About 300 riders took on the 5-mile circuit (and frigid temperatures) at the second annual Borealis Fat Bike World Championships in Crested Butte, Colorado.
For the second year in a row, I am not Fat Bike World Champion. Which is just as well, because I have no interest in getting branded. Though truth be told, none of the 300 or so participants opted for any personal flesh burning, including 2017 race winners Robbie Squire (Felt-Assos) and Karen Jarchow (Topeak-Ergon). That pair were quickest man and woman in the 5-lap race around a rolling, 5-mile circuit on Crested Butte's East Valley trails, which are normally reserved for Nordic skiers. Unlike a year ago at the first annual FBWC, the course held up great on what was a frigid sub-freezing (but sunny) day high in the Colorado Rockies. (Check out full race results here.)
The rest of the four-day bacchanal of all things wide wheels included a tune-up race in far more challenging conditions (think lots of post holing), a free-to-all fat bike demo day, lots of parties, and lift-served fat freeriding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, which included the chance to test your mettle on the intermediate rated North Pass ski run, where it was easy to eclipse 40mph. That might not sound fast, but when you're on squirmy tires pumped to 6psi, it can be downright terrifying. Smelly, smoking brakes were commonplace. For more, check out this video put out by title sponsor Borealis Bikes, and scroll through the extended photo gallery below.
For the second year in a row, road pro Robbie Squire captured the men's title. He opted not to get the customary race winner's brand. Good choice.
Crested Butte has gotten hammered with snow this year, leaving plenty of opportunity for artistic expression. That's the FBWC event logo.
Fat biking may not have become the bike industry boon that so many were calling for. But in the right place at the right time, it's a heck of a lot of fun.
Most riders opted for traditional fat bikes, but there was the occasional ski-attachment adapter in the crowd, too. (That bike rips in powder btw.)
Your author was on course for both races, testing Trek's superbly capable Farley EX 9.8 with 27.5 wheels and 3.8" tires. The narrower set-up goes against conventional fattie wisdom, but was definitely an advantage on the hardpack course where float was not a priority. Keep an eye on Mtbr for a full review.
The hole shot went to our friend Jordan, who made his annual transformation into Reno 911's Lieutenant Dangle (bare legs and all).
Mtbr has also been testing this budget-priced Fezzari Kings Peak, which has a full carbon frame and comes in at under $2000. We let our neighbor Kevin rock it on race day.
Between races there was a small, but vibrant demo area that included the likes of SRAM and clothing maker Qloom.
The little ones were out, too. This kid's mom won her Thursday race, while dad came fourth on Saturday.
Props to Borealis for picking up the title sponsor tab for the second year in a row - and bringing over a huge demo fleet from its Colorado Springs HQ.
So is lift served fat biking. At least once a year in Crested Butte. Maybe someday it'll be a regular thing.
Yet another new discovery: Fat bike hut trip. That's the Maroon Hut about 3 miles into the backcountry in the Townsite of Gothic.
What happens when you leave your fat bike outside all night. And yes, the Bontrager dropper post worked just fine the next morning.
Crested Butte boasts upwards of 35 miles of groomed fat biking trails, including the superb track from Mount Crested Butte to Gothic, which passes under the looming shadow of Gothic Mountain.