Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

Off Piste: Fat Biking in Breck

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I’m just going to tell it to you straight: I’m not much of a cyclist. Other than having a road bike growing up—and occasionally hopping on a stationary one at the gym—I generally steer clear of that sort of cardio activity. And then I visited Breckenridge, cruised through the woods on my first fat bike and thought maybe I should rethink my bike ban.

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

You see, I love the concept of biking (other than the padded shorts; my butt needs no help with padding, thank you very much). There just aren’t any sidewalks around where we live—Tennessee in general is a whole lot of driving and very little alternate forms of transportation—and I’m scared mindless at the thought of mountain biking after falling down a very rocky hill the first time I attempted it in the Alps. But you want to know the best part about fat biking in the winter? You do so in the snow, so if you fall—and you will fallyou do so in a bed of marshmallows.

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

But let me rewind.

When SVV and I decided to head out to Breckenridge on a whim—as in, booked our flights just two weeks in advance, which I consider spontaneous … for us—we consulted our pals at GoBreck, who gave us the lay of the land and what all is new in town. “You must try fat biking,” they wrote. “It’s all the rage.”

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

SVV immediately dismissed the idea, thinking it was one of those awkward ski bikes that you take down the slopes. “That just sounds dangerous,” he said. (Side note: When did we both get so old that we let a little danger get in the way of our fun?)

“I agree,” I said, tentatively, as I secretly wrote Rachel in and said we were in because, let’s be honest, if something’s “all the rage,” I need to do it!

As it turns out, fat biking is very much a safe activity, as you’re riding a normal bike that has much thicker tires to keep you stable on the snow and trails.

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

We showed up at Breck Bike Guides on Main Street in Breckenridge right after lunch on Sunday, and one of the owners Nick got us all geared up to hit the trails.

His partner, Sydney, would be our guide. I found out she was also a journalist—for outdoors magazines—and knew we’d get along swimmingly. Even though it was warm outside, downtown was windy and so against my better judgment, I wore a ski thermal and my Canada Goose down jacket.

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado
Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

And also my ski helmet because safety first, kids.

Fat biking tip #1: Dress one layer down from how you’d normally dress for the weather because you will get hot at some point. It’s a lot of uphill pedaling!

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

The road bike portion of the trek was a long one, and I was already huffing and puffing as we pedaled up the mountain for what seemed like ages to get to the trailhead—not that I cared, really, as the views were spectacular and my glutes were burning (in a good way). At times, though, I was regretting the multiple layers. However, as soon as we got on the trail under the canopy of the firs, my sweat dried and I started to get chilly even.

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado
Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

Fat biking tip #2: Take an extra top layer in a bag or Camelbak should you get cold once in the trees.

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

Sydney had told us upfront that we would fall, but after coasting along for some time without a major falter, I didn’t believe her. Then, as I was trying to get my footing and step off my bike onto the trail to steady myself, I missed by about a foot and sunk. Then continued to sink. I braced myself as my bike started to tip over, too, as if in slow motion. Then, my whole body was laying sideways in the snow.

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

I paused long enough for SVV to take photos, obviously. It didn’t hurt one bit, though my toes were cold the rest of the ride. I was suddenly glad I grabbed my gloves as we were heading out of the door! My fingers stayed toasty despite my body being plunged into the icy abyss.

Fat biking tip #3: Know that you’re going to fall. It’s gravity. It’s going to happen. OWN IT. There’s no shame in falling.

It’s advised that you stay in the center of the trail where it’s packed down solid. Stray ever so slightly and your bike could sink into the snow (as I discovered the hard—or should I say soft?—way).

SVV then took one for the team and fell a few moments later. I like to think it was in support of his wife, because he’s a kindly gent like that.

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

Much of the trail was uphill—how does it seem you’re always biking uphill no matter what? surely, you have to go down at some point—and I had to stop on many an incline to catch my breath. Getting back on the bike while in the snow and on an uphill proved to be the most difficult part of the whole adventure.

Needless to say, we had a blast on our first fat biking experience. I was feeling even more proud of us when our fearless guide confessed that she didn’t even take us on the beginner trail. (Thanks for that vote of confidence, Sydney! My thighs are still thanking you.)

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado
Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

We definitely felt the altitude at times, primarily when going uphill. I don’t think there’s anyone come from out of state who doesn’t at some point, am I right?

Fat biking tip #4: Give yourself a day or two after you arrive to acclimate to the altitude before you hit the trails.

And while we were on the bikes deep in the woods for much of the afternoon, there were plenty of overlooks that we came to, and Sydney was always more than happy to let us stop for a breather photo opp.

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado
Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

In the three hours we were gone, Sydney clocked us as being active an hour and 27 minutes, covering 8.39 miles, averaging 5.3 mph, climbing 751 feet and cycling at a max speed of 17 mph. Not bad for rookies, eh?

All Breck Bike Guide tours are fully customized to the experience and fitness level of the riders. Prices start at $35 an hour. You can rent the bikes on your own at $40 for a half day and $55 for a full day, though unless you’re a Summit County native and know the trails, you’re not going to get the full experience without the guidance of Nick and/or Sydney. Plus, they’re just so much fun, you don’t want to miss out on getting to know these two adventurers!

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

Fat biking is popular in other destinations like Telluride, but Breck Bike Guides is the first company to offer such day biking tours of any kind in Breckenridge. Prior to them opening last summer, the only mountain biking company in the area solely offered multi-day trips, no three-hour excursions like we went on.

Fat Biking in Breckenridge, Colorado

Now tell me, have you ever been on a fat bike before? Would you try it? Have I convinced you yet?

COMMENTS
  • February 5, 2015

    I’ve never been, but I’m totally convinced!

    Also, I love that your handstand shots are the new jumping shots. 🙂

    • February 14, 2015

      Totally! I got bored with jumping (plus, it would be tricky in the snow, heh), though I might go back to it eventually =)

  • February 5, 2015

    Holy moly this sounds like so much fun! I’m not much for skiing, but love winter sports. I am also an avid spinner. I think I should look for a place with fat biking the next time my family wants to ski!

    • February 14, 2015

      The fat bike shop also has spinning classes there! I’ve never done spinning, but it looked like a whole lot of fun =)

  • February 5, 2015

    I really envy you , i want to ride a fat bike, but the prices of these bikes are so high 🙁
    Last year i try three ski bike and it was very funny

    • February 14, 2015

      It was a whole lot of fun! I hope you have a chance to try it at some point.

  • February 10, 2015

    Fat Biking looks like so much fun! I’ve never been, but I love biking in general, and it looks wicked to do it this way! Those snowy hills looked like your marshmellows you needed haha. Great photos and review, I need to try this now!

    By the way, I love your blog! I saw you on the Nomads World site sharing your top 3 travel destinations and I contributed as well and wanted to say hi! Keep up the awesome work!

    • February 14, 2015

      Thank you so much, Ryan! I’ll check out your stuff, as well =)

  • February 12, 2015

    Tried using my normal Mountain Bike on snow last season but it wasn’t very enjoyable to say the least! The Fat Bikes look like they could offer a more secure ride.

  • February 14, 2015

    It definitely was!

  • December 24, 2015

    Great article with good phtoos…congratulations

  • January 5, 2016

    all the photos are really awesome. Which bicycle you are used ?

    • January 5, 2016

      I actually don’t know—it was whatever rental bike they gave me at the shop!

  • February 18, 2016

    Awesome post and nice pics!

  • November 15, 2016

    Looks like a awesome vacation! Is there a site where I can book a trip like that? I definitely wanna try out a bike like that in the snow

  • January 29, 2017

    Amaaaaazing!!

  • March 19, 2017

    What beautiful pictures !!!

  • April 28, 2017

    Incredible, too. Beautiful pictures. I love it. I’m from Brazil

  • July 3, 2017

    very beautiful. Congratulations

  • July 18, 2017

    beautiful images. I loved it all!

  • February 21, 2018

    Beautiful!!!! Loveeee =D

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