What's the Big Deal with Fat Bikes?
fun and versatile
When is it a good time to invest in a Fat Bike?

Mark was an unlikely fat bike owner. Last year when his new road biking hobby was cut short by “the dang Wisconsin weather,” Mark brought out an old hybrid. A wider tire with more grip is good enough, right? Plus, a second new bike in nine months didn’t seem practical.

Everyone else brought out their fat bikes.

As snow flew and riding the hybrid became out of the question, Mark learned more about Fat Bikes from his fellow Tuesday Nigh Chat riders and Bike Doc staff. He started to weigh the uses for the bike beyond weekly snow rides.
Mark remembers, “It became clear a Fat Bike could make a great bike for many potential off-road adventures. I learned I could ride up and down ski hills in the summer on this bike -- which I did with some of the Bicycle Doctor crew -- and ride other mountain bike trails in the Kettle Moraine with my new riding friends."

"While not perfect for the mountain bike trails, it certainly is more capable than my road bike and even better then my hybrid; overall, a VERY versatile bike and worth the investment.”

Try out a Fat Bike during our Tuesday Night Chat ride! Or, give racing a shot! ⬎
John Mueller , customer and part-time service tech at the Bicycle Doctor signed up for the Hugh Jass Fat Bike Series , a six part race put on by Wheel and Sprocket. "I'm looking forward to having some rowdy competitive fun at a unique event. It's a reason to unplug and get outdoors in the age of indoor training."

John says, "These races are my first experience with off-road racing, so the lighthearted nature of the event helps take off the apprehension off doing something new." 

What did John race on? One of the shop's rad new Farley rentals! "I wasn't sure if I wanted to make the full investment this year, so I was very fortunate to be able to rent a bike from the shop. I'm just starting my training for a 2020 dedicated to mountain biking and gravel racing. I love doing something fun while keeping my fitness up for the off-season. "

An added benefit: John infiltrates another local bike shop's event and represents The Bike Doc. "I like to kill em with kindness and then pedal my tail off!"
Winter Bike Races
Suggestions to get those wheels turning
Unique
Ironbull Winter Triathlon - Wausau, WI | January 26
Racers can explore the area’s premiere trail system on skis, bike, and snowshoes. Racers will start cross country skiing (classic or skate) on a 6k loop. Transitioning to Fat Bikes, bikers will hit 10k of singletrack trails transformed for fat biking just for this event! Finally, racers will switch to snowshoes, covering 5k on more singletrack trails. 

Race all three disciplines by yourself or as a two or three person team. 

Community-led
The kick off to Iola's Winter Carnival weekend, all proceeds go towards Iola Winter Sports Club trail grooming equipment for the trails that are used by Nordic skiers and the Iola Youth Nordic Ski program.
 
Race starts at a heated lodge with concessions, restrooms, and a warm wood stove! Includes chip timing, junior and adult categories, and 1 or 2 hour length races. Oh, and Bike Doc's Kyle Warras suggested this race for the line up - check out the course map and you'll see why.

Chill
FROSTBITE 30,40,50 - Pecatonica, IL | February 23
Route consists of primarily gravel roads and hilly terrain. The weather can be anything in late February, so come dressed for the conditions and bring the appropriate bike, whatever that might be. Free event put on by Freeport Bicycle Company.

As long as she hasn't inhaled too much Birkie wax, Bike Doc employee Megan Andrews-Sharer will ride this one!

Classic
Fat Bike Birkie - Cable, WI | March 6 & 7
Something for every rider with the Big Fat 47K, The Half Fat 21K, and the un-timed Fun Fat 10K Tour on the famous Birkie trail.

Thinking about it? Bike Doc employee Lindsey Roder has podiumed here. Reach out with questions!

Endurance
Tuscobia Winter Ultra - Rice Lake, WI | December 2020
Mark your calendars for August registration
A human powered run, bike or ski event held on the Tuscobia State Trail in Northern Wisconsin, 160-mile or 80-mile event. All distances are semi-supported. Patronizing local businesses is encouraged but no other outside help, crews, or pacers is allowed. 

Thinking about it? Megan Andrews-Sharer volunteered here last year and it's on her race list. Let's talk!
Bicycle Doctor Nordic Ski Shop
262-965-4144