Fat and Happy
At first, I was offended. And who wouldn’t be when you hear someone yell, “hey fatty?” But then I realized she was just admiring my bike and not being a rude you-know-what.
That’s right, she was ogling my bike. My big fat bike.
Lightweight and durable, with extra spongy front and rear suspension, fat bikes, as they’re so fittingly called, can roll through terrain that ‘regular’ bikes just can’t handle.
Whether it's wet pavement, sand, mud, or even snow, a fat bike simply doesn’t care. It gives you traction more in-line with your Subaru than with your two-wheeler. The low pressure in the extra-wide, nubby tires make it the perfect bike to take on any adventure, no matter the conditions.
That’s why fat tire biking is one of the fastest growing year-round sports in the country. There’s virtually no place you can’t go. Although, it’s probably a good idea to still use common sense and pay attention to the laws and limits of private property.
But that’s not a problem. Because there are plenty of public places to ride in and around Rome, Wisconsin, including a couple of really great trails winding their way through the tumbling prehistoric dunes of the Sand Valley Resort.
If you’re new to fat tire biking, you may want to start with the trail that’s going to give you a pretty good workout, but not push you beyond your comfort zone. “The Short Loop” is a scenic trail starting at the main clubhouse and looping for about a mile until it brings you back to where you started. Along the way there are a few tight turns and some ups and downs, but all-in-all, more of a scenic pleasure ride than an adrenaline pumper. Most riders will take the loop two or three times because, you know, why not?
For the more seasoned rider, there’s a longer trail that’ll get you breathing just a little bit harder. At over three miles, “The Big Loop” takes you along an 80-foot sand ridge with the expanse of the entire resort below. It’s definitely steeper at times, and with a few more twists and turns, but nothing you can’t handle. Especially knowing that the last little bit is all downhill back to the clubhouse.
Just a short drive away are some other really great options for off-roading your fat bike. Located on the beautiful Chain O' Lakes in Waupaca, Wisconsin is Hartman Creek State Park. A few others include Standing Rocks in Steven’s Point, and Levi’s Mound in Neillsville just to name a few. Take some time and look them up. You’ll be glad you did.
No matter where you ride, you can bet you’ll have a ridiculously good time, forgetting all the while that you’re also getting in a pretty darn good workout. Oh, and with the best panoramic views of our incredible Wisconsin landscape surrounding you in every direction – making it a perfect activity any time of the year. And in any condition – sun, rain, or even snow.
So, never again will you utter the disheartening phrase, “I can’t ride today because it’s raining.” Or “it’s snowing.” In fact, we might be hearing quite the opposite, “Hey, it’s snowing! Let’s go fat tire biking.”
Written by: Lydell Capritta
