Fat Biking Narnia – Welcome To My Vision
Fat biking Narnia, yes, the childhood movie came to life as I got lost in my thoughts and lulled into a zone of tranquility. That might not be the first thing that enters your mind when contemplating a 20+ mile beach ride, but for me, this particular ride is unlike any other.
Imagine the salty breeze in your hair, the rhythmic crashing of waves in your ears, and the endless horizon stretching out before you. Now, picture experiencing all this while riding a fat bike along a pristine beach, with no houses, no development of any kind, for the next few hours. It’s just you and endless natural beauty. This is not just a ride; it’s an adventure that combines the tranquility of the beach with the physical demands of fat biking on varied terrain. Welcome to the world of fat bike beach riding—a unique experience that offers both serenity and challenge in equal measure.
Preparation
This is not a beginner fat biking ride. There is one break at the midpoint for food, drink and shade. I checked the tire pressure, brakes, and gears. Given the corrosive nature of saltwater I also lubricated the chain and other moving parts to prevent rust. My clothes were comfortable and moisture-wicking. Quality sunglasses helped protect my eyes from the glare of the sun and sunscreen protected my skin from UV rays. On this long of a ride I bring plenty of hydration, Ultima Electrolyte Mix, and some high-energy snacks. Riding on sand is more physically demanding than riding on pavement, so staying hydrated and fueled is crucial.
The Ride
The journey to Narnia began with the first pedal stroke approximately 2 hours before low tide. As I set off, the initial effort was considerable (especially if you’re new to fat biking). The soft, loose sand near the dunes can be challenging, but as I approached the high tide line, I rolled the 1’ drop onto the hardpack sand left by the receding tide. At the 3 mile mark, my wife headed back to camp and on my own for the rest.
One of the most captivating aspects of a fat biking beach ride is the serene environment. The beach offers a unique sense of isolation and peace. With the vast expanse of the ocean on one side and the endless stretch of sand on the other, it’s easy to lose yourself in the moment. The rhythmic sound of the waves provides a natural soundtrack, creating a meditative experience that is hard to find elsewhere. I am soon in some hypnotic state created by the waves and consistent cadence of pedaling.
And then it happened! I became totally mesmerized, looking at the horizon where the beach and ocean seem to become one. I was taken to another place of total peace and serenity, expecting Aslan, in all his glory, to appear walking out of the ocean in order to give me some direction or advise. I was totally lost in my mind, the sound of the ocean and wind lessened, the pedals felt as if I was floating over the sand, no effort required. Miles went by. Then, as I round a bend in the beach, my destination appeared in the distance.
The Break
Time for lunch, a wrap, fries and a couple of coconut martinis. I don’t recommend having alcohol on a break due to hydration needed for the return ride, but, well, I did it anyway. A few minutes to digest and its time to go back. The tide had changed and was now on the rise (I try to fit my rides in the +/-2 hour window straddling low tide).
Heading Back
Fueled, hydrated, time to pedal. The first few pedal rotations were difficult, my legs did not want to go, but I soon settled in. A couple of miles later, I came across a bunch of beach art along the dunes, almost as if it was a museum, I took a short break to take a look. Very cool, creative abstracts made of driftwood and other debris stood in the sand, way out here on the beach. I love this type of stuff, kudos to the artists.
A few miles later I also took a detour to explore a piece of new beach. About 10 years ago, a hurricane came through and cut a wide breach through the barrier island, connecting the ocean to the bay on the other side. It had been slowly filling in naturally ever since. Last year it closed, and was like a hard, dry, swamp during low tide, now it is almost completely covered with fresh beach sand. Amazing, the power of nature.
As I get back to camp, my legs and body said thank you, fatigue had set in at about mile 17. My mind, however, was still back somewhere in Narnia, recapping the soulful escape it had just been through. Every rider has that ride, that trail, that special place, that is mine.
Time to stretch.
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