Winter Wooly – The Wild Side

Winter fat bike festivals and events are a fantastic way to experience the sport.  The last three winters I have had the pleasure of heading north for a long weekend of riding, socializing, eating, and drinking – destination – New Hampshire for the Winter Wooly and Freezetivus festivals.  This year, 15 of my fellow riders made the trek to participate in the Winter Wooly Fat Bike Race and Festival, undoubtedly an amazing event, where Highland Bike Park turns on the lift and grooms the trails for their spectacular one-day event.  Not all the riders join the race, the mountain is however open for all riders to enjoy for the day. 

Downhill Mountain Biking in the snow!  Slipping, sliding, falling, flying, it’s all there in one day, one location.  That’s what winter fat bike festivals are all about!  The vibe is electrifying, smiles are on all the riders’ faces, families and friends hang out in the lodge and outdoor seating areas.  Firepits ablaze, local beer companies providing samples of their brew and yes, bike companies, showing off their wares. 

This is not a “newbie” event in my opinion.  Before attempting downhill riding in the snow, one should have some experience with snow riding, there is a network of cross-country trails at the bottom of the mountain that is perfect for beginners, and enjoyable for experienced riders as well. These trails are well groomed and have varying terrain and difficulty levels so that there is something for everyone.

This year was balmy, with temps in the 30’s; last year they were in the single digits.  Bringing the right clothing is super important, layers a must, winter boots recommended, and hand/feet warmers preferred.  Unfortunately, I took a hard fall early in the day and then fell on the same spot again, bruising my ribs pretty good.  My afternoon was cut short by lunch, but hey, that’s part of the sport.  Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous sport, to participate, you must assume the risks.  I wasn’t out for the weekend however, I pushed through the pain, with the help of some pain meds, on the following day and enjoyed another winter fat bike festival, Freezetivus.

Freezetivus – In Search of the Yeti

Freezetivus is a Winter Fat Bike Festival held in New Hampshire and sponsored by NEMBA – Central NH Chapter, the day following the Winter Wooly.  It makes for a totally awesome weekend of riding and comradery for winter mountain bikers.  The NEMBA members are fantastic hosts and welcomed us as if they had known us for years, although this is the third year we have been participating in the event.  This year the weather was warm during the day and below freezing at night, which makes for icy conditions.  Most of my NY comrades were prepared this year with studded tires, and boy, were we happy we made the upgrade. 

An 8-mile snow and ice filled trail was groomed as always, ride groups were split up for beginner / advanced riders and went out every 15 minutes.  As we pedaled up the hills and through the snow we were tracked down by the mystical yeti as we took a break at the BACON STATION.  Yes, there was a bacon station in the middle of the forest – BEST IDEA EVER!  The barbeque was full of bacon and could be smelled for quite a distance down the trail, slowly pulling you toward it (you hoped).  Several laps were ridden, followed by food, drink, and vendors with bike demos to try.  Another great day to wrap up a four-day weekend of snowy fat bike riding.  Can’t wait for next year!