Join us to celebrate one of our regular grooming locations at Canaan Valley State Park with a chill, local fat bike race.
Register at https://www.bikereg.com/fat50
Saturday January 28th, 2023 Categories: Mens Open $25 / $35 Day Of Womens Open $25 / $35 Day Of Masters (45+) $25 / $35 Day Of Juniors (Under 18) $25 / $35 Day Of
Fat bike rentals from Trail Labs starting at $40 and up. Call in and reserve early.
What the heck are we doing?
This is a timed, endurance style fat bike race held on the new Promised Land Trail (among other trails) at Canaan Valley State Park. We’ll be grooming this trail any chance we get during the 2021/22 season, and this race is a great way to get together and celebrate that.
Snow/Weather
You ought to know by now that mother nature beats to the sound of her own drum. We have no control over snow. We do know that we will run this thing come hell or high water and will have fun doing it. If you are a condition dependent type of rider……well, you might consider just riding the trainer instead. We’ve raced in blizzards, sub zero temps, warm temps, and soft snow. Thats just how it goes. We make no claims or guarantees on snow conditions, or on trail conditions that are a direct result of snow temps. If we deem it to be totally unsafe, we will postpone or cancel by Friday. We do whatever we can not to cancel.
Why
The first time I borrowed a fat bike and rode it down double trouble (a local XC Skiing trail), I was sold on why fat bikes are here to stay. I bought one the next day. We put on these races as a central way to pump up fat bike stoke around these parts and get new folks introduced to fat biking on groomed trail.
Where
Canaan Valley State Park is welcoming us crazy fat bikers this season. Race parking and headquarters will be located at the Golf Pro Shop, which has indoor, heated locker rooms to get ready. Expect a short ride to the race start at the Balsim Fir Swamp Overlook Trailhead, which you will pass on the way in.
Course
The course will be conditions dependent and we may change it at the last minute based on conditions. Expect a lap race with 1-ish hour laps, give or take. This year we are shooting for a 50k, which will definitely not be exactly 50k. The course will be on a mix of new and old trail with some fast flowy machine built trail like the new Promised Land Trail, as well as some older heritage trail like Middle Ridge Trail. Expect wider and flowing trail with some fun rolling punches and long but mellower grinds. Maybe some surprise, steeper sections for added challenge if we can find them. Our ideal course for this year would be right around 9 miles per lap.
Proceeds
Race proceeds will go towards keeping up with grooming some of our local trails. Check out the Locations that we are grooming for the 2021/22 season.
Schedule
Friday
(ALL DAY) Self Guided Pre-Ride Available
4pm – Guided Pre-Ride
5-8pm – Early packet pickup at Trail Labs HQ. (Dinner Available)
Saturday
8am – Check in at Canaan Valley State Park Golf Pro Shop
9:30am – Racer Meeting inside at Pro Shop
10:00 AM – Race Start @ Balsam Fir Swamp Overlook Trailhead
3pm – Course cut off
Awards at 5pm back at Trail Labs HQ. (Beer and Dinner available at Trail Labs)
Have more questions? Maybe, they are answered below. If not, email traillabswv@gmail.com
FAQ’s:
What kind of bike do I need to participate?? You must ride a fat bike at this event – 3.8″ or bigger tires. ·
What if I don’t own a fat bike? Beg and borrow, (but don’t steal) a bike from anyone you know. Or rent local.
Local Rental Options:
Trail Labs has a large fleet of fat bikes available. Book Online, or through bikereg, call 304-460-8559 or email traillabswv@gmail.com
Is it timed? Yes, this race will be timed and results will be posted. Awards (no prizes, no cash) will be classy and cheap.
What kind of support is out on course? Consider this a self supported race; you are responsible for any food and drink during your ride. We do have a “comfort stop” with a couple supplies to help you feel more comfortable during your ride/race, but it is by no means meant to fuel you on your ride/race.. ·
What if I am not the “racer” type? Not a problem – feel free to enter anyway. Think of it as a chance to ride kick ass groomed trails and party with new friends! ·
What about the weather? This is not a snow only event. Chances are good for this date, but if there is no snow it will still happen. We are hardy West Virginians and will ride no matter the condition…unless it’s just stupid out. Then individual races will be cancelled as needed. ·Weather updates will be posted on the Facebook site in the weeks preceding the event and final decisions will be made by Friday evening.
So how do I stay warm? Dress appropriately in layers, ready for temps that can be well below zero. Watch the weather. If your feet get too cold, walk. Walk to the side of the groomed trails. If you walk on the trails it screws up the surface, so be respectful and walk off the edge. . Be prepared, I don’t suffer fools gladly. ·
What if I register but can’t ride?? We will miss you but, sorry, Registration fees are non-refundable. Registration can be transferred through your bikereg profile.
Trail Labs 