Fat Bike Birkie
March 11, 2023
On the World Famous Birkie Trail in Cable, Wisconsin!
The Fat Bike Birkie, Presented by Freewheel Bike, is the premier on snow bike event in North America. Riders test their skill and endurance on the professionally groomed American Birkebeiner Ski Trail!
THREE events to choose from: The Big Fat 47K, The Half Fat 21K, and the un-timed Fun Fat 10K Tour – there is something for every rider!
Fat Bike Birkie is an Open-Class Bike Race
There are no restrictions on the specific tire size allowed. The Birkie groomers are some of the best in the world and have the goal of providing a firm surface to ride on for the races. However, we cannot control the weather and the course conditions can vary widely, from hard packed to soft powder. Just like in the Birkie Ski race, Fat Bike Birkie participants are free to choose different equipment based on the conditions of the course. We recommend that participants be prepared to race in any course condition, on a bike equipped with at least 3.5 inch wide tires.
E-bikes are not allowed for any event of the Fat Bike Birkie.
No special equipment classes will be recognized in the Fat Bike Birkie results or awards. Tandems bikes are allowed, but there is not a special class and will not be eligible for awards. Each tandem rider must register and contact registration@birkie.com to ensure the proper results are shown.
Event/Distance Options
The Big Fat 47K Race
The Half Fat 21K Race
The Fun Fat 10K Tour
Registration
2023 Fat Bike Birkie Registration Is Open!
| May 1 through September 15 | September 16 through November 10 | November 11 through January 19 | January 20 through March 10 or until full | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Fat or Half Fat Race | $75 | $85 | $95 | $105 |
| Fun Fat Tour | $65 | $75 | $85 | $95 |
Registration closes on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 7:00pm CST.
All Big Fat 47K participants must be at least 16 years of age on race day. All Half Fat 21K and Fun Fat 10K participants must be at least 12 years of age on race day.
Register now to guarantee your Fat Bike Birkie t-shirt!
2022 T-shirt Design- stay tuned for 2023’s design!
Race/Event Change Request
The deadline for requesting a change in race/event distances is Monday, March 6, 2023 at 11:59pm CST.
- To change your race event/technique (ALL EVENTS):
- Log in to your RunSignUp Profile HERE
- Scroll down to your event and click on “Manage Registration”
- Click on “Transfer Event” (along both top and bottom menus).
- Then select which new race you want to transfer to and complete new registration. You will be charged any differences and/or associated fees in the final cart. There is a $25 change fee.
Protect Your Registration!
Get reimbursed up to 100% on your registration if you can’t compete for a number of reasons. Next Wave Insurance offers Regsaver so you can insure your non-refundable registration fee in the case injury, illness, or another covered peril occurs.* Please see policy for complete list of covered perils at www.registrationsaver.com/birkie. Limitations and exclusions apply. Next Wave Insurance, CA License #: OF00755.
Learn More About RegSaver Registration Protection!
2023 Birkie Gear Bag
2023 Birkie Gear Bags are available for a limited time.
It’s back for 2023! Again, as part of our ongoing Birkie Green initiative, we’ve partnered with SWIX on the Birkie gear bag! The reusable Birkie gear bag is available for $55 and only during registration for the Birkie, Korte, Prince Haakon and Fat Bike Birkie.
- During the 2023 registration process, you can claim your own bag for only $55! The $145 value Birkie gear bag is available during the registration process only.
- Quantities limited! Register for the race and gear bag soon to guarantee a Birkie gear bag in 2023!
- Birkie gear bags will be distributed as part of bib pick-up.
- To add-on a Birkie Gear Bag (subject to availability):
- Login to your RunSignUp profile.
- Scroll down to your event and click ‘Manage Registration’
- Click ‘Add Ons’ (along either top or bottom menu)
- Change your “Birkie Gear Bag” selection
2023 Birkie Gear Bag Features
The 2023 Birkie gear bag has large, heavier zippers and plastic clips throughout the bag.
- Reinforced #10 zippers
- Tarpaulin panel on the bottom section for waterproofing and greater durability
- Bottom wet-sealed compartment for Nordic Boot storage (fits up to size 13 Nordic boot)
- Fleeced lined Sports Shield zipped compartment for glasses or visor, with brushed lining to prevent lens scratches and quick, easy access
- Large top-load zippered compartment for warm-up clothing, extra hats, and gloves
- Two zippered side compartments for extra water bottles and accessories
- Inside secured pocket for valuables; mobile phone, keys and wallet pocket
- Main pack body is made from tough 600D PVC backed polyester, internal frame-sheet transfers weight evenly and contours to the wearer’s back
- Padded EVA foam back offers cushioning and breathability over pressure points, and padded shoulder straps and harness system to distribute weight evenly
Getting to the Venue
Driving to the American Birkebeiner Trailhead – Start & Finish Venue
All races start and finish at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead, Cable, Wisconsin. Access to the start area is available ONLY from Telemark Road. GPS Coordinates: 46.193613, -91.256976
- From Cable, WI, Take Highway M traveling East out of Cable for 2-miles. Turn right on Telemark Road. Follow the road past the former Telemark Lodge to the designated parking areas. Follow the directions of the parking attendants.
Schedule of Events
Fat Bike Expo & Bib Pick Up
Information coming soon!
Course Information
Both races and the Tour will start and finish at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable, WI.
Cut off time is 3:00 pm for all events.
Course description:
The Big Fat 47K course will ride out on the Birkie Classic Trail to the Powerlines, make a quick turn to the left and rejoin the Classic Trail. After riding on the Classic Trail to OO, the course will return on the Birkie Skate Trail to the Powerlines where it will come into the finish.The Half Fat 21K course will ride out the Birkie Classic Trail to the Powerlines to Timber Trail where it will enter the Half Fat only course. The Fun Fat 10K Tour will ride on a mix of Birkie Classic Trail, smaller ski trails, and the Half Fat course before finishing the same way as the Big Fat 47K and Half Fat 21K races
Interactive Course Map
Experience the race again or for the first time! Roll over the epic hills on the legendary Birkie Trail, witness the race rollout, ride along with the pace cameras, check out the Half Fat 21K and Big Fat 47K courses, and feel the rush as you virtually ride the Fat Bike Birkie. This interactive map experience has it all!
The race course will be ridden clockwise starting with the Birkie Classic Trail and finishing on the Birkie Skate Trail!
View Interactive Course Map »
Fat Bike Birkie Course Timetable
| Big Fat Aid Stations | Distance from the Start (K) | Cut-Off Time |
|---|---|---|
| Timber Trail Southbound | 8 | 11:00 AM |
| Fire Tower Southbound | 14 | 11:30 AM |
| Boedecker Southbound | 19 | 12:00 PM |
| Boedecker Northbound | 29 | 1:15 PM |
| Fire Tower Northbound | 34 | 1:40 PM |
| Timber Trail Northbound | 38 | 2:20 PM |
| Finish | 47 | 3:00 PM |
| Half Fat Aid Stations | Distance from the Start (K) | Cut-Off Time |
| Timber Trail | 8 | 11:15 AM |
| 16K | 16 | 12:20 PM |
| Finish | 21 | 1:30 PM |
Pre-Riding the Course — When & Where
The Fat Bike Birkie Race Courses will be groomed and marked for pre-riding on Friday, March 12 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Please follow signs carefully.
Please note that riding bikes on the Birkie Trail during the winter is only allowed on the days designated for the Fat Bike Birkie event. However, winter bike riding can be accessed from many of the trailheads utilizing the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association trail system. Trail conditions can be found on the CAMBA Winter FAT BIKE page.
Start Gates
Riders will be assigned to multiple start gates based on the last 3 year’s of Fat Bike Birkie results for all races.
The Big Fat (47K) race will feature 4 start gates. Riders will be placed in one of these gates based on their best finish time from the previous 3 Big Fat or Half Fat (21K) races. Riders without a result in the past 3 Big Fat or Half Fat races will be assigned to Gate 4.
The Half Fat (21K) has just one start time and gate.
2022 Big Fat Gate Assignments Based on BIG FAT Results
| Big Fat Gate | 2021 Big Fat Finish Time | 2020 Big Fat Finish Time | 2019 Big Fat Finish Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gate 1 | 1:38:46 to 1:53:35 | 1:41:10 to 1:56:20 | 1:46:27 to 2:02:25 |
| Gate 2 | 1:53:36 to 2:16:18 | 1:56:21 to 2:19:36 | 2:02:26 to 2:26:54 |
| Gate 3 | 2:16:19 to 2:47:54 | 2:19:37 to 2:51:58 | 2:26:55 to 3:00:58 |
| Gate 4 | NEW PARTICIPANTS & PARTICIPANTS WITH NO RESULTS FOR LAST 3 YEARS | NEW PARTICIPANTS & PARTICIPANTS WITH NO RESULTS FOR LAST 3 YEARS | NEW PARTICIPANTS & PARTICIPANTS WITH NO RESULTS FOR LAST 3 YEARS |
2022 Big Fat Gate Assignments Based on Half Fat Results
| Big Fat Gate | 2021 Half Fat Finish Time | 2020 Half Fat Finish Time | 2019 Half Fat Finish Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gate 1 | ACHIEVED WITH BIG FAT RESULTS ONLY | ACHIEVED WITH BIG FAT RESULTS ONLY | ACHIEVED WITH BIG FAT RESULTS ONLY |
| Gate 2 | 0:42:40 to 0:49:04 | 0:49:18 to 0:56:41 | 0:53:58 to 1:02:04 |
| Gate 3 | 0:49:05 to 0:58:53 | 0:56:42 to 1:08:01 | 1:02:05 to 1:14:28 |
| Gate 4 | NEW PARTICIPANTS & PARTICIPANTS WITH NO RESULTS FOR LAST 3 YEARS | NEW PARTICIPANTS & PARTICIPANTS WITH NO RESULTS FOR LAST 3 YEARS | NEW PARTICIPANTS & PARTICIPANTS WITH NO RESULTS FOR LAST 3 YEARS |
Awards
Fat Bike Birkie Overall Trophies will be presented to the first three male & female finishers of the Full Fat and Half Fat races. The top three winners will also received a custom race vest from Borah Teamwear.
Awards will be immediately following the finish of the top 3 racers.
Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Overall Title Sponsor of the Fat Bike Birkie
Gold Circle Elite
Gold Level Sponsors of the Major Birkie Events Year-Round
Supporting Sponsors
Sponsors of the Fat Bike Birkie
Volunteer
Want to get involved, see this event up close and personal, and be part of what makes Birkie events great? We’d love to hear from you! Contact the Birkie at 715-634-5025 x:2 or click here for available shifts. There is no obligation — we’re happy to answer your questions. Contact us today!
