The Pie Burner Thanksgiving Weekend FatBike Ride Returns for Fourth Year

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

The Pie Burner Thanksgiving Weekend Fatbike Ride started 4 years ago this coming November by my friend on the Iron Range, Joe Sacco.  This yearly tradition will take place on Saturday, November 26th at 9am with the start and finish at Palmers Tavern in Hibbing.  For the history of this ride and details for this year, I will leave it to Joe to tell the rest of the story.

"My fatbike friend Brian H. at the time was dating a local Hibbing girl, and would come to Hibbing (from Detriot Lakes) for the Thanksgiving holiday every year.  Over the last 4 years that woman has now become his wife.  Well, back then I received an email from Brian saying we should ride our fatbikes around and burn off some of the pie/food that we consumed over turkey day on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. You can thank Brian for the name of this ride!!   And that my friends is how this ride started." 

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

"I contacted a few select individuals and gauged interest. That year we started with 10 fatbikers. Picked up two along the way, and ended with 8 riders.  This is the original core group the 1st year."

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

"Year two and three saw riders show up from all over the state of Minnesota." 

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

"We always end the ride at Palmers Tavern in Hibbing."

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

"Year four will be more of the same fatbike riding.  A few months before year three I decided the ride needed to stand for something; so I contacted the North St. Louis County Toys for Tots Foundation, and asked if they'd be interested coming aboard. The answer was a resounding yes we would. So, from that moment on the Pie Burner Thanksgiving Weekend FatBike Ride has a ride fee..... a simple donation of new unused toys, books or stocking suffers.... or a cash or check donation. These donations stay local, and help underprivileged children have a bit more of an enjoyable holiday season."

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

"Also, for year four we begin and end the ride at Palmers Tavern. This is a welcome change from previous years. Sandy of Palmers Tavern deserves a HUGE shout out for being so accommodating to my little ride. Thank you Sandy!!" This change gives riders a chance to change out of sweaty ride clothes and leave after fellowship with new and old friends a like, without having to pedal the 2.5 miles back to the old starting point, with full bellies of a good home cooked burger."

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

"If you are new to fatbiking this ride is for you.

If you are a fatbike veteran this ride is for you also. 

A few quotes from out of area riders...."

"This is true fatbike country."

"I've never seen an area like this, and a fatbike is the right tool for this ride." 

"You could charge big money for this ride."  

"Year three saw two distances come about, and year four will be no different. The shorter route will be around 15 miles, and the longer route will be near 30. The 1/2 way cut off is along Grace Rd. 3 miles east of Hibbing. I have a local rider who will guide riders back to Palmers Tavern."

"What to expect on this ride..... a lot of fun and great company.... per the fatbike crowd!!" 

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

"There will be plenty of opportunity for climbing long abandoned mine dumps. I've also added a few climbs at the request of one "Pugzilla" so if you dislike them, talk with him!! "

Image Credit: Joe Sacco

"All the climbs are "only if you'd like." There is no shame in waiting at the bottom. What you'll miss at the top?? Compete awesome vistas of the surrounding area. We will descend one long abandoned mine pit, and with the water levels down 25' or more, it's a fatbikers dream!!!  The rest of the ride is along 4 wheeler trails, the Mesabi Trail, and a few goat paths just for fun. We will take plenty of breaks to let everyone come back together before moving forward."

"If you're looking for a truly unique fatbiking experience this ride is for you! Peace, Joe" 

For updates on the Pie Burner, visit the following links:

The 2016 Pie Burner Thanksgiving Weekend FatBike Ride Facebook Event Page

The "Pie Burner" Thanksgiving Weekend FatBike Ride Facebook Page

The Adventures of Joboo and His Trusty Pugsley