Fat Bike Rally at Ironbridge
**Update** Postponing this first year event, again… until March. (Was orginally set for Jan. 31st, then Feb. 21st.) We need snow!! We hope that mother nature delivers this weekend and continues to do so into March. Stay tuned!
Global Fat Bike Summit Recap
With fat biking continuing to be one of the fastest growing segments of the cycling world, this year’s Fat Bike Summit in Jackson, WY, was a great place to learn about successes around the country that we can emulate here in the Roaring Fork valley. At this recap you can find a linked .pdf report that shares many of the presentations in some geeky detail.
What are some of the take aways from the Summit? Fat bikes are not a ‘fad’. Fat bikes mean a new season of winter riding. What do fat bikers really want? Packed trails, moderate climbs, goomed snow, narrow trails. Shared use trail systems are working when fat bikes stay off soft groomed trails and yield to other trail users. In most ways, the advocacy work required for fat biking right now mirrors the past + ongoing work to create, enhance, and preserve great mountain bike experiences. Everyone presenting at the Summit provided Solutions, rather than complaints or demands. The strategies on display provide a great path forward as we work towards best possible fat bike experiences throughout the Roaring Fork valley.
WRNF fat bike access update
RFMBA submitted a proposal to the White River National Forest in October 2014 to revise winter travel management rules that don’t allow wheeled vehicles to utilize groomed forest routes. While most riders are not aware, fat bikes are currently directly impacted by these rules. Our proposal is scheduled to be reviewed by the Forest Leadership Team soon. Long term fat bike access to the Maroon Bells, Independence Pass, Four Mile Rd. and many other forest routes will be critical to providing great experiences for both locals and visitors.
Mt. Sopris Recreational Riders – Event tomorrow, Feb. 21
The winter grooming of many forest routes throughout Colorado is accomplished by snowmobile clubs who recieve partial funding through the snowmobile sticker program & additional funding from events and club memberships. In some cases, fat bikers are thankful for the grooming work these clubs are undertaking. As we continue working with the WRNF to secure access for fat bikes on forest routes, please consider supporting the efforts of Mt. Sopris Rec. Riders or other clubs through direct donations or memberships. After review with the Dept. of Colorado Parks & Wildlife (administrator of the sticker program), it is preferable for fat bikers to support the clubs directly rather than purchasing an annual snowmobile sticker.
Aspen Fat Bike Loop in development
RFMBA is working with staff from City of Aspen Parks & Trails department to develop and sign a fat bike specific loop for 2016 and beyond. You may have read that our request for experimental fat bike access on the nordic dog walking loops was denied by the Aspen/Snowmass Nordic Council. Unfortunately, we don’t have access to this nordic trail system & we ask riders to respect the current rules while we develop fat bike specific opportunities. The Loop that is in development is expected to include groomed segments, packed trail segments, and some plowed bike path portions to connect it all together.
#RIDEGROOMED
For your Friday viewing pleasure… check out this video filmed on the Jolly Green Giants fat bike specific trail at Grand Targhee. The video comes from 45NRTH, the folks behind a new campaign for fat bike singletrack called #ridegroomed. The future is here, it’s just unevenly distributed!
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