Fat Snow Biking - Winter Adventure on Wheels

New fallen snow has a way of reminding me to get outside and indulge in the fleeting snow biking season. Whether exploring forest roads, crushing bike-friendly trails or cruising down the neighborhood lane, fat biking in the winter is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. So, if you’re looking for some tips and creative ways to stay on 2 wheels year-round, read on!

What's a "fat tire"? 

A rig built for the conditions

While I'm sure any bike can ride on the snow in a pinch, snow biking is more fun with fat tires.  

Of course, depending on what kind of bike you are used to, "fat tire" may be a relative term. Here we're not talking 2.2 or 2.9 inch tires, we're talking 5-inch fat tires built to eat snow for breakfast.

I have used fat bikes with tires ranging from 4-5+ inch tires and I really do prefer a fatter tire for snowy trails. I find them much more stable and grippy (depending on tread). If you’re new to fat biking, do some online research. Better yet, if you have a local bike shop, give them a shout. They might even have rentals for you to try out a few models to see what fits your style of riding best!

If you can ride a bike, you can ride a bike on snow

This statement has one caveat: with practice. If I’m being honest, riding a bike on the snow does take a little bit of practice. But after a few spins, (almost) regardless of conditions, you can be off and running...er, riding.

Consider taking some practice rides in snowy parking areas or wide sections of trail. Also, test the various depths of snow. You’ll likely find that breaking trail is tough, but following an already packed-snow path makes for much easier - and dare I say, more fun! - riding. It is also very likely you’ll come across frozen, icy sections. Use extra caution on these sections and maybe even consider stepping off the bike and walking through, instead of riding. 

Prepare for changing conditions

Winter outings, regardless of activity, are almost guaranteed to produce a variety of conditions. While you don’t need all the fancy gear, you do need to do a little pre-planning before you load up and ride. On any bike ride, I tend to pack two types of bags - my “gear bag” and my “ride pack”.

In my gear bag, I keep extra socks, thermal layers, zip-up layer, various weight gloves, and all the extra snacks I can find. This bag is kind of a closet for my car.

I dip into this if my socks get sweaty, if I need an extra layer before I take off, or want a thinner cap for under my helmet, etc. In my “ride pack”, I bring a zip-up layer, extra pair of gloves, cycling cap, and snacks (of course). 

On sunny days, expect to warm up quickly once you start riding. You’ll likely shed your top layer, open up any heat-dumping pant zippers, remove your fleece hat, etc. But, as you hit those downhills and the sun dips, it’s always good to carry that extra layer in your “ride bag” to throw on and warm up again.

On colder, overcast days, possibly wet days, prepare to add extra layers to your riding kit. Even if I’m wearing a base layer, mid-laer and puffy, I still carry one more zip-up layer in my bag. Why? Well, why not? The key to a fun outing is to be comfortable, not uncomfortable. An extra layer in case you get a chill is a very nice thing to have!

It’s never too late to get out there!

Winter can be unpredictable. While some are mild, with little snow; others are week after week of freshies. But regardless of your level of pre-planning, it is never too late get out for some snow biking.

Spontaneity is the spice of life, after all. So, if the snow is on the ground, there’s still time!

Call your local bike shop or borrow a rig from your fat bike-loving buddy and get out there!