SNOW RIDING THROUGH WINTER
Fat biking keeps cyclists moving
The number of snow-coated cars in the newly minted parking lot at West Bragg is proof, I think, that I’m not the only idiot alive who thinks a spin around Braggin’ Rights is not a bad call on a frosty, five-below morning. And, sure enough, while pedalling through the snow-packed sections and darting through the dips and dives of this popular single-track trail, I meet at least a dozen other riders.
Obviously, I’m more than happy to share “the road” with them. The camaraderie — and the adventurous “out there” spirit that prevails — is palpable. And it turns out to be one of the most intense and invigorating rides of the summer. Except, of course, it’s not summer.
Earlier that morning, while scraping snow and ice off my windshield in the hazy half-light, a day of skiing or snowshoeing would have seemed more fitting. But times have changed. Wheeling in winter (or late fall!) is working its way into the mainstream.
“There are a number of reasons why more and more people are biking year-round,” says Andrel Reid, owner of Nomad Mobile Gear Rentals in Calgary. “For starters, the equipment has come leaps and bounds. Fat bikes, studded tires, which are now available for nearly every type of bike available, easy-to-install headlights, fenders to help keep you dry, and really good outerwear have all helped to popularize winter cycling. And, fuelled by adventurous millennials, mountain biking, in general, has been surging for a few years now.”
But, without a doubt, it’s the bikes themselves that have ultimately facilitated the sport’s winter growth. Essentially, fat bikes are mountain bikes with super-fat tires (typically 10 to 12 centimetres wide). The tires, which are set at very low pressure, provide excellent flotation and traction on snow and ice. However, make no mistake, the biking is slower, colder (duh!), and there is more resistance. Contrary to what some people may think, these are not deep-powder machines. In other words, freestyle fat biking through thigh-deep “pow” is not a thing. Or, at least, not with people who actually want to have fun while fat biking.
But ask industry insiders and they will tell you that the sport is here to stay.
“Fat biking is not a fad,” says Peter Tucker, president of the Greater Bragg Creek Trail Association, the volunteer-based organization responsible for trail building and maintenance at the popular West Bragg Provincial Recreation Area site, just west of town.
“It’s unbelievable how the sport has exploded and, personally, nothing makes me happier to see so many people coming out and using the trails. It’s such a healthy activity.”
Thanks, in part, to its proximity to Calgary and a recent $2-million expansion project by Alberta Parks (a massive new parking lot, washroom facilities, maintenance compound, and an indoor trail centre are the major developments), West Bragg is soaring in popularity.
“Approximately 175,000 people use the trails at West Bragg every year,” says Tucker. “As far as fat biking in the province goes, West Bragg is widely considered ‘Ground Zero.’ This winter we’ll have over 60 kilometres of groomed fat biking trails.”
While snowshoeing, which packs down the trails, often provides the best “grooming” for fat bikers, the Greater Bragg Creek Trail Association also utilizes a unique fat-tire motorcycle, called a Rokon, with a pull-behind unit to provide the firm surface desired for good riding.
However, given Calgary’s constant freeze-thaw cycles, conditions are always changing.
“Calgary itself doesn’t actually get a ton of snow,” says David Miles, executive director of the Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance. “Often, even in winter, studded tires and fat bikes are not mandatory for a successful ride.”
Checking trail conditions and using common sense is critical. Riding in winter requires a different approach as a 20-km ride can take three times as long.
“You’ve got to be dressed properly and have necessary provisions with you. Start slow. Ride with an experienced partner. And always tell someone where you are going,” said Miles. “Running into problems and having to walk out is going to be that much more difficult in winter.”
Not surprisingly, after my winter-like ride in West Bragg last week, the weather turned and bright sun and warm temperatures returned. Although slick in spots, the latest trail reports indicate that many trails have returned to near summer- like conditions. But I’d put money on the fact — and so would you — that sooner rather than later snow and ice will re-enter the equation. And, when it does, my fat bike friends and I will smile, scrape off our windshields, and happily go to West Bragg for a little winter wheeling.
It’s unbelievable how the sport has exploded and, personally, nothing makes me happier to see so many people coming out and using the trails.