American Birkebeiner

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Registration for the 2014 event will soon be available!

The Fat Bike Birkie provides a one-day-a-year chance to ride your fat bike on the groomed, snow-covered American Birkebeiner Ski Trail! Fat bikes and mountain bikes are otherwise not allowed on the snow covered, groomed trail system because our priority is giving skiers the best possible experience all winter. This event is a one day exception to this rule and is for fat bikes only. No mountain bikes are permitted.

Wide rims, extra-large tires, and weirdly-dimensioned frames to make it all fit together define a Fat Bike, a cycling subcategory that’s garnered a serious following since 2012. Bike shops report selling out of fat-bike stock.

What is the appeal? From improved traction on dirt to flotation when riding through snow, the obese tires let a bike roll where it has not rolled before. The wide rubber — some fatty tires are 4+ inches across, or twice as wide as most mountain-bike tire tread — adds notable grip on the ground, and the extra surface area does not allow the wheel to sink as much into soft surfaces like snow or sand.

(Source: www.GearJunkie.com) 

The Birkie Trail usually receives fresh snow during March and goes through a daily thaw and freeze cycle, resulting in a very compacted snow base great for Spring skiing. The ABSF continues to groom for cross country skiing during this time.

We believe these conditions can allow the Fat Birkie Birkie race to take place without damage to the trail. If conditions such as an early thaw occur and damage to the trail appears possible, the race course will be moved to neighboring forest roads.

Snow and trail conditions before the Birkie ski race in February can be softer and more vulnerable to damage. For that reason, and because of the far greater numbers of people skiing on the trail, Fat biking on the Birkie Trail system is not permitted at any other time during the winter.

The long and shorter Fat Bike Birkie races will take place on the northern half of the Birkie Trail system, between Telemark Resort and the "OO" trail head. Cross country skiing will be available on the Birkie Trail south from "OO" on race day. The northern trails will be regroomed Saturday night, following the Fat Bike Birkie, and available for skiing the next day and through the remainder of the ski season.

We post trail reports all during ski season at Birkie.com and on Facebook and will continue to do so up to the Fat Bike Birkie to keep you well informed. Trail reports will be posted on this page as well.

Your registration includes a great post-race lunch at Telemark--burgers, brats, chili, beverages/pop included. Cash bar for beer. Lunch will be available starting at 11:00 a.m.

Try a Fat Bike!
From FREEWHEEL and SALSA

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all at Telemark Resort!

Indoor & Outdoor Expo

Friday: 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. (OUTSIDE)
5:00 - 8:00 p.m. (INSIDE)
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
(INSIDE and OUTSIDE)

Pre-riding of the course is only allowed on Friday, March 7, 2014. No fat bike riding is otherwise allowed on the Birkie Trail system, except for day of the Fat Bike Birkie race. We appreciate your cooperation!

Fat Bikes must have 3.7" diameter or greater.

* This requirement will be monitored at the event by the sizes indicated on the tires used.