adventure

As a Vermont transplant, I had never been on a fat bike before Sunday. Being a true opportunist I was excited to try something new, and any intimidation I felt for the behemoth of a bike standing before me melted away the second I was in the saddle. I was initially surprised with how light I felt and how maneuverable the bike was. Like a kid kicking off their training wheels, I was speeding out of the parking lot and onto the trails in seconds.

The conditions were a bit icy so I limited myself to a novice route, which I was thankful for as my new-found hubris might have encouraged me to try and top the mountain. I could spend all day on one of these, getting lost in woods and thought. Weaving around the trees and barreling down the hills was the most winter fun I’ve ever had, I felt unstoppable. After having such a blast outside I didn’t want to go back in, so I spent the rest of the day with wind-marked cheeks and a smile from ear to ear, playing on the frozen lake with my dogs. I shed the cycling tights but wore my Sunblocker Jersey and base layer into the evening.

I was colorfully and comfortably dressed in our new Sunblocker Jersey in Color Jungle, Petite Coolweather Tights, and Wool Cylosox. I started off the sunny 30 degree day with a Sherpa lined jacket but by the time I hit the hills I was able to shed off that layer and ride down in just my Sunblocker with my fantastic Craft baselayer underneath. The Flex Chamois offered me continuous comfort throughout my ride and perfectly countered the stiff standard saddle that was on the demo bike. My partner who rode the track without padding was jealous to say the least. I was biking in my Blundstones, which I would like to say is out of the ordinary for me, but actually is my go-to for winter cycling. The Wool Cyclosox kept me warm and were perfect for moisture wicking, while gripping my foot in the proper cycling position in my not-so-proper footwear. Overall, I couldn’t have been better prepared in my all out Terry outfit.

Lisa was fully prepared and still surprised!

My fat biking day began with lots of layering! I started with a Soleil long sleeve top as my baselayer and my Coolweather Tights for padding and warmth. I pulled a Mandarin Thermal jersey over the Soleil and added a headband, neck warmer, sunglasses and some warm winter gloves. On top of all this I added a fleece vest and a short down jacket.I arrived at the demo on a chilly day, and had a bit of a wait for a bike, so I pulled wind pants over my Coolweather tights, and switched my headband for a hat…I was much toastier and still feeling limber enough to ride.

Dakota tags along for some fat bike fun

I was paired with a “small” fat bike but it still looked huge! These things are beasts! I was assured that my fat bike only weighed about 30 pounds, and I was amazed at how light it felt once I got going! I was surprised to find how maneuverable a fat bike is. It looked to me like it would be hard work to ride, but I found that on packed trails I could cruise easily and felt like I was floating along. I had a blast and can’t wait to go again!!