Fat Bike Birkie
March 12 & 13, 2021
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!
Two days of fun! Friday – Check out the Fat Bike Birkie EXPO and Fat Bike Demos! Saturday – Race day and a Post-Race Party in the Great Hall!
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. 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
2020 Participant T-Shirts
2021 Registration Information Coming Soon!
All Big Fat 47K participants must be at least 18 years of age on race day. All Half Fat 21K and Fun Fat 10K participants must be at least 13 years of age on race day.
2021 Birkie Gear Bag – Available During Race Registration Only!
It’s Back for 2021! Everywhere we looked during Birkie week 2020, we witnessed skiers using their awesome reusable Birkie gear bags! This year, as part of our ongoing Birkie Green initiative we’ve designed an all new custom Birkie gear bag with SWIX! The reusable Birkie gear bag is available for $45 and only during registration for the Birkie, Korte, Prince Haakon and Fat Bike Birkie. Through your support, over 10,000 Birkie gear bags are now in use, keeping thousands upon thousands of plastic bags out of landfills. Thank you for your support of Birkie Green!
- During the 2021 registration process, you can claim your own bag for only $45! The $125 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 2021!
- Birkie gear bags will be distributed at the 2021 Birkie Expo as part of bib pick-up.
- Only an official 2018, 2019, 2020, or 2021 Birkie gear bag, or the purchased plastic bag, will be accepted at bag drop-off on race day in 2021.
2021 Birkie Gear Bag Features
The 2021 Birkie gear bag has been re-engineered with larger, heavier zippers and plastic clips throughout the bag.
- New 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
Fat Bike Expo & Bib Pick Up
Avoid the race morning rush and pick up your bib at the Fat Bike Expo located in the Great Hall at the Birkie Trailhead.
- Fat Bike Birkie EXPO — Great Gear and Guidance from FBB Sponsors
- Fat Bike Demos All Day
- The Birkie Store, with Great Birkie Merchandise
- See CAMBA Raffle Prizes / Silent Auction Items from Fat Bike Birkie Sponsors
- Free Coffee from Hayward Coffee Company
Course Information
Both races and the Tour will start and finish at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead in Cable, WI.
The Big Fat 47K course will go out on the Birkie Classic Trail after the Powerlines and return on the Birkie Skate Trail to the Powerlines where it will come into the finish on the Birkie Classic Trail. The Half Fat 21K course will ride out the Birkie Classic Trail after the Powerlines to Timber Trail where it will enter the 21K only course. The Fun Fat 10K Tour will ride on a mix of Birkie Classic Trail, smaller ski trails, and the 21K 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 »
Pre-Riding the Course — When & Where
The Fat Bike Birkie Race Courses will be groomed and marked for pre-riding on Friday, March 6 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
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 Chico (now Half Fat) races will be assigned to Gate 4.
2020 Big Fat Gate Assignments based on BIG FAT results
| Big Fat Gate | 2019 Big Fat Finish Time | 2018 Big Fat Finish Time | 2017 Big Fat Finish Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gate 1 | 1:46:27 to 2:02:25 | 1:48:11 to 2:04:25 | 2:05:09 to 2:23:55 |
| Gate 2 | 2:02:26 to 2:26:54 | 2:04:26 to 2:29:18 | 2:23:56 to 2:52:42 |
| Gate 3 | 2:26:55 to 3:00:58 | 2:29:18 to 3:03:55 | 2:52:43 to 3:32:45 |
| Gate 4 | 3:00:59 + | 3:03:56 + | 3:32:46 + |
2020 Big Fat Gate Assignments based on CHICO (now Half Fat) results
| Big Fat Gate | 2019 Half Fat Finish Time | 2018 Half Fat Finish Time | 2017 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 | 53:58 to 1:02:04 | 55:48 to 1:04:10 | 55:58 to 1:04:22 |
| Gate 3 | 1:02:05 to 1:14:28 | 1:04:11 to 1:17:00 | 1:04:23 to 1:17:14 |
| Gate 4 | 1:14:29 + | 1:17:01 + | 1:17:15 + |
Awards
Fat Bike Birkie Overall Trophies will be presented to the first three male & female finishers of both races.
Cash Prizes for the first three men & women in the “Big Fat” $500 | $250 | $100
Winners must be present at award ceremony to receive the cash prize.
Age Class Awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place riders, male and female, in each age class for the Fat Bike Races.
- Big Fat – 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
- Half Fat – 13-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
Award Ceremony Times
- 10:30 am: Overall Big Fat 47K & Half Fat 21K Winners and Half Fat 21K Age Group Winners
- 11:30 am: Big Fat 47K Age Group Winners
Post-Race Parties
Starting at 11:00 am, riders are treated to a free post-race party with great food by the Corner Deli, Earth Rider beer, or soda. Spectators can eat for just $5.
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
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:2,1 or click here for available shifts. There is no obligation — we’re happy to answer your questions. Contact us today!
Questions
Please contact us with any questions at birkie@birkie.com or 715-634-5025.
