Winter '19-'20 MN Fatbike Events

Fatbikes and winter go hand-in-hand here in Minnesota and we enjoy riding no matter what the weather holds in store.  Each year my list of fatbike events continues to grow as more people are enjoying riding in the cold and snow.  Start planning your calendar now and check back often for updates.

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 add events to this post as they become available.

Superfat Crit-November 2, 2019
Freewheel Bike-Eden Prairie
Eden Prairie, MN
Facebook Event Page

Winterbike Expo-November 2-3, 2019
Freewheel Bike-Eden Prairie
Eden Prairie, MN
Facbook Event Page

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-November 7, 2019
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Random Relay Version 2.0-November 9, 2019
West Lake Marion Mountain Bike Trail
Lakeville, MN

Wednesday evening fat bike ride from Virginia-November 13, 2019
Chestnut Street
Virginia, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-November 14, 2019
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Fatbike swap meet-November 16, 2019
Michael's Cycles-Prior Lake
Prior Lake, MN

Fat Tire Monday Rides-November 18, 2019
Lake Carlos State Park warming house
Carlos Township, MN

Wednesday evening fat bike ride from Virginia-November 20, 2019
Chestnut Street
Virginia, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-November 21, 2019
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Gravel Bicycle Ride Through the Sax/Zim Bog-November 23, 2019
McDavitt Townhall
Forbes, MN

Mtka Mountain Bike Trail Advocates Cranksgiving Food Ride-November 23, 2019
Unmapped Brewing Company
Minnetonka, MN

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-November 23, 2019
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

Fat Tire Monday Rides-November 25, 2019
Copper Trail Brewery
Alexandria, MN

Wednesday evening fat bike ride from Virginia-November 27, 2019
Chestnut Street
Virginia, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-November 28, 2019
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Turkey Day AM Ride-November 28, 2019
Michael's Cycles-Chaska
Chaska, MN

Opt Outside. Ride with OOOBS.-November 29, 2019
One on One Bicycle Studio
Minneapolis, MN

Now Bikes Lake Elmo Fat Bike Demo-November 30, 2019
Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Lake Elmo, MN

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-November 30, 2019
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

The "Pie Burner" Thanksgiving Weekend FatBike Ride-November 30, 2019
Palmers Tavern
Hibbing, MN
Facebook Event Page
Facebook Page
Postcard registration open September 1-November 1, 2019

Fat Tire Monday Rides-December 2, 2019
KRP Visitors Center
Kensington, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-December 4, 2019
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Wednesday Night Fat Bike Ride at Laurentian Divide Near Virginia-December 4, 2019
Laurentian Divide Superior National Forest Historical Marker
Virginia, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-December 5, 2019
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Thursday Night Group Ride-December 5, 2019
Elm Creek Singletrack
Champlin, MN

2019 BRF Global Fat Bike Day-December 7, 2019
UW Wanderoos
Wanderoos, WI

Cuyuna Global Fat Tire Day-December 7, 2019
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Crosby, MN

Faturday-Global Fat Bike Day-December 7, 2019
Bloomington Ferry Unit Parking Lot
Bloomington, MN

Global Fat-Bike Day-December 7, 2019
Worldwide

Global Fat Bike Day-December 7, 2019
Trailhead Cycling
Champlin, MN

Global Fat Bike Day-December 7, 2019
Tioga Recreation Area
Cohasset, MN

Global Fat Bike Day 2019-December 7, 2019
Rice Lake Elementary School
Lino Lakes, MN

Global Fat Bike Day 2019-December 7, 2019
Tonka Cycle & Ski
Minnetonka, MN

Global Fatbike Day 2019-December 7, 2019
Brandon Valley High School
Brandon, SD

Global Fat Bike Day 2019 Afterparty!-December 7, 2019
Ursa Minor Brewing
Duluth, MN

Global fat bike day group ride-December 7, 2019
Chambers Grove Park
Duluth, MN

Global Fat Bike Day hosted by Downtown Bicycles-December 7, 2019
Downtown Bicycles
Northfield, MN

Global Fatbike Day-Levis & Trow mounds-December 7, 2019
Levis Mound Trail
Neillsville, WI

Global Fatbike Day Ride-December 7, 2019
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Global Fat Bike Day Ride in the Sax/Zim Bog-December 7, 2019
McDavitt Townhall
Forbes, MN

Global Fat Tire Day-December 7, 2019
Michael's Cycles-Chaska
Chaska, MN

MMCC Global Fat BIke Day Poker Ride-December 7, 2019
Riverside Park
St. Cloud, MN

Nicollet Bike Global Fat Bike Day Ride 2019-December 7, 2019
Nicollet Bike & Ski Shop
Mankato, MN

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-December 7, 2019
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

Woolly Global Fat Bike Day 2019-December 7, 2019
Howlin' Wolf Creek Bar
St. Croix Falls, WI

Fat Tire Monday Rides-December 9, 2019
Peter's Resort
Glenwood, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-December 9, 2019
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Tuesday Night Fatbike Rides!-December 10, 2019
Freewheel Bike-Bloomington
Bloomington, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-December 11, 2019
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Wednesday Evening Ride At The Divide-December 11, 2019
Laurentian Divide Superior National Forest Historical Marker
Virginia, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-December 12, 2019
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Friday Night Lights-December 13, 2019
Tioga Recreation Area
Cohasset, MN

Winter Cycling: EVERYTHING From Commuting To Racing-December 13, 2019
The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park
Minneapolis, MN

Fat Bike Invasion Race Series-December 14, 2019
Theodore Wirth Park
Minneapolis, MN

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-December 14, 2019
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

Sunday Fatbike Ride-December 15, 2019
Spokengear
Two Harbors, MN

Fat Tire Monday Rides-December 16, 2019
Spruce Hill Park
Miltona, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-December 16, 2019
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Tuesday Night Fatbike Rides!-December 17, 2019
Freewheel Bike-Bloomington
Bloomington, MN

Wednesday Evening Fatbike Ride-December 18, 2019
Mesabi Trail
Virginia, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-December 18, 2019
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-December 19, 2019
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Fat Bike Invasion Race Series-December 21, 2019
Theodore Wirth Park
Minneapolis, MN
Facebook Event Page

Fat Bike Ride On The Laurentian Divide-December 21, 2019
Laurentian Divide Superior National Forest Historical Marker
Virginia, MN

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-December 21, 2019
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

Sat Morning Ride-December 21, 2019
Michael's Cycles-Chaska
Chaska, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-December 23, 2019
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Wednesday Holiday Ride-December 25, 2019
Mesabi Trail Mesabi Station
Eveleth, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-December 26, 2019
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Now Bikes Lake Elmo Fat Bike Demo-December 28, 2019
Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Lake Elmo, MN

Fat Bike Invasion Race Series-December 28, 2019
Theodore Wirth Park
Minneapolis, MN
Facebook Event Page

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-December 28, 2019
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-December 30, 2019
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Surprise New Year's Eve Fatbike Ride!-December 31, 2019
Freewheel Bike-Bloomington
Bloomington, MN

Tuesday Night Fatbike Rides!-December 31, 2019
Freewheel Bike-Bloomington
Bloomington, MN

Barely Organized New Years Day Run (walk, ski, bike, snowshoe)-January 1, 2020
Hartley Nature Center
Duluth, MN

Brrrrmidji New Year Bike Ride-January 1, 2020
The Cabin Coffee House & Cafe of Bemidji
Bemidji, MN

Life Wellness Group Rides - Wednesdays-January 1, 2020
Life Wellness Center
Lakeville, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-January 2, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Friday Night Lights ride-January 3, 2020
Tioga Recreation Area
Cohasset, MN

2020 Resolution River Rumble-January 4, 2020
Cedar Public Water Access Site (under HWY 77 bridge)
Eagan, MN
30, 20, 10 miles

Bike, Beer, and Chili Ride-January 4, 2020
LocAle Brewing Company
Mankato, MN

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-January 4, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

Framed Bikes Pre-Loppet-January 5, 2020
The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park
Minneapolis, MN
17, 8 km
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

Prior Lake Ice Ride-January 5, 2020
Charlie's on Prior
Prior Lake, MN

Salsa Fat Bike Demo and Ride-January 5, 2020
Demonstration Forest
Two Harbors, MN

Sunday Morning Fat Ride-January 5, 2020
Location TBD
Twin Cities, MN

Fat Tire Monday Rides-January 6, 2020
KRP Visitors Center
Kensington, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-January 6, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Bloomington Tuesday Fatbike Rides!-January 7, 2020
Freewheel Bike-Bloomington
Bloomington, MN

Life Wellness Group Rides - Wednesdays-January 8, 2020
Life Wellness Center
Lakeville, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-January 8, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Ride the Divide-January 8, 2020
Laurentian Divide Superior National Forest Historical Marker
Virginia, MN

Woodbury Wednesday Fatbike Rides!-January 8, 2020
Freewheel Bike-Woodbury
Woodbury, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-January 9, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Winter Series Rides with the Joyful Riders Club-January 9, 2020
Surly Brewing Company
Minneapolis, MN

Full Moon Group Fat Bike Ride-January 10, 2020
Jail Trail
St. Cloud, MN

Freezer Burn Fatbike Race-January 11, 2020
Springvale County Park
Cambridge, MN
18, 12, 6 miles

Frozen Feat Fat Bike Ride-January 11, 2020
LaFave Park
Thief River Falls, MN
Online Registration

Norpine Fat Bike Classic-January 11, 2020
Cascade Lodge
Lutsen, MN
26, 15 miles
200 racer cap
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-January 11, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

QBP Fat Bike Rennet-January 11, 2020
Highland Park Reserve
Bloomington, MN
25k, 10k
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

St. Croix 40 Winter Ultra-January 11-12, 2020
St. Croix State Park
Hinckley, MN
40 miles
Facebook Page
Online Registration

Sat Morn Ride!-January 11, 2020
Wilke Unit parking lot
Shakopee, MN

Saturday Coffee Shop or Fatbike Ride-January 11, 2020
Josiah's Coffeehouse, Cafe & Bakery
Sioux Falls, SD

Voyage of The DAMned-January 11, 2020
Bridge Square-Northfield, MN or
MN River Bottoms-Eagan, MN

Winter Trails Day 2020-January 11, 2020
Fort Snelling State Park
St. Paul, MN
Online Registration

Your Favorite Annual Winter Bonfire Ride with Surly Bikes-January 11, 2020
Angry Catfish Bicycle Shop and Coffee Bar
Minneapolis, MN

COGGS Member Group Ride-January 12, 2020
Piedmont Trails
Duluth, MN

Sunday Morning Fat Ride-January 12, 2020
Location TBD
Twin Cities, MN

Fat Tire Monday Rides-January 13, 2020
KRP Visitors Center
Kensington, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-January 13, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Bloomington Tuesday Fatbike Rides!-January 14, 2020
Freewheel Bike-Bloomington
Bloomington, MN

Life Wellness Group Rides - Wednesdays-January 15, 2020
Life Wellness Center
Lakeville, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-January 15, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Woodbury Wednesday Fatbike Rides!-January 15, 2020
Freewheel Bike-Woodbury
Woodbury, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-January 16, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Third Thursday Boulder Lake Group Ride Shuttle-January 16, 2020
Continental Ski & Bike
Duluth, MN
Online Registration

Frozen Gnome Fat Tire Challenge-January 18, 2020
Barley John's Brewing Company
New Richmond, WI

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-January 18, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

Sat Morn Ride!-January 18, 2020
Michael's Cycles-Chaska
Chaska, MN

Stomp Murphy-January 18, 2020
Murphy-Hanrehan Singletrack
Savage, MN

Sunday Morning Fat Ride-January 19, 2020
Location TBD
Twin Cities, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-January 20, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Bloomington Tuesday Fatbike Rides!-January 21, 2020
Freewheel Bike-Bloomington
Bloomington, MN

Life Wellness Group Rides - Wednesdays-January 22, 2020
Life Wellness Center
Lakeville, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-January 22, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Woodbury Wednesday Fatbike Rides!-January 22, 2020
Freewheel Bike-Woodbury
Woodbury, MN

Fat Thursday Cyclocrits-January 23, 2020
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge
Spring Park, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-January 23, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Winter Trail Rally! with FM Trail Builders-January 23, 2020
Junkyard Brewing Company
Moorhead, MN

Fatbike Frozen Forty-January 25, 2020
Elm Creek Singletrack
Champlin, MN
40, 30, 20, 10 miles
Online Registration

Lake Harriet Kite Festival-January 25, 2020
Lake Harriet
Minneapolis, MN

Now Bikes Lake Elmo Fat Bike Demo-January 25, 2020
Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Lake Elmo, MN

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-January 25, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

B-B-BRRR Winter Classic-January 26, 2020
Wildflower Grove Park
Fargo, ND
10 km
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

Sunday Morning Fat Ride-January 26, 2020
Location TBD
Twin Cities, MN

Arrowhead 135-January 27-29, 2020
International Falls, MN
135 miles
Registration

Fat Tire Monday Rides-January 27, 2020
KRP Visitors Center
Kensington, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-January 27, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Bloomington Tuesday Fatbike Rides!-January 28, 2020
Freewheel Bike-Bloomington
Bloomington, MN

Life Wellness Group Rides - Wednesdays-January 29, 2020
Life Wellness Center
Lakeville, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-January 29, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Rad Fat Biking Series Launch and Meet & Greet-January 29, 2020
Recovery Bike Shop
Minneapolis, MN

Woodbury Wednesday Fatbike Rides!-January 29, 2020
Freewheel Bike-Woodbury
Woodbury, MN

Fat Thursday Cyclocrits-January 30, 2020
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge
Spring Park, MN

Freewheel Bike Fat Tire Sprint Relays-January 30, 2020
The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park
Minneapolis, MN
Online Registration

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-January 30, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Fired Up! Fat Bike Tour-February 1, 2020
The Jewel Golf Club
Lake City, MN
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

Frosty Fat Tire Bike Festival, Benefiting UHCCF-February 1, 2020
Lafayette Club
Wayzata, MN
Online Registration

LCR intra squad beatings-February 1, 2020
Wyanett
Princeton, MN

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-February 1, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

UHCCF Frosty Fat Tire Festival-February 1, 2020
Lafayette Club
Minnetonka Beach, MN
Online Registration

Winter Carnival Fat Bike Fest & Winter Fat Bike Race Series #1-February 1, 2020
Great Bear Ski Valley
Sioux Falls, SD
Recreational Ride Online Registration
Race Online Registration

Freewheel Bike Fat Tire Loppet-February 2, 2020
Bde Maka Ska North Beach
Minneapolis, MN
37k
Online Registration

Freewheel Bike Fat Tire Puoli Loppet-February 2, 2020
Bde Maka Ska North Beach
Minneapolis, MN
18k
Online Registration

Freewheel Bike Fat Tire Tour-February 2, 2020
Bde Maka Ska North Beach
Minneapolis, MN
Online Registration

Sunday Morning Fat Ride-February 2, 2020
Location TBD
Twin Cities, MN

Fat Tire Monday Rides-February 3, 2019
KRP Visitors Center
Kensington, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-February 3, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Bloomington Tuesday Fatbike Rides!-February 4, 2020
Freewheel Bike-Bloomington
Bloomington, MN

Life Wellness Group Rides - Wednesdays-February 5, 2020
Life Wellness Center
Lakeville, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-February 5, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Ride the Divide-February 5, 2020
Laurentian Divide Superior National Forest Historical Marker
Virginia, MN

Woodbury Wednesday Fatbike Rides!-February 5, 2020
Freewheel Bike-Woodbury
Woodbury, MN

Fat Thursday Cyclocrits-February 6, 2020
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge
Spring Park, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-February 6, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Thursday Night Fatbike Ride - Winter Bike Week Edition-February 6, 2020
Donald D. Ferguson Demonstration Forest
Two Harbors, MN
Facebook Event Page

Friday Night Lights-February 7, 2020
Tioga Recreation Area
Cohasset, MN

45NRTH Whiteout-February 8, 2020
Cuyuna Country Recreation Area
Ironton, MN
30k, 20k, 10k
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

Big Island & Back-February 8, 2020
Excelsior Beach
Excelsior, MN
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

Fat Bike Invasion Race Series-February 8, 2020
Theodore Wirth Park
Minneapolis, MN
Facebook Event Page

Fat Bike ride through the Sax/Zim Bog-February 8, 2020
McDavitt Town Hall Office
Forbes, MN

Fat Tire - Tour of the Twin Cities-February 8, 2020
Minnesota Randonneurs
Angry Catfish Bicycle Shop and Coffee Bar
Minneapolis, MN
100 km

Full Moon Group Fat Bike Ride-February 8, 2020
Quarry Park and Nature Preserve
Waite Park, MN

Ham Lake Snow Bowl-February 8, 2019
Ham Lake Park
Ham Lake, MN
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

High Noon Hot Balloon Bike Race-February 8, 2020
Lakefront Park
Hudson, WI
Online Registration

Join us for a casual Fat Bike ride to Boom Island Brewing Co.!-February 8, 2020
Tonka Cycle & Ski
Minnetonka, MN

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-February 8, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

Snow Bomb Fat Bike Race/Ride-February 8, 2020
Holzinger Lodge & Trails
Winona, MN
10, 6 miles
Facebook Page
Online Registration

Try a Fat Bike!-February 8, 2020
Central Park Maple Grove
Maple Grove, MN

Winter Bike Week Group Ride and Barbecue-February 8, 2020
Lester Park
Duluth, MN
Facebook Event Page

Winter Fat Bike Race Series #2-February 8, 2020
Tuthill Park
Sioux Falls, SD
Online Registration

Fat Bike Vasaloppet-February 9, 2020
Lake Mora
Mora, MN
40, 10 km
Facebook Page

Full Snow Moon Ride-February 9, 2020
Lions Park WBL
White Bear Lake, MN

SnowWay But Round Fat Bike Race-February 9, 2020
Detroit Mountain Recreation Area, Inc.
Detroit Lakes, MN
Facebook Event Page

Sunday Fatbike Ride - Winter Bike Week Edition-February 9, 2020
Donald D. Ferguson Demonstration Forest
Two Harbors, MN
Facebook Event Page

Sunday Morning Fat Ride-February 9, 2020
Location TBD
Twin Cities, MN

Fat Tire Monday Rides-February 10, 2020
KRP Visitors Center
Kensington, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-February 10, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Bloomington Tuesday Fatbike Rides!-February 11, 2020
Freewheel Bike-Bloomington
Bloomington, MN

Tuesday Evening Fat Ride-February 11, 2020
Mesabi Trail
Virginia, MN

Winter Bike Week: Tuesday Night Ladies Ride-February 11, 2020
Hartley Park Trails
Duluth, MN
Facebook Event Page

Life Wellness Group Rides - Wednesdays-February 12, 2020
Life Wellness Center
Lakeville, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-February 12, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Woodbury Wednesday Fatbike Rides!-February 12, 2020
Freewheel Bike-Woodbury
Woodbury, MN

Fat Thursday Cyclocrits-February 13, 2020
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge
Spring Park, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-February 13, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Winter Series Rides with the Joyful Riders Club-February 13, 2020
Surly Brewing Company
Minneapolis, MN

Ely Skinny-Fat-February 15, 2020
Hidden Valley Recreation Area
Ely, MN
20k, 10k
Facebook Page
Online Registration

Embrace the North Festival-February 15, 2020
Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park
Brooklyn Park, MN

Fat Bike demo during Polar Fest-February 15, 2020
Detroit Lakes City Park
Detroit Lakes, MN

FatBikeFest 11-February 15, 2020
Montiview Mountain Bike Challenge Course
Monticello, MN

Fat Bike Fun Race-February 15, 2019
Cleary Lake Regional Park
Prior Lake, MN
Online Registration

Fat Forest Fourteen-February 15, 2020
Forest History Center
Grand Rapids, MN
14, 7 miles
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-February 15, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

Winter Fat Bike Race Series #3-February 15, 2020
Tuthill Park
Sioux Falls, SD
Online Registration

Scout's Guide to the Snowpocalypse-February 16, 2020
Gamehaven Scout Reservation
Rochester, MN
Facebook Event Page

Sunday Morning Fat Ride-February 16, 2020
Location TBD
Twin Cities, MN

Fat Tire Monday Rides-February 17, 2020
KRP Visitors Center
Kensington, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-February 17, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Bloomington Tuesday Fatbike Rides!-February 18, 2020
Freewheel Bike-Bloomington
Bloomington, MN

Life Wellness Group Rides - Wednesdays-February 19, 2020
Life Wellness Center
Lakeville, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-February 19, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Woodbury Wednesday Fatbike Rides!-February 19, 2020
Freewheel Bike-Woodbury
Woodbury, MN

Fat Thursday Cyclocrits-February 20, 2020
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge
Spring Park, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-February 20, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Third Thursday Boulder Lake Group Ride Shuttle-February 20, 2020
Continental Ski & Bike
Duluth, MN
Online Registration

Winter Camp At Cuyuna-February 21-23, 2020
Red Raven Bike Cafe
Crosby, MN
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

Becker Fat Bike Blitz-February 22, 2020
Pebble Creek Golf Club
Becker, MN
30 miles
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

Fat Bike Invasion Race Series-February 22, 2020
Theodore Wirth Park
Minneapolis, MN
Facebook Event Page

Louisville Swamp Ride-February 22, 2020
Michael's Cycles-Chaska
Chaska, MN

New Richmond Winterfest 2020 Fat Tire Biking-February 22, 2020
New Richmond Nature Center
New Richmond, WI

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-February 22, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

Snow Crush Fat Bike Race-February 22, 2020
River Bend Nature Center
Faribault, MN
16, 12, 8 miles
Facebook Event Page

Snow Day with MDL and Otso Cycles-February 22, 2020
Elm Creek Singletrack Trailhead
Champlin, MN
Online Registration

The Swirlie 2020-February 22, 2020
Douglas State Trail
Pine Island, MN
30 miles

Arctic Fat Fever Fat Bike Race-February 23, 2020
Lake Minnetonka
Excelsior, MN
Facebook Event Page
200 racer cap

Sunday Morning Fat Ride-February 23, 2020
Location TBD
Twin Cities, MN

Fat Tire Monday Rides-February 24, 2020
Location TBD
MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-February 24, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Bloomington Tuesday Fatbike Rides!-February 25, 2020
Freewheel Bike-Bloomington
Bloomington, MN

Life Wellness Group Rides - Wednesdays-February 26, 2020
Life Wellness Center
Lakeville, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-February 26, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Woodbury Wednesday Fatbike Rides!-February 26, 2020
Freewheel Bike-Woodbury
Woodbury, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-February 27, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Thursday Night Group Ride-February 27, 2020
Elm Creek Singletrack
Champlin, MN

1st Annual Chili Cook Off Ride!-February 28, 2020
Sioux Falls Bicycle Company
Sioux Falls, SD

24 Hours of Wirth: Winter-February 28-29, 2020
The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park
Minneapolis, MN
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

Chilly Willy Ride!-February 28, 2020
Key City Bike
Mankato, MN

Louisville Swamp Ride-February 29, 2020
Michael's Cycles-Chaska
Chaska, MN

Now Bikes Lake Elmo Fat Bike Demo-February 29, 2020
Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Lake Elmo, MN

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-February 29, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

Otso Demo at Red Raven-February 29, 2020
Red Raven
Crosby, MN

The Sweaty Yeti-February 29, 2020
Levis Mound Trail
Neillsville, WI
Online Registration

Fat Sunday's-March 1, 2020
Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN

Loppet Winter Triathlon-March 1, 2019
The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park
Minneapolis, MN
7 km ski, 15 km bike, 5 km run
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration

Stride, Ride, Glide Tri-March 1, 2020
Superior Municipal Forest
Superior, WI
5 km run, 5 km bike, 5 km ski
Online Registration

Sunday Fatbike Ride-March 1, 2020
Spokengear
Two Harbors, MN

Sunday Morning Fat Ride-March 1, 2020
Location TBD
Twin Cities, MN

Fat Tire Monday Rides-March 2, 2020
KRP Visitors Center
Kensington, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-March 2, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Life Wellness Group Rides - Wednesdays-March 4, 2020
Life Wellness Center
Lakeville, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-March 4, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-March 5, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Louisville Swamp Ride-March 7, 2020
Michael's Cycles-Chaska
Chaska, MN

Northland Fat Bike Rally-March 7, 2020
Lake Bemidji State Park
Bemidji, MN
28k, 10k

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-March 7, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

Fat Sunday's-March 8, 2020
Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN

Sunday Morning Fat Ride-March 8, 2020
Location TBD
Twin Cities, MN

Fat Tire Monday Rides-March 9, 2020
KRP Visitors Center
Kensington, MN

Full Worm Moon Ride-March 9, 2020
Lions Park
White Bear Lake, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-March 9, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Life Wellness Group Rides - Wednesdays-March 11, 2020
Life Wellness Center
Lakeville, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-March 11, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-March 12, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Winter Series Rides with the Joyful Riders Club-March 12, 2020
Surly Brewing Company
Minneapolis, MN

Balsam Basher 20K Fat Tire Bike Race-March 14, 2019
Korkki Nordic Ski Center
Duluth, MN
20 km
Online Registration

Fastenal Parallel 45-March 14-15, 2020
The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park
Minneapolis, MN
Parallel 45 Cup (Fat Tire Sprint Race)-March 14
Snowball in Hell (Fat-tire BikeCross Race)-March 15
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration opens Winter 2020

Louisville Swamp Ride-March 14, 2020
Michael's Cycles-Chaska
Chaska, MN

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-March 14, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

Fat Sunday's-March 15, 2020
Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN

Sunday Morning Fat Ride-March 15, 2020
Location TBD
Twin Cities, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-March 16, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Life Wellness Group Rides - Wednesdays-March 18, 2020
Life Wellness Center
Lakeville, MN

Mon/Wed Fat Bike Rides-March 18, 2020
Gamehaven Reservoir Park
Rochester, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-March 19, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Third Thursday Boulder Lake Group Ride Shuttle-March 19, 2020
Continental Ski & Bike
Duluth, MN
Online Registration

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-March 21, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

Fat Sunday's-March 22, 2020
Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN

Sunday Morning Fat Ride-March 22, 2020
Location TBD
Twin Cities, MN

Life Wellness Group Rides - Wednesdays-March 25, 2020
Life Wellness Center
Lakeville, MN

Rolling Fatties with Ambrose and Rich-March 26, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
St. Paul, MN

Frosted Fatty-March 28, 2020
Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN

Now Bikes Lake Elmo Fat Bike Demo-March 28, 2020
Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Lake Elmo, MN

Now Bikes Saturday Fat Ride-March 28, 2020
Now Bikes-St. Paul
Trail Location TBD

Fat Sunday's-March 29, 2020
Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN

Sunday Morning Fat Ride-March 29, 2020
Location TBD
Twin Cities, MN

Fourth of July Rides

Fourth of July is coming soon and if you want to celebrate Independence Day in the saddle there are several longstanding rides that have become tradition for many cyclists over the years.  July 4th is your chance to get in a ride with fellow cyclists and maybe even start a new yearly tradition.

Freedom From Pants is a Fourth of July Minneapolis tradition that is entering its 13th year.  This annual  underwear ride through the streets of Minneapolis will meet underneath the Hennepin Avenue Bridge on Nicollet Island at 6:00 pm and roll out at 7:00 sharp.  This safe-space event will make a "couple stops for drinks, beaches, underpants, good times."  Visit the Freedom From Pants XIII Facebook event page for more details, to join or share with friends.

Image credit: Great Scott 50

The Great Scott 50 Classic Bike Ride is a Prior Lake Fourth of July tradition going into its 32nd year.   Take a 25 or 50 mile ride through the rolling hills of Scott County or the newly added 10 mile family fun route on area trails.  The 25 mile short course is geared more towards recreational riders and has one rest stop along the way.  The 50 mile long course is what the ride is named for and will have three rest stops.  Mechanical support and SAG provided by Michael's Cycles.  The 50 mile ride leaves Lakefront Park in Prior Lake at 8:00 am, the 25 mile ride at 8:15 am and the family fun ride at 8:30 am.  Refreshments will be provided at all rest stops and there will be a picnic lunch served after the ride for those doing the 25 and 50 mile rides.  Lunch is not included for the Family Fun Route, but donuts and juice/coffee will be provided.

Register online, download the registration form to register by mail or register on-site the day of the ride beginning at 7:15 am at Lakefront Park.  Proceeds support Bike infrastructure and the local School Mountain Bike Teams.  Visit the Great Scott Classic Bike Ride Facebook Event Page for updates.

The Hiawatha Bicycling Club will be hosting the 20th Annual Tour D'Amico with four scenic routes to choose from complete with hydration stations and rest stops at D'Amico & Sons restaurants along the way.  These full SAG supported rides include a 21 mile family friendly short route, a 29 mile tour that is suitable for all riders, a 41 mile route and a metric century tour (62 miles) for intermediate and endurance riders.  Visit the Tour D'Amico Course Details Page for more information on these routes.

Registration can be done online or by mail with a check.  Packet pick up starts at 8:00 am and goes until 10:30 am July 4th at the D'Amico & Sons in Golden Valley.  After the ride, participants will be treated to an Italian buffet lunch that will be served from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm.  Proceeds from the Tour D'Amico benefit Twin City bike education and trail maintenance programs.  This is a rain or shine event.

Join Continental Ski & Bike on the Fourth for a self-supported mountain bike ride on the trails around Duluth.  The ride will meet at Lester Park at 8:00 am and roll out at 8:15, continue on to Spirit Mountain and then to the Duluth Traverse Trail.  After the ride meet up at the Riverside Bar and Grill at Grand Avenue Chalet at Spirit Mountain for an after party.  This is an all ages ride but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.  More details can be found at the Traverse the Traverse Facebook event page.

The Twin Cities Bicycling Club will be hosting the 38th Annual Watermelon Ride with a choice of 15, 25 or 52 mile routes.  The 15 mile route is geared for beginners getting into cycling and families with children.  The 25 mile route is ideal for both the novice and experienced rider.  Full support is provided for both the 15 and 25 mile routes and the routes will be marked.  The 52 mile route is unsupported so bring the necessary items to make minor repairs and fix flats.  Route maps will be handed out to riders at the registration table the day of the event.  Snacks will be supplied at rest stops and a picnic lunch will be held at Snail Lake Park following the ride until 2:30 pm.

Online registration will closes at the end of the day on June 30th.  Day-of registration will also be available by printing and filling out the Registration Waiver and bringing a check made payable to the Twin Cities Bicycling Club to the registration table.  Twin Cities Bicycling Club members receive a discount for registration.  Registration for the 15 & 25 mile routes is from 8:30-10:00 am and the 52 mile route is from 7:30-9:00 am.  Registration and ride start is at Incarnation Lutheran Church in Shoreview.  This is a rain or shine event.  Mechanical support provided by County Cycles.  For more information, email the Event Coordinators at: watermelon@biketcbc.org.

Tips For Bike Commuters

Bike commuting puts me in a great mood for a day at work and I certainly prefer it to driving a car but there are a few things you can do to make your rides safer, more convenient and comfortable.  In this post I've listed some of the things learned from my daily commutes that you can use whether you're thinking about giving bike commuting a try or you're a seasoned commuter.

Ditch the backpack and let the bike carry the load.  Frame, seat and handlebar bags can be used to carry a change of clothes and toiletries if traveling light works for you.

For longer commutes and those times when nature calls learn where the "rest stops" are along the way just in case. Parks are good places to find portables and building facilities.

Daytime running lights help get you seen by motorists especially on overcast or foggy days.  The majority of car/bike accidents happen during daylight hours so why wouldn't you want to increase your visibility for safety?

Keep it fresh and choose a different route from time to time. I'll sometimes leave for work early to take the long way in or go a completely different way  just so I can change things up a bit.  By doing this I have found more enjoyable and often safer routes to and from work.

Take advantage of natural windbreaks on those windy days if available. I was riding on the road fighting a stiff head/cross wind and moving over to the bike path adjacent to the woods really cut down on the wind.

When you have two options (road vs. bike path), opt for the safer one for the conditions, time of day and traffic.  I have learned the traffic patterns along my route and riding the road certain times of the day can be safer/less safe than taking the adjacent bike trail.

Check the weather regularly and be prepared with the proper apparel.  If there is any chance of rain during my commute I will pack a jacket that will keep me dry just in case I need it.  Morning commutes may require more clothing than a much warmer end of the work day commute and checking the weather forecast ahead of time will help select the right apparel for both of them.

Flats are going to happen, do you know what to do?  I run tubeless so incidents of flat tires happen less frequently but I've had to inflate tires that lost pressure before my sealant stopped the leak. I carry tire plugs for larger punctures and recently had to use one when sealant alone wouldn't do the trick.

One should always carry tire levers, a spare tube (if not running tubeless), tire pump or inflator with CO2 cartridge because it's no fun walking your bike when a 5 minute tube change will get you up and rolling again.  Watch this video from Trek on how to change a tube if you don't know how yet.

Use a tool cup in a bottle cage to carry the necessary things like a multi-tool, chainbreaker, lube and a master link that may get you out of a jam and back to riding in the event of a mechanical that requires your attention.  This is also a good place to stash your tire levers, CO2 cartridges/inflator and emergency cash.

Prepare your gear the night before so getting out the door is quick and easy in the morning.  I will always have my work clothes packed, bike clothes laid out and lights and Garmin ready to go so all I have to do is get dressed and leave.  This definitely speeds things up and helps avoid forgetting something.

Google Maps with bicycling directions is a great navigational tool. I've used it many times on my phone paired with headphones to navigate areas I'm unfamiliar with.  It also comes in handy when I need to take the shortest route that is bicycle friendly. With audible directions turned on using earbuds, turn-by-turn instructions are announced while riding just like it does when driving a car.  If a turn is missed rerouting directions kick in.

If you're like me, you have a few rechargeable devices that need a fresh charge for the next commute. Head and tail lights, GPS computer, action camera and phone can all be charged at the same time with a USB hub. Just plug everything in when you get home and unplug later when fully charged.

Get a tire pressure gauge. Check pressure regularly and adjust accordingly for better handling and a decreased chance of getting pinch flats. Temperature changes can affect tire pressure and tubes lose air with time. Even though I run tubeless on my bikes I still check pressures regularly and adjust for the riding conditions.

Enjoy those night commutes home, they're a great way to unwind after a long day at work.  Put on some good music or a favorite podcast, lose yourself in the ride and feel the stress of the day slip away.

Invest in some quality cycling apparel for all types of weather.  Bike commuters ride it all so having the right apparel for the conditions is key to staying comfortable, warm and dry.  Having several changes of cycling apparel helps if you don't have time to get to washing it for a few days.

I wear eye protection for my day and night commutes.  While sunglasses are the obvious choice for daylight hours to cut glare and see better in sunny conditions, clear lenses keep those flying insects from ending up in your eyes during night rides.  Glasses also provide protection from the wind keeping eyes from watering up.

Sometimes drivers are confused of who should yield or they're surprised by my presence in traffic and don't know how to react, that's why I use hand signals. Doing so helps communicate my intent or lets them know they must yield right of way. It's almost always at intersections that I end up having to use hand signals.

Don't be afraid to take the lane when needed.  When a bike path or shoulder isn't a safe option, taking the lane gives a cyclist greater visibility to motorists and helps prevent the dreaded squeeze-by by forcing them to pass safely in the adjacent lane.

Intersections are the most dangerous part of the commute.  Learn how to navigate them and what to avoid.  Take the lane when necessary for better visibility to motorists, to prevent right hooks from right turning vehicles and unsafe overtaking.  The video below explains how to safely navigate intersections and the reasoning behind the methods.

Bike commuting is not only fun but can be great exercise, reduce greenhouse gases, save money on gasoline and put you in a great mood for the rest of the day.  Give bike commuting a try and it may quickly become your favorite mode of transportation to work and errands.  For more bike commuter discussion join the Twin Cities Bike Commuters Facebook group today.