As a passionate mountain biker, I always cherish the crisp air and stunning trails of fall. However, the inevitable approach of winter signals a shift from dirt paths to snowy slopes, leaving my bike gathering dust until spring. For those of us who aren’t skiers (yet!), the wait can feel long and tedious. Winter used to mean just staring at my mountain bike and watching online videos, longing for the trails. That was until I discovered the world of Big Tire Bikes.
I must admit, I was initially skeptical about big tire bikes, also known as fat bikes. The idea of battling freezing temperatures in the woods while trying to maneuver a bike through snow seemed daunting. But honestly, it’s not as bad as you might imagine. In fact, getting back on a bike in the heart of winter felt fantastic!
My introduction to big tire bikes came with my friend Thea, who was also curious to try them out. Neither of us owned fat bikes, so we visited local bike shops like High Peaks Cyclery and Placid Planet Bicycles to rent a couple. The tires were unbelievably massive! These bikes were like tanks, built to conquer anything the winter trails threw at us. Despite their size, they felt surprisingly light and maneuverable.
My main concern before heading out was staying warm. I tend to get cold easily, and I was especially worried about my hands freezing and losing control of the brakes. I prepared for a blizzard, layering up for arctic conditions. Instead, we were greeted with a beautiful, mild winter day. I think the excitement of trying big tire biking for the first time also helped keep me warm. It turned out to be a real workout! I was glad I had a backpack to shed some layers as I warmed up. It felt liberating to be back on the trails during a season when I usually feel confined indoors.
We chose the Lussi Trails in Lake Placid for our big tire bike adventure. The trail conditions were perfect for riding. There wasn’t quite enough snow to require grooming, but just enough to provide good traction. Climbing hills on the snow with big tire bikes definitely presented a different challenge compared to summer riding. Cornering also felt a bit trickier than what Thea and I were used to on our mountain bikes. However, the large tires allowed us to roll over obstacles and power through varied snow conditions with confidence.
We spent the ride laughing and pushing ourselves, getting a fantastic workout in the process. By the end of our ride, we were both happily exhausted. I wouldn’t be surprised if big tire bikes become a more permanent fixture in our lives sooner rather than later.
Don’t forget to pack snacks! At one point, we both needed to refuel to keep our energy levels up for more trail riding. There’s nothing quite like enjoying hot chocolate, crisps, and a Cliff Shot while surrounded by the peaceful winter woods. And a chocolate bar is essential! It tastes even better when you’re admiring your big tire bike in the snowy landscape.
Left – Gotta have some snacks! | Right – My favorite trailHeaven Hill, Henry’s Woods, Craig Wood, and the Peninsula Trails are just a few other great locations in the area that offer excellent winter trail conditions for big tire biking. Just remember to be mindful and share the trails with cross-country skiers and snowshoers!
