Get Fat This Winter
One of the most fun and competitive events in our festival of races is the King Vasa Fat Bike Race! See why fat bike racing is a great way to try out winter sports, and how the races work at the Vasa.
Northern Michigan is a real fat bike mecca. Nearly ten years ago now, one of the first fat bike races in the country took place near Gaylord, while the following year saw races at Crystal Mountain and right here at Timber Ridge in Traverse City. Fat biking is a laid-back way to enjoy winter, and that fun-first attitude doesn’t stop on the start line. It’s a way to race that’s remarkably inclusive, with some of the fastest riders in the state and first-timers all taking on the same conditions.
The Vasa and most fat bike races require bikes to hav 3.8” tires or wider. These days, most of our competitors run 4 inch tires, though like wax for skiers, tire width and tire pressure can make or break your performance. The softer the snow, the wider the tire riders will choose, which allows for a wider footprint and more floatation. Lowering your tire pressure, too, can help keep more rubber on top of the snow for more speed and traction. And when we say low, we mean low. Most fat bike racers run their tires at 4psi, and rarely more and 6psi! It’s like pedaling a dune buggy in the snow.
The Vasa is also one of the few races to put riders on large loops, and there aren’t many trails to ride quite like these. After leaving Timber Ridge, our racers ride sections of the Winter Sports Singletrack, which is expertly groomed all season long by our friends at Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association. Mixing singletrack and wider sections of Riley’s Loop, it’s a unique mix of tight trail and wide-open space for tactical passing and attacking. Our race offers two distances to suit different skill and fitness levels. The Long race is a 35km race designed to challenge Elite, Expert, and Sport riders. That longer race takes on two 17km laps. The Short’s race does one lap and is suited better to beginners and first-timers!
The North American Vasa Fat Bike Race is a part of the Short’s Brewing Fat Bike Series, which boasts a number of events all over northern Michigan at some beautiful and diverse venues. Check it out!
Ready to rock? Registration is open!
For anyone looking to break into winter sports because it’s as easy as riding a bike. This winter, check in with your local bike shop to learn about renting a fat bike or consider borrowing one from a friend. If you’ve got questions, let us know!