Giddy up MB Fatties! Thanks to Dave Cushnie and Gord Buhr, there is a call to gather at Grand Beach Prov Park for some Fatbike riding on FB-Specific Groomed trails with some BBQ Fest Fun to follow!
Be ready to ride at the GBPP Winter (XC Ski) Trailhead Parking lot at Noon (12 Bells) tomorrow Sunday 11 March 2018 – Eh!
Take the East Gate exit to drive north when you approach Grand Beach Prov Park.
We will be riding on a Fatbike Single Track route that does not conflict with any of the XC Ski trails (since they are still being groomed and we do not have MB Parks access granted). This route has been groomed manually by a number of good folks like Dave Cushnie, Gord Buhr, Marty Roy, Erich Enns, Kurt Lehmann, Wayne Bishop and others I may not specifically know to credit.
To ensure that you enjoy your trail ride and don’t sink into the packed snow too much (and create ruts), please bring a fatbike (3.7 inch wide or wider tires) and keep the pressure low (8 PSI or lower).
After our ride we will enjoy our potluck BBQ (bring something to share) and chat about how great this winter fatbike season was and look to more fun ahead! 🙂
I for one, will be bringing a few camp chairs, wood, axe, firestarter, stove, frying pan, meat and drinks for after the riding fun! 🙂
Note: An update from Wayne Bishop – he has stated that it is ok to go ride!
From previous: The advice from Wayne Bishop and 2 Wheel Revolution is to stay off of the groomed trails for the immediate future.
Any traffic, whether fatbiking, pedestrian (walking and running), pet walking, skiing, will destroy the base that is being attempted to be set in the first few weeks of winter.
Wayne will let us know when is a better time to ride the groomed trails.
For more information please contact Wayne directly (he is on Facebook).
Our Grand Beach Prov Park Group Ride & BBQ yesterday (26 Mar 2017) was Oh So Sweet!
Our large group of guys and gals took advantage of the last remaining snow covered trails (mostly … except for some puddles, icy and mud … other than that perfect)! 😉
We rode, chatted, laughed and then returned to the Ski Huts at the parking lot and BBQ’d up a Potluck Smorgasbord! Great times indeed! 🙂
Lucky for us, Gregory ‘G-Mac’ McNeill joined us to ride and take tons of pictures … which is AWESOME! Thanks again G-Mac for snapping, processing and sharing.
Check out G-Mac’s GBPP FB BBQ Flickr Album and here are some beauties below:
Here it is folks, probably our last chance to gather the Fat Bike Manitoba ‘Herd’ for a group ride on what remains of the groomed winter ski trails at Grand Beach Provincial Park. Btw, we have access because grooming has stopped for the season, but some skiers may still be on the trails. We have ridden there in past years at the end of March with similar weather conditions and had a great time (even when it was a bit soft snow or icy conditions).
Our chat at Birch indicated this Sunday works for a bunch of us.
So, giddy up Fatties – who’s in?
WHO: Anyone with a Fat Bike. Minimum 3.8 inch tires. Maximum 10lbs of air pressure. Be prepared to reduce tire pressure to maintain float.
WHAT: Fat Bike Group Ride and Potluck BBQ
WHEN: Sunday, 26 March 2017. Meet: 10:00 AM to start riding at 10:15 AM and finish 11:30 to 12:00 (then BBQ)
WHERE: The Grand Beach X-Ctry Ski Trails Parking/Trail Head on the East side of the park (see Map link below)
POTLUCK BBQ: We can use the warming shacks and potbelly stoves to cook fireside food, smokies/bacon/scallops,potatoes etc in frying pans (bring one) and/or bring a portable stove.
Bring some food and drink share. There are a couple picnic tables, but a few lawn chairs would be handy.
PARK PASS is needed!
MAPS: http://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/pdf/maps/2015_winter_maps/winter_grand_beach.pdf
Over the last few years, Wayne Bishop has worked hard to bring to the community a club that instills the ideology ‘Give Love – Get Love’.
All of the monies generated from Two Wheel Revolution (2WRVLTN) through sales of hats, mugs, shirts, memberships and race registrations get put back into developing new course venues and events.
Wayne has gathered like-minded individuals into his club and is constantly recruiting locals to join. The members are doing it because they love what they do, and people who love what they do are willing to sacrifice. This allows 2WR to lean towards being inclusive with the community, rather than exclusive.
With all of the volunteer power and the non-profit approach to capital, 2WR can give lower entry fees for racers, again expanding the possible number of people who will be able to try out a race. This also results in more spectators with family and friends coming out to cheer.
Even Wayne’s beautiful wife Kim and their two sons, Ryder and Chase, work hard in their free time to keep the machine running. Ryder, who is eleven, has the awesome responsibility of being the club’s secretary.
“Being secretary, there is always some challenges but nothing that can’t be done.” says a positive Ryder. “Sometimes tasks are frustrating but I overcome it and try to get the task done. I really enjoy what I do and it is fun to open up my laptop and have a surprise in my inbox. Every day is enjoyable, even with challenges.”
Well get ready because 2WRVLTN has a good show happening on Sunday January 15th, at Falcon Ridge in the Whiteshell Provincial Park.
Veteran Provincial racer Ken Stojak rode the course last weekend, and was very impressed. “The Falcon Ridge Trail has it all and more. There are climbs, single track sections, downhills, switchbacks, all with out of this world scenery. There are epic views with the ‘On Top of the World’ loop and when crossing the lakes.”
Another long-time sportsman who has raced inline-speed-skating locally for decades is Greg Carrigan. He was out with Stojak and Paul Lapointe doing a pre-ride last weekend and this is what he had to say, “There is something of everything for everybody. Plus there are real nice people running the Chalet and a good burger! I believe if new fatbikers are doing the 10 km after the first tough climb (where they will learn how awesome a fatbike climbs (with the correct tire pressure), they will have a blast!”
Bishop finishes with describing the course, “The course is a 10km loop comprised of a complimentary mix of wide open coastline lake ski trails, tight single track with amazing views and some flowy Fatbike groomed trails that descend back to the chalet!”
“The day will start with a racer check in and tire pressure verification. Some schmoozing and a race start at 11:30 with 5 minutes between classes.” he adds. “Spectators can experience the resort, tubing, live music and all things falcon. Racers will get a meal and beverage, trophies and some Prizing for special efforts, sportsmanship and just general awesomeness! Ideally the outcome from this race is to promote Fat Bikes in MB parks and at Venues with the purpose of creating opportunities for future riding locations!”
It was a great Saturday to be at the Bur Oak Trails at Bird’s Hill Park. There were almost 10 fatbike riders out there, navigating the soft snow freely given to us by Mother Nature over the last week.
Mike Vandale from the Woodcock Cycle Club loved it! “ (it was) The perfect day not too warm! (the) Trail was a little soft but it will be awesome once it sets up.”
The soft conditions had the riders dial in their pressures once on the course. It is easy to deflate in the cold, rather than inflate, so deflating a higher pressure is the norm out on these winter rides.
“I think most of us were running 4 or 5 psi.” states Mike.
Many local people were out there today, including Greg Carrigan, Gilles Paquette, Steve H., Tim Woodcock, Mark Kleinholz, Jon Letkemann and finally Mike Vandale. Tim even convinced a few snowshoers to ‘come to the dark side’ and try out some fatbikes to see how they are. These park adventurers looked interested and seemed to want what us fatbikers already have – fun!
Today’s ride on groomed trails could not have happened without the steady work of Pete Romeo and others like John M. (who was snowshoeing today – packing the trail). Many thanks goes out to these people.
And for those who cannot make it out to BHP (Bird’s Hill Park), there will be a weekday ride this Thursday starting at Woodcock Cycle on St. Mary’s. Vandale finishes with, “The Thurs night ride starts at WCW 6 PM, usually head straight for the Seine River. (it) Sounds like we’re going to head south on the Seine this coming Thursday.”
This past Sunday was a great day for us fatbikers in the Winnipeg area of Manitoba, as we got the chance to ride GROOMED WINTER FATBIKE TRAIL again in our own ‘backyard’ on one of our favourite trails … (former Bur Oak Trail – now called “Oak Ridge Trail) at Birds Hill Provincial Park!
Photo Credit: Gregory McNeil
Now we’ve ridden this trail in the winter before, having packed it by snowshoe and then riding our fatties slowly round and round and round until it was possible to ride with ‘flow’ … so it was today with a bit more packing making it more groomed than usual.
I first connected with a crew of six riders new to me and most of us regulars. They called themselves the “Pinoy MB Fatbibers” and Tito, Drex, Sam, Trek, Jovil and Ador were keen to check out the trails, so I lead them around the main track …
The early morning lighting and fresh snow on the trees had created those special winter vistas that you only really get to appreciate when you are out on the trail.
After a fun ride with the Pinoy Crew, I connected with more arriving fatties …
Once again I link up with a new crew, but this time most were regulars (Peter, Greg, Janice, etc) and off we went …
Of course, it wasn’t long before we connected with our very own fatbiking ‘Photo-ambusher’ Gregory McNeill … Actually, it’s always a good time for a hot apple cider break when Gregory’s ‘at work’!
Once we turned back toward the south, the bright sun made for some surreal views …
We cruised the newly groomed sections and put in the tougher effort to ride to the narrower and tighter curved sections that had only been snowshoed in so far …
A full lap of all the trail sections takes 1 to 1 & 1/2 hours depending on conditions, pace and number of hot apple cider breaks :-). Anyways, back to the trail head we went …
Just in time for me to connect with two new fatbikers who had just arrived, but missed another group of regulars who were heading off lead by Keith Holm and “Lou Fatinsky”
Angie W. and Chris F. showed up ready to roll with goggles, mitts and balaclavas at the ready (excellent start!). So I lead off onto the main groomed section … north from the trailhead parking lot, but accessed first by going out the west side of the lot by the trailhead sign and then taking the first right onto the singletrack trail for a short east leg of 100 metres before the trail heads north and west.
Chris was right behind me on the way out so he was in view of my rear GoPro video camera.
Chris lead us back and Angie followed with a wide smile on her face the whole way! Yup, the saying is true … “Everyone who rides a fatbike wears a huge smile”!! 🙂
We met up with Keith Holm’s crew and more introductions to our fun community of fatties were in order and partaken.
To top off our day’s adventures on the trail, we had a close encounter with Mike on his fat tire unicycle … that guy’s got skills! 🙂
Back at the trailhead we all marvelled at our amazing luck to have taken part in the first real day of groomed winter trail fatbiking in the our local Winnipeg and Eastern Manitoba area! Good times and more ahead! 🙂
Wayne Bishop and his 2 Wheel Revolution have done many things in the past and been involved in many different types of racing, from mountain bike racing to scramble motor cross and fatbike racing.
One year ago, a few local fatbikers got together for a ride at the Grand Beach Trails. Bishop’s name came up, and a few of us had good things to say about him. ‘He is a good man’ was the common theme. The group then decided to support him as best they could from then on.
Today, many local racers and enthusiasts appeared at Bird’s Hill Park’s Bur Oak trails, to pack down the trails with snowshoes, as per Bishop’s request. Sunday, 8:30 a.m., ‘be there’ – was understood.
After the snowshoe people (snowshoers) did their ‘thing’, more fatbikers appeared, to do their part and ride the trail, further packing the snow down as per Bishop’s request. Some of the snowshoers had family commitment and other commitments for the afternoon, so the torch was passed on to the cyclists.
Wayne thanked those he could today, but it is we in the community who thank him. Without him, this would never have happened.
A lot can happen in one year. You just need the right people. 🙂
Alrighty folks, there is some serious fattie fun to be had tomorrow, Sunday 11 Dec 2016, at BHP Park on the Bur Oak Trail! 🙂
Wayne Bishop and 2 Wheel Revolution are planning to be out at Bur Oak by 9:00 AM and packing-grooming the trail by various means (snowshoe and fatbike) until around 11:00-ish.
Fat bikes only, please (borrow, don’t steal, one if you have to). Narrow tires (less than 3.0 inches – though 3.7 and more is ideal) can and usually do ruin soft snow trails. Remember the Park Pass!!” Btw, it looks like at least a ‘six-pack’ of fatties are already planning (says Fbook) to attend.
During the summer, whether they be trail runners, hikers, or dog walkers, local people enjoy the Bur Oak trails at Bird’s Hill Park.
Last Sunday was no different, with a friendly invitation sent out via Social Media for fatbikers to meet-up at 1 p.m., and take it from there.
I was there, Pete appeared after seeing my car, and we just started riding the trails and talking. Nice easy pace, talking about everything. With fatbiking, you can go as fast or as slow as you wish, and it’s so quiet in the wilderness that you can have a conversation with someone even if they are in front or behind you.
Dave from Stony Mountain appeared, proudly riding his new Rocky sportin 4.8 tires, and the three of us continued around the course.
There was light snow cover, so the large tree roots were still exposed in some areas, and these can be slippery and tricky to go over. I just prepared myself to put a foot down and took my time. No rush out there. I still wiped out a few times.
The trail is getting better groomed with the fatbikers. We met one trail runner, who was friendly and helped us take some pictures of some newcomers to Bird’s Hill Park (BHP). Igor and his friend were curious about what we do, and I let him ride my bike – I think he’s hooked.
One lap down, and Steve H. and Dave Bartel appeared back at the parking lot. Steve was using 5 p.s.i. front and rear on his CAAD with 4.8s, and he had no problems with the roots. Dave was happy he finally got to ride his new Salsa in the snow!
10-15 cm of snow is predicted for the next few days, but this will benefit the trail. Wednesday night’s 6:30 ride will be interesting with all of the snow – the fast people will be forced to slow down for a bit 🙂
Last night there was an invite from Wayne Bishop at 2 Wheel Revolution for people to go ride with him in the evening at the Bur Oak trails in Bird’s Hill Park. There was light snow on the ground and it is assumed that it would be fat tires only, but there was no requirement. 4 of us attended, all riding fatbikes with tires from 3.8 to 4.8 inches, 2 Specialized Fatboys (1 carbon), 1 Trek Farley 27.5 (carbon) and 1 Salsa Blackborow (mine).
The trails were relatively hard packed, with some loose ‘corn’ granular snow in the berms and some small areas of water and no snow cover. There was an overcast and there was almost no light at all, so strong front lamps were mandatory.
I tried to stick with the elite riders, but after a few kms I just waved Pat Burr by so he can join his fast friends at the front. It is a closed loop course so riding by myself was not a problem for I just followed the tracks made by the other three, and I could follow their lights for the majority of the time. It was very peaceful and I rode at my own pace. If I got lost, I know they would not leave me out there. Mark Seel, maybe, but not me. 😀
We were out there for 1.5 hours, and left close to 8:30 p.m. Be sure to be dressed before you go so you don’t get heckled by your friends and given an ultimatum of not being invited anymore!
Wayne has informed me that there will be an effort to have Wednesday night rides at Bur Oak at 6:30 from now on led by 2 Wheel Revolution. Of course situations and conditions may not permit these events from being continuous, but there will be effort made so local people can come out and experience the beautiful peaceful park at night. If you want to ride with the leaders, pack light and leave all of your extra gear in your vehicle – these people don’t screw around 🙂
Here it is folks, probably our last chance to gather the MB Fat Bike Herd for a group ride on groomed winter ski trails … yes, you heard me and it’s true! Once again, we have been granted access by MB Parks officials to the Grand Beach Prov Park ‘Winter/Ski’ Trails for some fat biking fun! This is just for the end of the ‘snow season’, but should bode well for future coordinating of more regular access. 🙂
So, giddy up Fatties:
When: Sunday, 22 March 2015. Start at 9:00 AM – sharp
Where: GBPP Parking lot for XC Ski/Hiking Trails
Who: Any Fat Biker
Bike Tech: Minimum 3.7 inch wide tires and low pressure – 10 PSI Max (float & traction = :-))
It’s a Fireside Potluck BBQ – bring something Eh!
KA-POW!!! SUPER DUPER FAT BIKE RACE!
The 2015 Fat Bike Birkie Race held at Cable, Wisconsin, USA, on March 7th was once again the BIGGEST FAT BIKE RACE ON THE PLANET with over 800 registered racers (3/4s on the 47 Km loop and the rest on a 20 Km loop)!
Just like last year, it was a blast to race and capture the event on video … this year I used a $5 broomstick to raise my helmet-cam up to get a ‘high pan’ of the BIG FAT MASS of racers … kinda envious of the drone video guy though! 🙂
Fat Tire Biking continues to explode around the world and no where was it more evident than this past weekend at the Birkie Ski Trails complex, with just 2 days access for fat bike racers to check out the amazing trails, in great conditions (-5 C overnight and +2 at race end), expertly groomed by the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation and all their organizers and volunteers!
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation once again but on a world class race event and handled the merry mass of fat bikers!
Definitely coming back next year and EVERY YEAR!
Looking back at a great day of fat biking on the winter trails at Grand Beach Provincial Park in Manitoba, Canada.
These are multi-use winter trails (Park designation) that are groomed for classic and skate XC skiing. Others use the trails as well (hikers and snowshoers, but they can mark up the trails).
We fat bikers with our wide tires (3.7 inches minimum up to 4.8 inches) and low tire pressure (below 10 PSI is advised) can ‘float’ on the firm-ish packed trails and cruise along at speed, while having great control (good grip).
As long as we stay off the set classic ski tracks, avoid the trails once it’s warmer (near O C) and ride in a smart courteous way, we can enjoy the trails and not conflict with others on the trails, especially the skiers. Our speed is very compatible with good skate skiers, while the classic skiers are much slower, so give a friendly warning as you approach them (just like skate skiers have to).
Groomed winter trails can be a blast for us fat bikers, as long as we use them correctly and with good trail etiquette! Remember though that while access to these trails may be allowed at this time and at this location (a Provincial Park – not a private ski trail location), this access could be lost. So … 3.7 inch minimum width tires, keep the pressure low and avoid the trails if they are warm/soft!
Ok, so there are manyothersuperlatives that I could use to describe how AWESOME this past Sunday’s Throw Down #3 was, but hey, #1 was Awesome, #2 was More Awesome and yes, #3 was Even More AWESOME!
Our happy herd (think Big Fat Manitoba Bisons!) of 9 fatties started even earlier in the morning, due to rising spring temps, but in the end conditions turned out to be stellar!
We cruised the Grand Beach ski trails on our low-pressure fat tires and only left dimple marks behind!
The XC skiers we met and shared our potluck feast with were unanimous in their awe at how smoothly we floated on the packed snow trails and marveled at how cool are bikes are … “you can’t ride a fat bike without smiling“!
Photo Credit: Gregory McNeill
With all the sweet GoPro video footage I have from all three…
FatBikeManitoba.com 
