Don't go bananas!! Follow good riding etiquette. (Snowkraft realizes that most people know, respect and follow the rules, but there are always a few bad guys. Bad guys, read this and follow it. or else!!!)
Fat Bike Ride Guidelines
1. Snowkraft was first a ski center. Respect the skiers. They generally know more about snow and what it takes to groom and maintain a ski and bike center.
2. Tire MUST be 3.8 or bigger to ride.
2.5 Tires that are overinflated will hurt the trail. See chart to right.
3. Generally, no riding if temp is over 32 degrees. If temp is over 32 degrees, look at the daily conditions report to see if riding is allowed.
4. Riding is NOT allowed on ski trails unless noted. Days that riding is allowed on ski trails will be noted on the website.
5. If you are making a track of more than 1/2 inch on ski trails, you should not be riding. When the trail is softer, you will feel yourself sinking in the snow. Generally, when this happens, you should not be riding on the ski trails.
5.5 Riding IS allowed on bike singletrack (4 foot trails) in more marginal conditions, but use care not to leave too deep a rut, (except in very new soft snow) more than maybe 3/4 inch, as this can be hard to groom smooth. Sometimes you WILL leave tracks on the side of the trail. This is OK, as snow on the side of the trail is not as compacted. Ride the center of the trail- it is hardest.
6. Realize that grooming takes considerable time. If you do not follow the rules, you could be ejected for the day or season. Follow the rules!!
TIPS for Beginners
Following are a few tips that will
make your first few rides better.
Starting out on snow, especially if you have not mountain biked,
can be intimidating. You WILL fall, but don't worry, you'll be OK. It is best to start out on non-clipless pedals, so you can get your feet to the ground quicker. Of course, wear a helmet. It is more important in winter than in summer.
If you can, start out biking on ski trails, which are much wider and typically less icy. This will be much easier. You can then progress to riding on narrower bike trails. Be sure that you can ride on the trails. Biking is NOT always permitted on ski trails. Call the area, or read their website.
Learn to read the snow texture. This will allow you to predict upcoming icy areas and prepare for them. If you don't feel comfortable on slicker sections, get off and walk. There is nothing wrong with that. When walking, stay to the side of the trail so as to not make footprints.
The side of the trail is ALWAYS less firm than the middle. Stay in the middle. Here in NE Wisconsin the trail can be quite icy. It is a good idea to buy studded tires, or at least tires that can be studded at a later date. This makes the bike much more stable. By studding the tires yourself, you can save quite a bit. A good person to talk to is George at Broken Spoke Bikes in Green Bay. They are the experts in the area.
Clothing is critical. Again, talk to a bike store about what clothing to buy. There are some Youtube videos that are helpful as well.
Basically, if you inform yourself well before your first pedal revolution, you'll be much more comfortable out on the trail.
