Giants Ridge Now Welcomes Fatbikes and Will Host New Fatbike Race

Image Credit: Giants Ridge

After Grand Targhee Resort became the first ski resort in the country to allow fatbikes the use of their Nordic trail system, Giants Ridge in Biwabik has followed suit and now welcomes them for snow biking also.  To embrace and endorse the growing sport of snow biking, a fatbike race has been added to the Giants Ridge calendar of events this season.  

Giants Ridge has 60 kilometers of well groomed scenic Nordic trails that meander through Superior National Forest.  The majority of these trails are cleared to 20' wide with a groomed surface of 18'.  These are shared trails that are groomed with classical cross-country ski tracks on the sides and a skating lane in the center.  Snow bikers are to ride in the fatbike lane which is the most firm part of the track.  A Trail Pass is required and bikes must have a tire width of 3.7" or greater and tire pressure less than 10 psi to use the trails.  Trail users must provide their own bikes as the Giants Ridge Rental Shop does not rent fatbikes.

Image Credit: Giants Ridge

Giants Ridge Fatbike Etiquette:

Fat bikers are the new users on the trails and should be extra polite and courteous. Here are a few tips to always keep in mind when riding fat.

Do not ride on the groomed trail if:

• You are leaving a tire rut deeper than one inch
• You are having a hard time riding in a straight line
• Your bike's tires are narrower than 3.7"
• Your bike's tire pressure is greater than 10 psi

General Fat Biker Nordic Trail Etiquette:

• Bikes yield to all other users. Skiers don't have brakes, you do!
• Fat bike lane - Ride on the most firm part of the track.
• Leave room for skiers to pass.
• Do NOT ride in the classic ski tracks.
• Stay to the right side of the trail around corners and look for oncoming traffic.
• Allow the track time to set-up after grooming and before riding.
• Don't ride any old mountain bike out there - Purpose built Fat bikes only!
• Spread the word about Fat biking, make it fun, keep it safe.
• Be an ambassador for the sport - stay polite, educate other bikers, discourage bad behavior, follow the rules, and we'll all have a good time this winter.

A daily Trail Pass for adults (13+ years) is $14.  Dates, rates and times of operation are subject to change without notice.  For more information including hours and trail reports, visit the Giants Ridge Nordic page.  Nordic trail conditions are weather dependent and can change rapidly due to snow and wind. Prior to your vist, call ahead to Giants Ridge Reception for up-to-date trail conditions: 800-688-7669, ext. 8005 or 218-865-8005.

Click on map for detailed view or here to download

Giants Ridge Fatbike Race

Image Credit: Giants Ridge

Giants Ridge will be hosting their first-ever Fatbike Race on Saturday, March 29th, 2014 at 9:00 am.  It will consist of a 15 mile (25km) race on their Nordic (cross-country) ski trails.  There will be prize drawings and awards issued to different age classes.  Entry fee is $35 and includes lunch.  Register by calling 218-865-8005, by email or in writing:  Giants Ridge Fat Bike Race, P.O. Box 190, Biwabik, MN 55708.

Drive time to Giants Ridge:
3½ hours from Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro  Driving Directions
60 minutes from Duluth  Driving Directions
4 hours from St. Cloud  Driving Directions

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