Carey Lake XC Ski Trails

Ok, since most everyone checks here..... I'll post this info here.
Updated fatbike info......
For the winter of 2014/15 fatbikes are ***ONLY*** allowed on the north loop of the trails.

In the next few weeks myself, a skier and members of the park board and the parks and rec.  Will all sit down and come up with a plan/rules that will work for all trail users...... with talk of dedicated fatbike/snowshoe/walking trails being talked about for the future. 
This is all part of the big picture, so you fatbikers out there....... be smart, follow IMBA'S best practice for Nordic ski trails. Be respectful and smile!!!! This is where we "the new users" can really make our mark for our future!!!!
Let's show everyone involved that we're up for this!!!!!!!
Pedal On!!

Carey Lake XC Ski Trails

*******
Please Stay OFF The Trails Until Further Notice!!!!!
*******
THANK YOU!!!

I'm meeting soon with the Hibbing parks and recreation heads about fatbike access for 2014/15.
It seems some skiers were upset at the end of last year with a biker/s tire tread on the trails.
They took pictures and what not, so PLEASE STAY OFF until you've heard from me!!!!
That's all I know right now, until I meet with Pete H. and Kraig S.

This is something I've already thought through after I got the go ahead for fatbikes on the city trails, and doesn't surprise me at all, that at the end of a long winter this would happen.
So, again I ask for your respect and patience. 
Peace

Let's try a photo!!!!! Lol

It's Time To Speak Up!!!

Let your voice be heard in support of northern Michigan FatBiking.

You DO NOT have to be from the local area to sign!!
Pedal On!!

Mission Accomplished, Offically!

After many meetings, a live demonstration, some more meetings..... It's official!
FatBikes are now good to go on select trails in Hibbing, Minnesota.
The Carey Lake XC ski trails to be exact.
Thank you to the City of Hibbing park board, Pete H. and Kriag S.
Pedal On....... SNOW!!! 

Successful Hook Up

The FatBike misconception SQUASHED!!

A BIG THANK YOU to Pete H. and Kraig S. 

More info to follow!! 

Not so Fat Chance

I attended our local park board meeting on Jan. 27th.
Pertaining to getting the cities blessing on allowing FatBiking on the local XC ski trails.
It was very well received by the board members!!
A local reporter was also in attendance from our local newspaper, and FatBikes made the paper here in little old Hibbing, Mn.
Pete H. and Kraig S. and I still have yet nailed down a date for the live demonstration.
This should be happening very soon.
After the live demonstration, I'll post some info on what was decided upon.
Pedal On....... SNOW!!
Peace

Step One.... Opening Eyes.....CHECK

Yesterday I met with the two top guys of the city of Hibbing's park board. 

Thank you Pete H. and Kraig S.

I'm looking at gaining access for FatBikes on the local XC ski trails. 

This is not my favorite winter riding, but options are not a bad thing to have!! 

I brought my bike (obviously), and words like intrigued, interesting and holy shit those tires were thrown around. LOL

For once in my life I had all the answers to every question they asked; and even brought up points they said "we never thought about that." 

I explained these bikes were designed for snow and sand riding, along with most times leaving less damage/tracks than a skate skier does on the the trail/trails.

 

We as riders of the FatBikes know what these rigs are capable of. To the normal non fatbike rider, it's kind of mind blowing.

I explained how I don't want to piss off the local base of skiers. I don't want to create any conflict what so ever!! 

I explained when it would not be ok to ride on the trails..... See IMBA's best practice's for riding on XC ski trails. I had sent every bit of info in that regard a month or two ago; and they both said, "yes we read all the info you sent." 

Which was refreshing and made me feel pretty good the meeting with them. 

StepTwo..........

They both said they're very open to giving these bikes a place on one of the lesser used trails as a test run. 

Pete had said he'd like to see the bike in action, and actually throw a leg over and ride himself! He also asked if he could video tape our testing and bring it before the park board at their next meeting in January; I said you bet; and I'm in no rush for this to happen. Good things come to those who wait!! ;)

So within the next couple weeks we'll hammer out a couple dates and all meet out on the trails to test it out. 

I'm not willing to say it's a slam dunk, but I know what these FatBikes are capable of......SO......  It's a slam dunk!!

Ha Ha Ha 

FatBikes Gaining Acceptance in The Northland

It's happening mostly in the big ski resorts of the west.

Grand Targhee comes to mind first.

Well, now the northland's got it's first ski resort allowing FatBiking on their Nordic XC ski trails; and this place is Giants Ridge. 

Awesome news!! 

Along with allowing FatBikes, come March 2014 they'll also be putting on a FatBike only race!! I'll try and dig up more info on this race as it becomes available.

A big thanks to Jon Filander, activities and events director at Giants Ridge. 

As with anything, us FatBikers are the new kids on the trails..... So please act accordingly!! 

Let's show the temperamental XC ski crowd WE ARE NOT LIKE what they think we are like!! 

Kill them with kindness!!
*********

Update... As of 11/20/2013

Well, you can another local Nordic ski area welcoming FatBikes!!! 
Mt. Itasca........
This from their newsletter this morning............
*******

Fat, fat tire biking on ski trails-Griffin Myslivecek from GRIMBA (local mountain biking club) explained  about an up and coming sport of riding bikes with super wide and low pressure tires to ride on packed ski trails.  This is being accepted in other areas around the country.  The tires don’t leave much of a mark; but if the rider dismounts, there might be foot marks or maybe something the size of a snow angel if the dismount was not so graceful.  Board Member Al Dettmer, who does a ton of volunteer grooming at Mt. Itasca, thought those trails might be a good place to start since they are so hard packed. Bikers would pay trail fees and stay away from the classic tracks.

********

I also should note, a XC ski trail is not my preferred place to ride my FatBike! 

Give me a snowshoe stomped trail meandering through the woods and I'm one happy guy during our "dark-time!!" 

Pedal On!!

Peace