Fat Biking in Boise? Yes, really.
Heading into this winter, I really didn't know what to
expect in terms of Fat Biking opportunities here in Boise. I expected to spend most of my outside-riding
time on the road bike with occasional trips to higher elevations in search of snow-packed
roads to ride the Fat Bike for some variety.
Things changed right after Christmas when it snowed in town and got cold.
This just in…riding snow-covered singletrack on the Fat
Bike is FUN!
The conditions for the Fat Bike have gotten better and
better over the last two weeks as our temps dropped and we received a little
snow. Monday’s 3-4” of heavy snow transformed
the lower Foothill Trails from “Fat Bike Optional” to “Fat Bike Required”…at
least for the short term. Even before Monday’s
snow, the upper trails like 5-Mile, Watchman’s, and upper 3 Bears were
definitely better on the Fat Bike. It
has been fun to start some rides on frozen dirt and then transition to 100%
snow once I gained elevation.
Here is what the Fat Bike transition in Boise has looked like
this year:
Dec 25, 2012: I rode the Scott Scale29 hardtail on the
lower Foothills Trails with a dusting of snow.
Chilly temps but great trail conditions and plenty of traction.
Dec 28, 2012: A couple inches of fresh snow had us riding
Corrals on the Fat Bikes in low 20F temps.
Michelle & Kenai heading up Corrals |
Fat Bike Stoke! |
Dec 30, 2012: The lower trails were a mix of frozen dirt,
sand, and snow and were perfectly rideable on a regular mountain bike. However, once I climbed up to Watchman’s, I
was greeted by 4-8” of untracked snow. I
was able to ride about 60% of Watchman’s on the Fat Bike and pushed the rest to complete the loop. Once I got to Three Bears, it was pure greatness!
Summer or Winter, Fat Tire Traverse is a great trail! |
Jan 6, 2013: A
week of cold temps due to an inversion kept the lower trails frozen and the
upper trails improved with hiker traffic.
I was able to ride 90% of Watchman’s and 100% of Three Bears on the Fat
Bike…and it rocked!
Rocky Canyon Road, the gateway to great trails |
Jan 8, 2013: 3-4”
of heavy snow fell on top of frozen, packed trails. Jeremy and I climbed Hulls to Crestline, and then
climbed Sidewinder, bombed back down Sidewinder, and descended Red Cliffs and
Chickadee Ridge back to Camelsback Park.
Low pressure and a Surly Nate tire in the rear helped with traction
today. Super fun ride!
The Fat Bike stoke was high Tuesday morning! I think Jeremy is hooked. |
Jan 10, 2013: We received another 3-5” of snow in town!
The forecast looks good for more Fat Bike adventure this
weekend!
Single-Digit low temps mean firm trails! |
2 comments:
Dave, what is the Crank/bb setup on Jeremy's Salsa Mukluk. it appears to be an older Shimano
Brian - The Salsa Mukluk3 that Jeremy is riding uses a custom crank built for Salsa. It does look like a Shimano in the pic. It uses an Isis BB and is a simple 2-ring setup with 24/36. You can see the complete spec here: http://salsacycles.com/bikes/mukluk_3
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