Winter Fat Biking

[Arctic601]

So I bought a fat bike with plans to ride in the snow this winter. I plan to ride Milford, DTE, Hickory Glen, Tree Farm, Maybury and likely other trails near Commerce. Any recommendations from those who have rode them in the winter?

[Dark-Fx]

First tracks after (or during) a big snow is significantly harder than usual. Best thing to do is to go with a couple people and take turns at the front. Last year I solo rode first tracks at river bends during a big snowfall and my average moving speed was under 3 mph.

Make sure your tire pressure is right for the conditions, usually 5 psi or below. You want to float over the snow instead of cutting through it. If you are leaving a big rut in a packed trail your pressure is most likely too high.

Bring an extra pair of gloves that give you some protection from the elements but retains most of your dexterity. Having to do any sort of trail-side repair is almost impossible otherwise.

Have a backup plan if you're out solo and it's well below freezing. The amount of gear that works well at 32F will leave you at risk of hypothermia at 0F. I don't have any problems when riding below 0F with the right gear, but if I have any sort of a mechanical issue, I tend to get cold rather fast when not burning calories.

[b_b]

ILRA can also be a good option since it's often packed down by snowmobiles.

[Arctic601]

ILRA can also be a good option since it's often packed down by snowmobiles.

I never realized you could Snowmobile at ILRA.

[c0nsumer]

ILRA can also be a good option since it's often packed down by snowmobiles.

I never realized you could Snowmobile at ILRA.

Bald Mountain South Unit as well.

Winter biking has been common on these trails for years because the snowmobiles will often pack it so much that on good days it's like riding a sidewalk. Fatbikes are better, but really not needed much of the winter there.

[ahopkins1988]

They groom Proud Lake. I don't have a fat bike, but I have heard it is a fantastic ride. Typically report grooming on FB.

[amadkins]

They groom Proud Lake. I don't have a fat bike, but I have heard it is a fantastic ride. Typically report grooming on FB.

Bill only groomed it once that I know of. Not sure if it will be recurring.

[Arctic601]

They groom Proud Lake. I don't have a fat bike, but I have heard it is a fantastic ride. Typically report grooming on FB.

I've never road Proud Lake, I've hiked many of the trails, but never been on the bike path. I'd imagine it's a better trail to ride in the winter though than in the summer. Thanks for the tip.

[Arctic601]

So I didn't realize they groomed Maybury. That's pretty awesome. Anyone know what trails are groomed around here?

So far I see

Groomed
Maybury - partially
DTE
Proud Lake (maybe)

Possibly packed by snowmobilers
Bald Mountain South Unit
Island Lake (if snowmobilers ride it)


I've Rode Hickory Glen a few times this year and it's been packed from snowmobiles or something else, overall as of 2/12 it was awesome. I rode it today 2/13 and it wasn't as good, but we had a lot of fresh powder.

[c0nsumer]

Bald Mountain South isn't groomed, it just gets snowmobile use so it gets packed.

River Bends and Addison Oaks both have groomed fatbike routes. RB's is much the same as the normal single track, AO's is a completely separate loop.

[Arctic601]

Bald Mountain South isn't groomed, it just gets snowmobile use so it gets packed.

River Bends and Addison Oaks both have groomed fatbike routes. RB's is much the same as the normal single track, AO's is a completely separate loop.

Right, I read that again and stand corrected. Thanks for pointing that out.