All posts by Tom Kolesnik

I'm just a guy who has a passion for producing videos that capture the adventure of all forms of cycling (especially fat biking) and other outdoor endurance pursuits. “If It Was Easy Everyone Would Do It” is often heard from those who enjoy meeting difficult challenges and persevering when others might not. This is what motivates me as an endurance junkie and videographer!

Falcon FB Race Plate pickup: 7-9 PM 10 Jan 2018 at the Peg Brew Co.

Giddy up MB ‘Fatties’ it’s time tomorrow night to pickup our race plates for this Sunday’s MB Fatbike Series Race at Falcon Ridge!

So a few of us are starting our journey to the Peg Beer Co. for food, bevies and good social connecting by gathering at my place/Red River FB Crossing at 6 Bells (6PM) and riding to the Peg via Churchill Parkway.

Post Event Edit:
Good times were had by many and there was swag …

10 Jan 2018 - Peg Brew Co Race Plate PU - Pics 110 Jan 2018 - Peg Brew Co Race Plate PU - Pics 2

10 Jan 2018 - Peg Brew Co Race Plate PU - Pics 310 Jan 2018 - Peg Brew Co Race Plate PU - Pics 4

10 Jan 2018 - Peg Brew Co Race Plate PU - Pics 510 Jan 2018 - Peg Brew Co Race Plate PU - Pics 6

Great FatBike Racing times ahead! 🙂

Cheers, Fat Tom K

CBC Reporter discovers a HUGE Fat Bike on the Red River

Just finished a fun interview with Sabrina Carnevale (a CBC Reporter) at my home and on my “2018 Fat Tom K Red River Fatbike Crossing”.

CBC Interview 9 Jan 18 - Red River Fatbike Crossing Pic 1
She was very interested in the back story of why and how it was built as well as more about our obviously rapidly growing Fatbike community locally, across Manitoba and around the globe.

CBC Interview 9 Jan 18 - Red River Fatbike Crossing Pic 2

I made a few plugs about how things are growing and the upcoming 2WR MB Fatbike Race Series and the race at Falcon this weekend! ❄️🚴👍😃

Sabrina is a very thorough interviewer and was quite interested in the local Fatbike community connections.

News to follow …

Cheers, Fat Tom K

2WR Report: Good News from Falcon for Fatbike Racing Ahead

Posted for Wayne Bishop of 2 Wheel Revolution:
*Editor Note:  Wayne is referring to how awesome the fatbike trail grooming and support for his upcoming MB Fatbike Race on 14 Jan 2018 at Falcon Ridge Resort is looking …

“Out of my mind…. so happy and humbled by the support of my family, old friends, new friends and newly aquatinted riding mates. 
It takes so many people to make a success of these races. So many talented people that make 2WR what it is! 
Locals supporting locals….so many amazing humans have aligned for one day . You are all stars in my eyes. HUMBLED .Thank you for your time, vision, expertise and blessing!”

Falcon 8 Jan 2018 Report Pics 1

Falcon 8 Jan 2018 Report Pics 5

Falcon 8 Jan 2018 Report Pics 2

Falcon 8 Jan 2018 Report Pics 4

MB Fat Bike Race Series 2018 Poster

Hosting Visiting Dutch Fatbikers: CBC News Reports from the Forks

Had a fun Fatbike ride yesterday with Simon Koster and his friend Rik from Rotterdam, Netherlands.  I offered to guide the two of them around for a local Fatbike ride after a request from a ‘friend of a friend of a friend’ – giddy up of course as they are avid cyclists and interested in trying out a ride on snow and ice (new for them).  We made plans to meet at the Forks after lunch – on a day with warmer temps (-2C) … 20+ degrees up tick!

Turns out someone tipped the CBC off, because suddenly Leif Larson is interested and they sent Holly Caruk (video reporter) to meet me and the Dutch visitors for a chat about FatBikers and all the Winnipeggers out enjoying the outdoors at the Forks today … yikes, was the place packed with folks walking, skating, biking and smiling! 😃

CBC News Report HERE

CBC News Report 7 Jan 18 - Dutch Riders Pic 1
CBC News Report 7 Jan 18 - Dutch Riders Pic 2
CBC News Report 7 Jan 18 - Dutch Riders Pic 3

* Bonus coincidence – David Cobb and his buddy Chris (on a shiny new Fatbike) were at the Forks and ended up in the CBC video/photo shoot … yup Cobber, there’s more visual proof of us riding together! Kinda like we’re buds! 😉

Dutch Riders visit Wpg 7 Jan 18 Pic 2

Cobber and Chris had to head home, so I played local guide and off we went on a fun ride that was a lot like our Winnipeg GFBD Ride. We rode by the Canada 150 sign, by the CMHR, over the Esplanade Louis Riel Bridge, down by the Red River below the St Boniface Cathedral for a scenic picture of course …

Dutch Riders visit Wpg 7 Jan 18 Pic 3

Then through the Whittier Park trails and down into the Seine River for a good length until past the Tremblay Footbridge … then back to the Forks for beers!

Dutch Riders visit Wpg 7 Jan 18 Pic 4

An interesting encounter with media and a fun ride with two nice ‘new Fatbiking loving’ cyclists from the Netherlands! 🙂

Cheers, Fat Tom K

Ride Report: Actif Epica Trail Recon Ride – 7 Jan 2018

Posted for Dan Lockery and the Actif Epica Trail Crew:

Compared to the recent cold spell, riding this past Sunday was far more comfortable and forgiving. When we arrived at the South side of the Senkiw Bridge the temperature was reported as -7C (20F). There was a light wind from the North West but once we found tree cover it was hardly noticed.

7 Jan 2018 Recon Ride Pic 5

Setting off from our meeting point we took our bikes for a walk. The snow was soft and sugary due to minimal or no traffic and recent high winds that brought whatever little snow there was to collect in the sheltered areas. Conditions were warm with cloud cover and flat lighting so it was a pleasant day to wander through the trails along the banks of the Roseau River.

7 Jan 2018 Recon Ride Pic 3

We walked all the way along the trail as far as the road entrance and met up with two more of our group (bringing us up to 8 riders) and then proceeded to head South toward Ridgeville. The day before had seen wind speeds gusting up to around 70km/h (~40mph) which scrubbed most of the fields/roads clean leaving minimal snow in the open areas.

7 Jan 2018 Recon Ride Pic 1

Due to walking and the corresponding slow progress, when we reached the turn toward the final mile for Ridgeville we opted instead to make a more direct return trip back to be respectful of people’s time on such a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

7 Jan 2018 Recon Ride Pic 2

Thanks to those that joined us for this one! Not to worry if you were unable to make it, there will be a few more yet to come. That being said, next week we are taking a break as Sunday is the first in the 2WR Manitoba Fatbike Series events at Falcon Lake. Good luck to all taking part!

Actif Epica Trail Crew

Fat Video Time: Fat Tom K’s 2018 Red River Fatbike Crossing

Video complete: “Fat Tom K’s 2018 Red River Fatbike Crossing”  – check it out:

Cheers, Fat Tom K

Huge Fatbike on the Red River: Drone gives a bird’s eye view!

So my dear wife and son’s decided I needed a drone for Christmas and so ‘Fat Tom K Productions’ video projects now includes a lot of special new views …

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So my 2018 Red River Fatbike Crossing this year with something new – fat and huge!
Check out my Day 1 Build video …

Coming together – Day 2 Build video …

The ‘bird’s eye’ view helped me finish my ‘artwork’ and give a great view of the project …

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So my “2018 Fat Tom K’s Red River Fatbike Crossing” is open – day or night …

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A few local ‘fatties’ have already been over to check it out …Screen Shot 2018-01-09 at 8.17.40 PM

Cheers, Fat Tom K

Invite for Actif Epica Recon Ride: 7 Jan 2018

Posted for Dan Lockery:

Happy New Year!

We figure the best way to welcome the New Year is to get out and scout the trail. Come join us!

Date: Sunday, January 7th, 2018

Time: 9:00am

Location: Meet at the South side of Senkiw Suspension Bridge (https://www.google.ca/…/data=!3m1!1e3!4m8!4m7!1m5!1m1!1s0x5…).

Purpose: To scout the Actif Epica course South of the Senkiw bridge heading toward Ridgeville and going as far as we can South toward the border along the Crow Wing Trail.

Who: The Trail Crew (Dallas, Pete and Dan) will be riding at a slow rolling pace (on fat bikes) and would love it if you brought ANY type of bike and joined them (bring friends on bikes too!).

The Plan: To go have a look at this section of the route, take a few pictures and enjoy a fun, sociable ride-out from South of the suspension bridge toward the CAN/US border and then return, following the Crow Wing Trail. The total distance will be approximately 40km. We will roll out at 9am and estimate the total ride time to be somewhere between 3-4 hours. In case you are late setting off, you can follow along with the blue-and-white-arrow Crow Wing Trail markers and catch up with us along the route as we will be moving at a comfortable pace and stopping to take pictures now and then. Also, there will likely be a post ride discussion over coffee/food at a local establishment should you feel so inclined.

Important Note: All participants join us at their own risk (e.g. please be safe, wear appropriate winter riding clothing, a helmet, bring blinky lights for improved visibility, enough food and water for the ride and a basic repair kit). Citing a famous quote, “YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU”, so please respect the nature of a winter riding adventure, it can be unforgiving.

Hope to see you on Sunday!

Race Plate Pickup Night – 10 Jan 2018: 2WR’s MB Fatbike Race Series

Giddy up MB Fatties … great times ahead for racing and riding (you can join the race as a rider as well – cool option) thanks to Wayne Bishop and 2WR with the first race at Falcon Ridge Resort on Sunday 14 Jan 18!

MB Fat Bike Race Series 2018 Banner

But first, join your fellow fatty racers and pickup your race plate on 10 Jan at 7-9 PM at the Peg Brew Co. and enjoy some beer, food, swag and stories!
FaceBook Event Here

Cheers, Fat Tom K

Congrats to Dan & David: Tuscobia 160 Fatbike Race Podium Finishers

Super congratulations to Dan Lockery and David Ristau for conquering this year’s Tuscobia 160 Winter Ultra Fatbike Race – both on the podium!! Dan finished 2nd in 19:17 and David 3rd in 20:40!  Results HERE

Word is that the high humidity and frigid temps were a big challenge for many (high DNF rate), but our local MB tough dudes rose to the challenge!

Chapeau buds!

Tuscobia Winter Ultra Banner

Cheers, Fat Tom K

Merry Christmas Fellow Manitoba Fatties


Merry Christmas fellow Manitoba Fatties!

It’s been a great 2017 and as we look ahead to this winter … we see a season of fun group rides, races and adventures for sure!

Of course, tomorrow may bring some of you some new fat bikes or accessories to add to the fun!  It helps that Santa is a fellow member of our FBM ‘Fatty Crew’! 😉

Lindsay’s ‘Secret’ Fat Bike Trail: Crescent Drive Park

*Posted for Charles Burchill and Lindsay Gauld

So Charles made a nice video of Lindsay leading him around the little fat bike trail he has created in and around Crescent Drive park in Winnipeg.  Lindsay would like others to enjoy them and of course that will also help keep them packed (bonus – eh!).

** CAUTION:  DON’T RIDE ON ANY XC SKI TRACKS YOU MAY FIND IN THE PARK! **

Check out Charles’ video:

Charles had a few trail entry pointers:
“End of Holly (16 seconds) cross over South Drive, down the trail, go right, go right. If you are on Crescent drive enter right at the corner of of the chain link fence (47 seconds). If you park in the east parking lot – follow the trail on the north side of the parking lot (stay off the ski tracks) (1:20). I think there is also an entryway from crescent drive along the fence between the park and Thermëa.”

Have fun and say thanks to Lindsay if you see him! 🙂

Fat Video Time: 2017 Winnipeg Global Fat Bike Day Ride

Once again our 6th Annual Winnipeg Global Fat Bike Day Ride was a blast, with more than 55 riders taking part and having casual fun and connecting while riding and sharing stories over hot chili and drinks!  🙂
Check it out:
Thanks again to Gregory ‘G-Mac’ McNeill for the great pics (especially our ‘iconic’ group picture), to my Lori K who hosted the chilifest (sore wrist precluded riding this year) and our ride organizers and guides Keith Holm, Guy Anthony and ‘Lou Fatinski’.  🙂

Fat Video Time: ‘Hang Loose’ Woodcock Fat Bike Club Ride

Seriously, ya need to get out to Woodcock Cycle Works on Thursday nights at 6:00 PM for a snappy and fun group fat bike ride.  All ya need (besides a fatbike and some lights) is to be a WCW club member or have an MCA license and sign a waiver.

I had a blast ‘Hanging Loose’ with them on the trails and paths for a few hours and following Nicolas’ lead … check it out:

6th Annual Winnipeg GFBD Ride a HUGE success!

Wow, that was a BIG FAT BLAST of GFBD fun! 🙂

Once again our 6th Annual – 2017 Winnipeg Global Fat Bike Day Ride had more than 55+ local fatbikers out for a fun ride on trails, pathways and even the frozen Seine River, plus a chilifest get-together to swap fatbiking stories, make new friends and plan upcoming adventures!

Great fun times thanks to our official photographer Gregory C. McNeill and volunteers ride guides Keith Holm, Guy Anthony and ‘Lou Fatinski’.

Here’s the STORY OF THE RIDE THROUGH PICTURES …

So two of our GFBD Ride Guides – ‘Lou Fatinski’ and Keith Holm were so excited on the way to the Forks that they popped wheelies almost the whole way 😉
We gathered at the Forks at Noon and had a chat about upcoming fabiking rides and races. We also quickly discovered that everyone wanted to ride the longer route … cool! 🙂

So off we rode our fatbikes down to the Red River (well okay, we did gladly welcome a few friends who didn’t have a fatbike to ride, or like Bass – had loaned his to another – nice guy).
Keith Holm leads the way as we rode toward the Cdn Museum for Human Rights and the Esplanade Louis Riel Bridge.
Our lead guide Keith Holm is all smiles … even when not popping a wheelie! 🙂
Just across from the St Boniface Cathedral we rode down to the Red River again.
It’s quite the sight … a beautiful Winnipeg vista and 55+ Fatties riding down to our now classic GFBD photoshoot location with Gregory McNeill waiting to capture the scene.
Cruising down the steps from the St Boniface Cathedral to the GFBD Photoshoot by the Red River – Credit: Gregory McNeill
Official 2017 Winnipeg GFBD Ride Group Photo – Credit: Gregory McNeill (MCA Volunteer of the Year!)
Cruising along the Red River edge trail toward Whittier Park.
Back of the group riding along the Red River near Whittier Park – Credit: Blake Anderson
Cruising the Whittier Park trails.
Cruising the Seine River edge trails.
There he is … Gregory McNeill doing what he does so well … capturing pictures of us riding and making us look cool (well at least good)!
Riders on the Seine River edge trails – Credit: Gregory McNeill
Guy Anthony – super GFBD Ride Guide – was smiling during the whole ride (mind you most people do while riding a fatbike) 🙂 – Credit: Gregory McNeill
Nice photo of us riding down onto the Seine River – Credit: Blake Anderson
It was great to get down onto the Seine River …
Okay, so I step to the side to capture some footage and who almost runs into me? Come on David Ristau … really?! 😉
Conditions were excellent on the Seine River for an easy cruise … studded tires or not. 🙂
The Seine River was a great place for a large group fat bike ride! 🙂
Impromptu group photo I snapped when we were finishing our sweet ride down the Seine River.
After a short ride down some fairly quiet city streets, Keith lead the group to our Chilifest Piststop – Credit: Gregory McNeill
Yes – there were several fat bike parking options at our GFBD Chilifest Pitstop.
Time to park the bikes and chat about our love of fatbikes and …
… and make new friends and plans for future fatbiking adventures! 🙂

Lot’s more pictures and video’s to post, put for now make sure to check out Gregory McNeill’s flickr account GFBD post here:   Winnipeg GFBD 2017

or click on the images below to link there too …

Until next year … let’s keep ‘Rolling our Fatties’! 🙂

Cheers,

Fat Tom K