Robert Rankin is the caretaker and owner of the Snowbird Mountain Lodge, a mountaintop inn located in Robbinsville, North Carolina. Outside of his responsibilities operating the Robbinsville, NC, establishment, Robert Rankin spends as much time outdoors as possible, often hiking or mountain biking.
In recent years, fat biking has become increasingly popular on American trails and slopes. Fat bikes are stable, easy to ride, and handle like a normal mountain bike. As the trend continues to grow, fat bikers are realizing how much fun their wide-set rides can be in snowy conditions.
Before a fat bike can hit the powder, it needs to be adjusted for winter riding. Cyclists should use the thickest tires their bike can accommodate, which should generally be 3.5 inches or more for riding in deep snow. Low tire pressure is similarly important for proper traction; many riders keep their tire pressure under 10 PSI.
While fat bikes are more popular than ever, there are still many places where their use is not permitted. Cyclists should research areas before heading out and be sure never to trespass. They should also be courteous when riding on groomed trails or snowmobile paths and should always yield right of way to skiers and snowshoers.
In recent years, fat biking has become increasingly popular on American trails and slopes. Fat bikes are stable, easy to ride, and handle like a normal mountain bike. As the trend continues to grow, fat bikers are realizing how much fun their wide-set rides can be in snowy conditions.
Before a fat bike can hit the powder, it needs to be adjusted for winter riding. Cyclists should use the thickest tires their bike can accommodate, which should generally be 3.5 inches or more for riding in deep snow. Low tire pressure is similarly important for proper traction; many riders keep their tire pressure under 10 PSI.
While fat bikes are more popular than ever, there are still many places where their use is not permitted. Cyclists should research areas before heading out and be sure never to trespass. They should also be courteous when riding on groomed trails or snowmobile paths and should always yield right of way to skiers and snowshoers.