Winter '15-'16 Minnesota Fatbike Events

Global Fatbike Day

Fatbikes are more popular than ever here in Minnesota and new fatbike events keep popping up around the state.  This season's calendar will include all types of  Winter fatbike events from festivals and races to demos and group rides.  Below is a list in chronological order.  Race and event organizers, if you would like your event listed, please send me an e-mail (or visit my contact page).  I will continue to update and add events to this post as they become available.

Fat Turkey Ride-November 21, 2015
Acceleration Sports and Fitness
Brainerd, MN 

The Turkey Trekk 2015-November 26, 2015
Kiwanis Park Mountain Bike Trailhead
Mankato, MN 

The "Pie Burner" Thanksgiving Weekend Fatbike Ride-November 28, 2015
Hibbing, MN 
Facebook Event Page 

Fat Friday-December 4, 2015
Trailhead Cycling
Champlin, MN 

Global Fatbike Weekend-December 4-6, 2015
Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails
Crosby/Ironton, MN 
Facebook Event Page
Tickets

Faturday / Global Fatbike Day Minnesota River Bottoms-December 5, 2015 Cancelled
Russel A. Sorensen Landing
Bloomington, MN 

Frozen Frolic Fat Bike Race Series-December 5, 2015
Elm Creek Park Reserve
Champlin, MN 

Global Fat-Bike Day-December 5, 2015
Worldwide
Facebook Event Page    

Global Fatbike Day Ride-Northfield Edition-December 5, 2015
Downtown Bicycles
Northfield, MN
Online Registration  

Global Fatbike Day-Rochester, MN-December 5, 2015
Rochester Cycling
Rochester, MN 

Hibbing Global Fat Bike Day-December 5, 2015
Hibbing, MN 

Nicollet Bike Global Fat Bike Day Ride-December 5, 2015
Nicollet Bike Shop
Mankato, MN 

Super Fat Criterium-December 5, 2015
Freewheel Midtown Bike Center
Minneapolis, MN 

Winter Bike Expo-December 5-6, 2015
Freewheel Midtown Bike Center
Minneapolis, MN
Facebook Event Page 

Charlie's Phat Fundays-December 6, 2015
Charilie's Tangletown Bike Shop
Minneapolis, MN
Approx. 15 miles 

Frozen Frolic Fat Bike Race Series-December 12, 2015
Murphey-Hanrehan Park Reserve
Savage, MN 

Bi-Weekly Fatbike Winter Ride!-December 19, 2015
The Hub Coop
Minneapolis, MN 

Solstice Chase-December 19, 2015
Great Lakes Fatbike Series
Big Rock Creek Retreat
St. Croix Falls, WI
42k, 21k
Online Registration
Facebook Event Page 

Charlie's Phat Fundays #2-December 20, 2015
Bloomington Ferry Unit Trailhead
Bloomington, MN

Fat Bike Full Moon Ride-December 26, 2015
Outdoor Motion Bike Shop
Hutchinson, MN
8-10 miles

Penn Cycle Group Ride Tailgate Series-MN River Bottoms

3rd Annual New Year's Day Frozen Nose & Toes Fatbike Ride-January 1, 2016
Royalton, MN 
Distance & Route TBD 

Bi-Weekly Fatbike Winter Ride!-January 2, 2016
The Hub Bike Coop
Minneapolis, MN 

Ben Erickson Memorial Fat Wednesday Bike Ride & Race-January 6, 2016
Keller Golf Course
Maplewood, MN
Facebook Event Page
Facebook Page   

Fatbike Adventures / Extreme Riding-January 5, 2016

Valley Bike and Ski
Apple Valley, MN 

Frozen Frolic Fat Bike Race Series-January 9, 2016
Elm Creek Park Reserve
Champlin, MN 

Fat Wednesday Fat Bike Race Series-January 13, 2016
Keller Golf Course
Maplewood, MN
Facebook Page 

FAT FRIDAY-January 15, 2016
Trailhead Cycling
Champlin, MN 

Brookview Meltdown Fat Bike Snow Race-January 16, 2016 Cancelled

Brookview Golf Course
Golden Valley, MN
10.5 (Expert), 7 (Sport), 3.5 (Beginner) miles
Race Flyer w/ Registration  

Freezer Burn Fatbike Race-January 16, 2016
Springvale County Park
Cambridge, MN
15, 10, 5 miles 
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration  

Frozen Frolic Fat Bike Race Series-January 16, 2016
Murphey-Hanrehan Park Reserve
Savage, MN 

Snow Crush Fat Tire Bike Race-January 16, 2016
River Bend Nature Center
Faribault, MN
Beginner 5 miles, Advanced 10 miles
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration   

Fatbikes >> Football Part Deux (the "I told you so" version)-January 17, 2016
Behind Bars Bicycle Shop
Minneapolis, MN 

Ride Like a Girl Cycling Fatbike Group Ride #1-January 17, 2016 Cancelled
Russel A. Sorensen Landing
Bloomington, MN 

The FatWac Fatbike Race-January 17, 2016
Waconia Brewing Company
Waconia, MN
30, 15 miles 

Fat Wednesday Fat Bike Race Series-January 20, 2016
Keller Golf Course
Maplewood, MN
Facebook Page   

Get Phat With Pat-Race #1-January 23, 2016
Minnesota River Bottoms Mountain Bike Trail
Bloomington, MN 

Carver Lake Cold Catfish Cup-January 24, 2016
Carver Lake Mountain Bike Trailhead
Woodbury, MN

Fatbikes >> Football Part III (Return of El Nino?)-January 24, 2016
Behind Bars Bicycle Shop
Minneapolis, MN

Get Phat With Pat

Arrowhead 135-January 25-27, 2016
International Falls, MN
135 miles
Registration for race veterans opens 9/1/15
Registration for newcomers opens 10/1/15
Race Registration Information  

Fat Wednesday Fat Bike Race Series-January 27, 2016
Keller Golf Course
Maplewood, MN
Facebook Page  

Fat Thursdays Crit Series-January 28, 2016
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge
Spring Park, MN
Facebook Event Page  

Frozen Frolic Fat Bike Race Series-January 30, 2016 Cancelled
Elm Creek Park Reserve
Champlin, MN 

Get Phat With Pat-Race #2-January 30, 2016
Minnesota River Bottoms Mountain Bike Trail
Bloomington, MN 

Saturday Morning Ride-January 30, 2016

Micheal's Cycles-Chaska
Chaska, MN 

King Boreas Winter Triathlon-January 31, 2016
Phalen Golf Course
St. Paul, MN
5k run, 17k bike, 7.5k ski
Online Registration 

Fat Wednesday Fat Bike Race Series-February 3, 2016
Keller Golf Course
Maplewood, MN
Facebook Page  

Wednesday Night Ride!-February 3, 2016
Michael's Cycles-Chaska
Chaska, MN
10-12 miles 

Fat Thursdays Crit Series-February 4, 2016
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge
Spring Park, MN
Facebook Event Page 

Thirsty Thursday Fatbike Ride-February 4, 2016
Buffalo Wild Wings
Hutchinson, MN 

Cuyuna Whiteout-February 5-6, 2016
Great Lakes Fatbike Series

Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails
Crosby/Riverton, MN
Lights Over Sagamore-February 5
Whiteout Races-February 6
30k, 20k, 10k
Cuyuna Smorgasbord-February 6
Registration  

1st Annual Ely Fat Bike Ride-February 6, 2016
Whiteside Park
Ely, MN 

La Cross-Fat-February 6, 2016
Myrick Park
La Crosse, WI 

Penn Ice-Cycle Loppet-February 6, 2016
Lake Calhoun
Minneapolis, MN
Online Registration

Fat Tire Loppet

Penn Cycle Fat Tire Loppet-February 7, 2016

Great Lakes Fat Bike Series

Minneapolis, MN

35 km

Online Registration

Penn Cycle Puoli Fat Tire Loppet-February 7, 2016

Minneapolis, MN

21 km

Online Registration   

sNOway but Round Fatbike Races-February 7, 2016
Detroit Mountain
Detroit Lakes, MN
10, 5 miles
Facebook Event Page 

Fat Wednesday Fat Bike Race Series-February 10, 2016
Keller Golf Course
Maplewood, MN
Facebook Page 

Fat Thursdays Crit Series-February 11, 2016
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge
Spring Park, MN
Facebook Event Page

Fatbike Frozen Forty

Fatbike Frozen 40-February 13, 2016

Great Lakes Fat Bike Series

Elm Creek Park Reserve

Champlin, MN 

40, 20 miles
200 rider cap 
Facebook Event Page 

Registration    

Saturday Morning Ride-February 13, 2016
Michael's Cycles-Chaska
Chaska, MN  

Fat Bike Vasaloppet-February 14, 2016
Lake Mora
Mora, MN
38K Race, 10K Ride
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration 38K Race
Online Registration 10K Ride

Frozen Gopher Fat Bike Race-February 14, 2016
University of Minnesota Nordic Center
St. Paul, MN
Online Registration 

MAMB Kiwanis Snow Kraze 2016-February 14, 2016
Kiwanis Park Mountain Bike Trailhead
Mankato, MN 

Valentine's Fat Bike Date-February 14, 2016

Brookview Golf Course
Golden Valley, MN 

Tuesday Night Ride!-February 16, 2016
Michael's Cycles-Chaska
Chaska, MN 

Fat Wednesday Fat Bike Race Series-February 17, 2016

Keller Golf Course
Maplewood, MN
Facebook Page  

Fat Thursdays Crit Series-February 18, 2016
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge
Spring Park, MN
Facebook Event Page  

Arctic Fat Fever Fatbike Race and Demo-February 20, 2016
Excelsior Brewing Company
Excelsior, MN 
Facebook Event Page 
Excelsior Brewing Facebook Event Page 

Fat Bike Fun Race-February 20, 2016

Cleary Lake Regional Park
Prior Lake, MN 

Orono Rotary's Ice Madness-February 20, 2016
Nelson Park
Long Lake, MN
15k & short loop fat tire bike ride/race
Online Registration  

WAMB Snow Bomb Fat Bike Race and Chili Cook-Off-February 20, 2016
Holzinger Lodge
Winona, MN
Facebook Page 
Online Registration   

Bikecicle Fatbike Race-February 21, 2016
Rhombus Guys Brewing Company
Grand Forks, ND
15-20 miles
Facebook Event Page   

Winter Bike Ride-February 21, 2016
Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub
Minneapolis, MN 

Fat Wednesday Fat Bike Race Series-February 24, 2016Keller Golf Course
Maplewood, MN
Facebook Page 

Fat Thursdays Crit Series-February 25, 2016
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge
Spring Park, MN
Facebook Event Page 

Frozen Frolic Fat Bike Race Series-February 27, 2016
Murphey-Hanrehan Park Reserve
Savage, MN 

FatBike Fest X-February 28, 2016
Hillside
Elk River, MN 

Northland Fat Bike Rally-March 5, 2016
Lake Bemidji State Park
Bemidji, MN
28k, 10k
Facebook Event Page  

3Way10K-March 5, 2016 Cancelled
Zorba's on Gull Lake
Gull Lake, MN
10 km

Fat Bike Gravity Fest at Mount Kato

Fat Bike Gravity Fest 2016-March 6, 2016 Cancelled
Mount Kato
Mankato, MN 

Fat Bike Sunday-March 6, 2015
Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN 

Fat Forest Fourteen-March 12, 2016
Forest History Center
Grand Rapids, MN 

King of the Hill Fat Bike Duel Presented by Penn Cycle & Buck Hill-March 12, 2016
Buck Hill Ski & Snowboard Area
Burnsville, MN 

Fat Bike Sunday-March 13, 2015

Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN 

The Frosted Fatty - Downhill Fatbike Race-March 19, 2016

Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN 

Giants Ridge Fatbike Enduro-March 19, 2016 Cancelled
Giant Ridge
Biwabik, MN 

Fat Bike Sunday-March 20, 2015
Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN

GeigerRig Introduces Nano Technology to Their Pressurized Hydration Pack Engine

I was first introduced to GeigerRig's pressurized hydration packs two years ago at Interbike during a demonstration of how their Hydration Pack Engine works.  I wanted to put one of their hydration packs to the test and see how it performed so I contacted them and they sent me one to review.  I used it for an entire Summer on numerous gravel rides/races, mountain biking and commuting to work before writing my review.

Their pressurized Hydration Pack Engine, plug and play connectivity, ease of cleaning and quality of the pack itself made it the only hydration pack that I continue to use.  When I was contacted by GeigerRig earlier this year about trying their new Nano Technology (Nano Drink Tube) I was very interested in doing so.

The short video below explains how GeigerRig Nano Technology works.

I received a GeigerRig Lightweight Rig hydration pack made with Heavy Duty 840 Ballistic Nylon, the new Nano Drink Tube and a 2L Hydration Pack Engine.   The small size of the Rig pack would turn out to be a perfect choice for gravel racing and mountain bike rides for hydration only and not carrying gear.  The Rig is big enough however to hold the 70 oz. Hydration Pack Engine and some energy snacks for the ride.  The plug and play connections on the Hydration Pack Engine and the Nano Drink Tube had me ready to use the pack in no time.

The Nano Drink Tube is one-third the diameter of standard drink tubes at only 4mm.  Because the Hydration Pack Engine is pressurized, this tiny tube has the ability to deliver fluid at a fast rate.  There is no control flow on the end valve (shown above) but it does have a Flow-control gate (shown below) that can be positioned anywhere along the tube for easy reach.  This Flow-control gate allows open flow, moderate flow and a drip setting depending on which I prefer.  

The tube is easily routed to a desired position making it perfect for biking.  The Poplock locking clip helps keep the tube in place by attaching to clothing or pack straps.  Once the pack is pressurized with a few pumps of the Power Bulb I'm ready to put the end valve in between my cheek and gum and set the Flow-control gate to the desired flow rate.

The end valve is small along with the tube so talking and breathing while using it is not a problem.  I like the flexibility of the Flow-control gate where I control the fluid rate.  Usually on hot days I will set it at a drip or moderate flow that keeps me hydrated without having to think about it.  During a break in the ride or when I need more fluids I will adjust to an open flow until my thirst is quenched.  When not in use I will simply tuck the tube end under the shoulder strap connector so I can quickly grab it when I need to hydrate.

GeigerRig's pressurized hydration system pack with the Nano Drink Tube keeps me hydrated throughout the ride.  With the flexibility of the flow rate, I just ride and get the right amount of fluids I need. 

The GeigerRig Rig Hydration Pack, Hydration Pack Engine and Nano Drink Tube are available on the Geigerrig website and at select dealers. 

Disclosure:  GeigerRig provided the review samples for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review.

MORC's Second Annual Fundraising Gala Coming Up October 3rd

The Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists will be holding their Second Annual Fundraising Gala, the 2015 MORC Masquerade Ball on October 3rd, 2015.  This year they are throwing a party to celebrate their recent IMBA Bronze-level Ride Center designation.  Funds raised from this fun event will help MORC improve and expand upon its current trail system "To become one of the first major metropolitan areas in the world to secure 100 miles of singletrack!"

The 2015 MORC Masquerade Ball (yes, masquerade masks are to be worn!) will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2015 from 7:00PM to 11:45PM at Surly Brewing Company in Minneapolis.   

"This year we're pleased to announce Surly Brewing as title sponsor. In addition to committing to this event, Surly Brewing is supporting MORC volunteers and trails through unique fundraising & membership drive events, truly going above and beyond to support our community!" - Kristin Clark, MORC Gala Coordinator.

The event will feature a silent and live auction, event speakers,  hors d'oeuvre & dessert items and some great Surly beer.  New details to be announced soon.  More information and updates can be found on the 2015 MORC Masquerade Ball Facebook Event Page.  Tickets can be purchased online by visiting the 2015 MORC Masquerade Ball ticket page.  Purchase your tickets before September 1st to receive Early Bird ticket pricing.

Twin Six Wednesday Night CX Kick Off August 26th

Twin Six Wednesday Night CX starts off the early cyclocross season with seven weeks of racing at Aquila Park in St. Louis Park starting August 26th.  "These races will be organized, structured, low key early season races.  A great time to try the sport as a beginner or a chance to work out the kinks for those returning for the new season."  These are not USA Cycling races so results will not be sent, points will not be earned and a USA Cycling license is not needed to race.

If you have ever wanted to give cyclocross racing a try, this is your chance.  Entry fee is only $15 and registration starts one hour before the first race each week and ends 15 minutes prior to race start.  Start times will change each week as daylight decreases so check the flyer and don't be late.  Advanced race will be around 60 minutes, Intermediate 45 minutes, Beginner 30 minutes and Newbies (8/26 & 9/2) for 15 minutes.

Course layout changes each week and will be done by that week's sponsoring shop.  Sponsoring shops include:

8/26 Angry Catfish
9/2 The Fix Studio
9/9 Now Sports/Synergy
9/16 Fulton/All-City
9/23 One On One
9/30 Penn Cycle
10/7 Omnium Bike Shop

Putting Together a Compact Tool Kit

Having a good compact tool kit is the key to getting you out of most mechanical problems and fixing flats to get you up and rolling again. This kit may not be needed most rides but the peace of mind that it gives when you are 30 miles away from home or your vehicle is priceless.  Even if you may not know how to use some of these items, simply having them along for the ride can still help you out.  Cyclists are friendly people and there is a good chance that one will stop if you are experiencing a problem and having the right tools for the job will help them help you. 

My kit contains a spare tube, a tool/parts bag, chain lube, CO2 cartridges and a digital pressure gauge.  The photo above shows the contents of my tool/parts bag.  This small bag keeps my items neatly together and is easily transferred from bike to bike depending on which I choose to ride.  These tools and parts will help me continue my ride whether I get a flat, break a chain, bend/break a derailleur hanger or need to do some wrenching on my bike.

The most common problem cyclist experience is a flat tire.  To repair a flat I carry a set of tire levers, spare tube and CO2 cartridge/inflator combo.  I use the Air Chuck Elite from Genuine Innovations because of its super compact size and ease of use.  For most rides I bring along only one tube (for century rides I will carry two) and keep it in the box or a ziploc bag to keep from it from rubbing or causing abrasions caused by jostling around in my seat or frame bag.  When only carrying one tube, having a Park Tool Super Patch Kit is my backup in the event of another flat.  On my fatbike I also have a frame pump which comes in handy for quick pressure adjustment or if a 20 gram CO2 cartridge isn't enough to fill those big tires to the desired pressure.  To read air pressure I like the small size, backlit digital readout and swivel head of the SKS Digital Airchecker.  I use it before every ride to make sure my tires are inflated to the proper pressure for the conditions I will be riding.

Something that happens to mountain bikers and gravel enthusiasts more than road cyclists is a sidewall tear in a tire.  A dollar bill, empty GU packet or Powerbar wrapper can be used to boot a tire so you can get to your destination or finish your ride.  To learn how to boot a tire, watch the video "How to Fix a Torn Sidewall on Your Mountain Bike".

For quick chain repair I carry a Park Tool Mini Chain Brute Chain Tool and a master link for each of my bikes.  This way I can transfer my tool bag from bike to bike and have the necessary link I may need.  These items don't take up much space in the bag and will save me in the event of a chain break.  This chain tool is also useful for sizing a new chain.

A very necessary part of my tool kit includes a set of Fix It Sticks Replaceables.  This compact multi-tool has saved me on numerous occasions and has the torque and leverage to get the job done.  I've used them for everything from tightening a loose cleat and changing my saddle height to working on my bikes in the stand.  For more information on this wonder tool, read my post Product Review: Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition & T-Way Wrench.

I carry a spare zip tie for securing brake and shifter cables to the frame.  During cold weather these zip ties become brittle and break leaving your cables dangling.  A compact bottle of lube for those really dusty rides (gravel/singletrack) will help keep your drivetrain running smoothly.

And finally, in the event of a crash that can bend or even break a derailleur hanger, having a spare in the tool bag can be a lifesaver.  Replacing a bent hanger will bring back that smooth shifting by aligning the cassette with the upper and lower jockey wheels.  Watch the video below to learn how to change a derailleur hanger.

A toolkit containing these items will save you from the long walk of shame back to the car or having to call someone to come pick you up.  Put together your own compact tool kit, learn to change a flat and how fix the most common mechanical issues you may face and you will never be stranded again.