Celebrate Global Fat Bike Day on December 3

Whether you love fat bikes or hate them, there’s no denying that they have become a solid fixture in the world of mountain biking, and invite their own following and unique culture. They even have their own holiday–Global Fatbike Day, which takes place on the first Saturday in December. Global Fat Bike Day (GFBD) started as …

Fat gathering. Photo: Sarah Anne Wharton
Fat gathering. Photo: Sarah Anne Wharton

Whether you love fat bikes or hate them, there’s no denying that they have become a solid fixture in the world of mountain biking, and invite their own following and unique culture. They even have their own holiday–Global Fatbike Day, which takes place on the first Saturday in December.

Global Fat Bike Day (GFBD) started as a grassroots movement in 2012. A couple of guys who had started a fat bike forum in the UK dreamed of getting all the great like-minded fat enthusiasts they had met on the forum together for a ride, but with time and money constraints and geographical barriers, it was tough to gather everyone in the same place. So, via the forum and social media, they decided to create a day dedicated to fat bikes. Everyone could go ride on their own or with a group of buddies wherever, however, and for as long as they liked, and then share their experience online.

GFBD has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, especially as the popularity of fat bikes has increased exponentially in recent years. When it started, those silly wide-tired contraptions were still an oddity, but now, many mountain bikers have a fat bike in their quiver. More and more brands are jumping on board and developing a fat offering.

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A lot of bike shops and clubs host their own GFBD events. They can be hard to find because of their small, grassroots nature, but I did some research and put together a list of many of the GFBD events that I came across online, grouped by region.

Whether you ride on snow, trails, or beach, you can celebrate Global Fatbike Day just by getting out on your bike.
Whether you ride on snow, trails, or beach, you can celebrate Global Fat Bike Day just by getting out on your bike.

Eastern US

Saugerties, NY – Group ride on the Round Top Trails with Revolution Bicycles and Fats in the Cats Bicycle Club
Ebensburg, PA – GFBD Bar-Bike-Que with City Cycle Supply Inc. and Pour On Center. There will be two distance options for a ride/race on the Ghost Town Trail, followed by beer and food at the bar

Midwest

Davenport, IA – Group ride, games, fat bike demo, and more hosted by Healthy Habits Bicycles and Nutrition
Mankato, MN – GFBD with Nicollet Bike Shop
Two Rivers, WI – Ride at Point Beach State Park, fat bike derby, pizza, beer, night rides, and opportunities to spend the night and hang out all weekend
Brandon, SD – 25k ride called the Fat ‘n’ Spooky
Rapid City, SD – Casual group ride with Acme Bicycles
Traverse City, MI
Lawrence, KSRide on the Lawrence River Trail
Brighton, MI – Big group ride with the Sons of Fatarchy

Western US

Deckers, CO – UpaDowna, a non-profit that aims to provide access to outdoor adventures, is hosting a whole fat bike weekend at Camp Shady Brook. Activities include group rides, camping, food, and beer
Grand Targhee Resort, WY – Free demo day on fat bike trails at the resort
Anchorage, AK

Photo: Evan Gross
Photo: Evan Gross

Canada

Fredericton, New Brunswick – Ugly sweater fat bike ride to benefit the Fredericton Food Bank
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Nipika Mountain Resort, British ColumbiaWeekend of activities including a fat biking 101 presentation and the opening of an all-new purpose-built fat bike trail

International

Woorim, Australia
Swanage, UKGroup ride on trails and the beach, ending at a local pub
Ornskoldsvik, Sweden
Newborough, UK – Beach ride

If one of these events is near you, great! If not, check with your local bike shop to see if there is anything going on in your area. If there isn’t, you could take it upon yourself to organize a group ride, or just go ride your fatty alone or with a small group of friends.

You can share your experience on social media with the hashtag #GFBD2016

Now get on your (fat) bikes and ride!

Photo: Sarah Anne Wharton
Photo: Sarah Anne Wharton