Woodbury trails to put on some winter weight
In about a week, some Woodbury bikers will grab their “fattest” equipment and head to the trails.By: Riham Feshir, Woodbury Bulletin
- Fat Bike Race
In about a week, some Woodbury bikers will grab their “fattest” equipment and head to the trails.
The second annual “Carver Lake Cold Catfish Cup,” a “Fat Bike Race” will start at noon Sunday, Jan. 27, at Carver Lake Park.
It’s an unusual outdoor winter event, said Woodbury Parks and Recreation specialist Reed Smidt. The race requires a good amount of condensed snow and cold temperatures.
The Fat Bike Race kicked off last year as a series over three days.
This year, the city decided to organize a one-day event open to all cycling enthusiasts.
“You don’t have to have a fat bike but that is the one that’s going to have the most advantage,” Smidt said.
The big mountain bikes – equipped with oversized tires – are ideal for snow-packed trails, however, skinny bikes will do just fine, he added.
The event will have two different classifications – the intermediate 10-mile course and the advanced 15-mile race.
The weather plays an important role in how long the race will be, though.
“It’s subject to change based on the snow trail conditions,” Smidt said. “If we get a lot of snow the day before it might be shorter.”
Just like ice skating rinks, this race is dependent on the weather with temperatures below freezing and plenty of snow.
“Hopefully we can get through the thaw without losing too much snow,” Smidt said last week, which saw unseasonably warm temperatures and rain. “The ice on the rinks melts just as fast as the snow in the woods.”
Participants will not only be racing on bikes during the event. There will be an opportunity for a fat bike sled-pull race open to all and possibly a separate unicycle classification.
Smidt said the race prompted a unicycle group to express interest in participating.
“I’m all for that if they have enough guys that justify a separate classification,” he said.
Last year, more than 40 bikers participated in each of the three days.
The fastest rider this year will be awarded the Catfish Cup, and others in second and third places will also be recognized.
Other additional features of the event will bring about a number of spectators, too.
The Fat Bike Race will have a food truck on hand, hot drinks and a spot where spectators can hang out to watch.
“There is a lot of interest,” Smidt said. “I think we’ll have a good turnout this year.”
Registration for the Carver Lake Cold Catfish Cup is $12 before the event or $15 the day of the event. To register, visit www.ci.woodbury.mn.us/recreation-department/registration. The activity number is 551770-01.
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