I am getting Fat in Boise

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!