The Calendar

February 18 Edmonton Fatbike Fest

It seemed the right time to start a fat bike festival. Trevor Soll, owner of Multisports-canada, has seen the rise of the wide-tire machines in his city. “Edmonton seems to be a hotspot for fat bike sales, maybe because we have more snow or snow earlier than most places,” he said.

The inaugural Fatbike Fest ran this past February. It was part of the Silver Skate Festival, a 28-year-old winter celebration that includes skating, naturally, snow sculptures, music and a Cree winter camp. Soll’s event added a new winter sport to the mix of activities in William Hawrelak Park.

Riders competed in one of six races: solo races with distances of 10, 20, 30 or 40 km or relays of 30 or 40 km. The course was a loop that headed up river along the North Saskatchewan for 5 km and then back to the park, with hills and some singletrack along the way. This past February, the conditions were great. “We lucked out with an amazing day,” Soll said. “It was about 2 C, but there was still plenty of snow: perfect racing weather. Maybe the track got a little soupy later in the day, but people didn’t have to wear face masks and three layers of clothes.”

About 60 fat bikers came out for the races. “We had all kinds of riders,” Soll said. “There were people who never really raced before but have fat bikes. You also had the guys who do whatever races they can get their hands on.” After the competition wrapped up, everyone was able to enjoy a drink in the beer garden. In 2018, Soll plans to add barbecue to post-race activities. The fest also includes demo area where you can try out bikes from a few Edmonton shops on a 400-m track.

Soll’s advice for 2018? “Don’t be afraid of trying something new,” he said. “Hop on a fat bike; borrow a fat bike. Once you get on one, it’s a lot of fun.” ( fatbikefest.ca)— MP