Fat bikes will once again be a feature at this year’s Rossland Winter Carnival.
The third annual Fat Bike Fest will take place Jan. 27-29, during the carnival, and will offer events both for fat bike enthusiasts and those unfamiliar with the bikes with fat tires that are capable of taking on sand and snow.
Those who already own a fat bike are invited to join their fellow fat bikers in the Winter Carnival Parade on Friday, Jan. 27.
“We go ride in the parade, and we then go from there and go for a group ride in and around Rossland on our fat bikes,” explains Ian Craib.
Those who want to participate can meet outside Revolution Cycle on Columbia Ave. at 6:15 p.m. and should bring a light and helmet. Transportation to a trailhead for the ride will be provided if necessary.
Those curious about fat bikes, or those looking to upgrade, can turn out to Demo Day at Red Mountain on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local bike shops will have fat bikes available to ride; all you need is a driver’s license and a helmet. Riders will also be required to sign a waiver.
Finally, Sunday is the return of the Fat Bike Enduro. Participants will take on a two-stage enduro race through the snow where most of the ascent is not timed, but all of the descent is. The exact course is still to be decided, but last year it was 12 kilometers long.
Participants can pre-register at Revolution Cycle sometime before race day, or in the conference room at Red Mountain the day of the race, 9:30-10 a.m. There will be a mandatory racer’s meeting in the conference room at 10 a.m. and the cost to participate is $40, which should be paid in cash. The race starts at 11 a.m.
Anyone interested in volunteering during the Fat Bike Enduro can call Revolution Cycle at 250-362-5688 or email tyler@revolutioncycles.ca.
While last year Revolution Cycle owner Tyler Merringer reported an increase in the popularity of fat biking since the first annual Fat Bike Fest, this year he says the demand from new users has cooled off. “It’s still growing, but it’s not sort of exploding like it was,” he said.
For more information about Fat Bike Fest, visit revolutioncycles.ca/service/fatduro-17.