Fats Biking Do’s and Don’ts

As a brand new father, I’m challenged for each second of the day, with little or no time to work out. I’m an avid bicycle owner within the summertime, so winter is normally once I achieve just a few kilos after which attempt to sweat them away on cross nation skis and snowshoes. What’s wanted at instances like these is a fats biking do’s and don’ts information to get me going…

Final yr our associates at Garneau had been type sufficient to lend us just a few ‘Gros Louis’ fats bikes for us to check our winter coaching attire. Sure, fats bikes—these winterized bicycles with the loopy fats tires carving snow at excessive speeds whereas everybody else trudges by slush, snow, sleet and different pleasant surprises winter saves for pedestrians.

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A submit shared by Altitude Sports activities (@altitudesports) on Jan 20, 2019 at 7:01am PST

I rapidly realized how enjoyable these big-wheeled bikes are, and extra importantly, how pleasurable and helpful they are often to your physique—if you understand how to benefit from these grownup toys, like this Garneau Gros Louis 1 2018 of mine:

Being an avid fats biker—or ought to I say, winter biker who rides a fats bike—I believed I’d share just a few fats biking do’s and don’ts for anybody already transformed or desirous to strive it out.

DO layer up. Fats bikes are designed to be ridden in freezing temperatures, and also you’re going to sweat. For those who’re carrying materials with poor breathability, your sweat will keep in your pores and skin, then freeze, then freeze you. My private go-to combo? A merino base layer with a breathable shell over prime.

DO shield your most uncovered physique elements. Your toes ought to keep heat and comfy in winter biking boots, and your fingers ought to keep dry and toasty in breathable gloves that enable your fingers to correctly attain your brake and shifter ranges concurrently. Any backcountry gloves from Black Diamond are a positive wager.

DO lube up earlier than and after every journey. Take pleasure in some butt safety to stop chafing earlier than your journey, then lube your chain after every journey, as snow may get caught inside and rust it when melting.

DON’T overlook your helmet. Some say crashing in fluffy snow is enjoyable—and it’s. But when karma isn’t in your facet, in between these fluffy pillows are very arduous timber. Your head crashing onto a type of might lead to a concussion. So please, select security over model, particularly driving within the woods. When you have a giant head like mine, Giro ski helmets will work fairly properly

DON’T journey outdoors of the groomed trails. Fats bikes are enjoyable on fats bike trails. For those who wreck the paths, you wreck the enjoyable for everybody. This can be a key respectful fats biking do’s and don’ts.

DON’T use water bottle cages. This may sound bizarre, however you’ll in all probability be driving in freezing climate. Maintain your water near your physique warmth. Sporting a biking jersey with again pockets to your bottle beneath your shell will maintain your water liquid (and smartphone not dying within the chilly). After biking a number of klicks earlier than a hydration break, nothing beats good ol’ liquid water. An ice block caught in your bottle is…not optimum. (Though for those who run out of water, consuming snow is really helpful!)

DON’T journey with a canine, until your canine enjoys working continuous with a doggy jacket on.

Lastly, DO journey with as many associates as attainable! Fats biking is sort of a Huge Mac on a late evening out. It tastes higher when shared with individuals who know what you’ve been doing prior to now few hours—besides with out the guilt.