Amazing! This is such a fun activity to do in the winter that I can’t wait to try it again. If you want to know a little bit more about what makes a fat tire bike special, read this article featuring Mason Racing owner, Jason Ouelette.
I know you might be thinking, weren’t you cold?
That’s what I thought too, but no. I was actually getting warmer as the journey went on from pedaling.
So it was a cold February morning, about 9 degrees, and I thought I was crazy to rent a bike on this day, but the kids were in daycare and I had the day off so it was now or never.
Where to Rent
I set off to Omer and Bob’s and they set me up: adjusted the seat, got me a helmet, showed me how the biked shifted, and gave me tips on where to go.
$30-45 to rent for the day. Rent as long as you want. They have weekly rates too. You can also rent a bike rack for $10 a day.
I was ready.
Things you’ll need
- long undwear is must under a pair of pants
- ski gloves, not mittens, to grab the handle bars
- neck warmer/gator, this really kept out the wind and chill
- hat, I wore my thicker ski hat
- ski socks
- light boots or sneakers (I wore sneakers and was fine because the snow was packed)
- padded bike shorts, your butt will thank you
- String to tie your pant leg so it doesn’t get caught in the gear, or you can just tuck it into your sock a bit like I did
I thought I would need ski pants, but I’m glad I didn’t bring them. They would’ve been too bulky. You defnitely need either a padded seat or padded bike shorts as standard fat tire bike seats are hard, unless you have a butt of steel, then by all means. I didn’t.
The Experience
I headed over to the rail trail and started out.
It was smooth riding on the snow. The studded tires cut right through and I felt like I was gliding along.
The trail was quiet and relaxing. I could hear the birds and the rush of the water, both sure signs of spring and I was thrilled.
Riding in the winter is so serene. Fat bike tire biking allows me to experience more of winter’s natural beauty because I can go further on the trail than walking or snow shoeing.
Where to Ride Nearby
You can ride on
- the Mascoma Greenway in Lebanon
- the Northern Rail Trail in Lebanon
- the Sugar River Trail in Claremont
- Moody Park in Claremont (avoid stumper jumper in winter)
- Boston Lot Trails maintained by Upper Valley Mountain Biking Association – please check to see which trails are open to use
- French’s Ledges in Plainfield are groomed and open to fat tire biking. Check conditions
Hooked? Want to buy your own fat tire bike? Try Omer and Bob’s or Mason Racing.
