Category Archives: Group Rides

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

January 8, 2018 Tom Kolesnik

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Actif Epica, Group Rides, Informative

Invite for Actif Epica Recon Ride: 7 Jan 2018

January 5, 2018 Tom Kolesnik

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!

Group Rides, Video, Woodcock Fat Bike Group Rides

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

December 12, 2017 Tom Kolesnik Leave a comment

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:

Global Fat Bike day, Group Rides

6th Annual Winnipeg GFBD Ride a HUGE success!

December 3, 2017 Tom Kolesnik 2 Comments

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

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

Global Fat Bike day, Group Rides

Winnipeg GFBD Ride Route Recce – It’s looking great – GIDDY UP!

December 1, 2017 Tom Kolesnik 1 Comment

Quick feedback from my GFBD Route Recce today – IT’S LOOKING GREAT!
The trails, pathways, quiet roads and even the Seine River is actually better than a few days ago!
That small amount of snow we got recently has mostly bonded to the previous snow and ice to create okay conditions on the trails and paths. The Seine River is looking very nice!

The pictures below follow the Wpg GFBD Ride “Longer Route”:
Longer Route – MapMyRide Link:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1872120710

Here’s a photo dump from my recce today and a few from yesterday as well – click on the pics to start a slideshow:

So giddy up – saddle up on your ‘Fatties’ tomorrow, join the fun at the Forks at 12:00 Noon, check out everyone bikes and make new friends!

Oh yah, if you get ‘peck-ish’ after riding for an hour or so after the photoshoot, we have a chilifest arranged at a fatbiker friendly home near Kingston Park. Afterwards, your can ride down Kingston Crescent to the Elm Park (BDI) Bridge and access the Churchill Drive Pathways and trails right back to the Forks (about 30 minutes).

#GFBD2017 #fatbikesrule … thewintertrails 😉

Cheers,
Fat Tom K

Global Fat Bike day, Group Rides

Winnipeg GFBD Ride – Route Map and Weather Factors

November 28, 2017 Tom Kolesnik Leave a comment

Here’s the Route Map for the GFBD Route.

We will meet at the Forks at Noon and ride over to the Group Photoshoot, then separate into the Group Routes and head off to the Chilifest Pitstop via road, trail and river (conditions allowing).

*Note: Due to the mild conditions, we may have to adjust the routing (effect on the Seine River – it’s solid frozen where we plan to ride, but if too much snow melts and it becomes too icy then we will adjust).

If the route(s) need to be mostly quiet and safe roads/pathways or just one shorter route – then so be it.

I will be checking it on Friday – fingers crossed.

See you all at the Forks on Saturday at 12:00 Noon.

Route – Full Loop Map (22.5 Km loop – only 15.1 Km from the Forks to the Chilifest Pitstop):

Longer Route – MapMyRide Link:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1872120710

* We will be watching the conditions develop over the next few days with current icy-mess and and make whatever route adjustments we have to … so our Wpg GFDB Ride will be fun and as safe as possible.

** There’s always risks when we step out our door in the winter – but that’s what we do as we embrace winter as just another great Manitoba season! 🙂

More details were posted earlier here:
https://fatbikemanitoba.com/2017/11/24/2017-winnipeg-global-fat-bike-day-ride-12-noon-sat-2-dec-2017/

Global Fat Bike day, Group Rides

RMNP GFBD Ride – Sunday 3 Dec 2017

November 28, 2017 Tom Kolesnik Leave a comment

Saw this on FaceBook (Public Event):
https://www.facebook.com/RidingNP/posts/1952143181470432

If you’re out in Westman … giddy up and get rolling your Fatty or rent one of theirs! 🙂

Group Rides

Bison Butte Fat Bike Ride – Big Fatty Fun! :-)

November 26, 2017 Tom Kolesnik Leave a comment

Thanks to Adrian Alphonso – our MCA/super “Fat Levels” skilled fatbiker for leading our large group of ‘Fatties’ today around Bison Butte at Fort Whyte Alive. Big Fatty Fun for sure! 🙂

Check out a few of Gregory’s pics and my GoPro screencaps:

Global Fat Bike day, Group Rides

2017 Winnipeg Global Fat Bike Day Ride – 12 Noon Sat 2 Dec 2017

November 24, 2017 Tom Kolesnik 1 Comment

Giddy up ‘Fatties’, it’s time for our 6th Annual Winnipeg Global Fat Bike Day Ride on Saturday December 2nd 2017!

Last year we had 75+ riders out and we had a blast, so let’s make this year bigger, better and always about building community and having fun! 🙂

No costs … just bring a smile, your fatbike (or rent one), toque and a helmet of course.

We will meet outside at The Forks Canopy/Tower Atrium area at 12:00 Noon, organize and then head off on our ‘Media Ride’ at 12:15 (led by Keith Holm, ‘Lou Fatinski’, Guy Anthony, myself and others TBA) to ride across the Esplande Louis Riel Bridge to arrive at 12:30 at our usual Group Photoshoot on the East side of the Red River down from the St B Cathedral, where our very own super Fatbiker-Photographer Gregory McNeill will be waiting to capture our now-classic Winnipeg GFBD group photo.

After our group photo there will be several guided group rides of shorter to longer lengths. Depending on weather and road/trail/river conditions routes may change, but your current ride options will likely be:

Guided Shorter: About 60 minutes – heading east on quiet streets toward the Seine River (south of Marion) to access the river edge trail off of Dubuc St for short distance then onto the Seine River (well frozen safe section) south for about 15 of beautiful winding sheltered river riding until we exit west by Humboldt Ave and ride west via more quiet roads to Kingston Row/Crescent leading to our “Chilifest” pitstop at a fatbike-friendly home on Kingston Crescent near Kingston Park.

Guided Longer: About 90 minutes – heading through Whittier Park and south onto the Seine River edge trails until south of the Westeel Plant until just east of the top end of Youville St, where we will exit the shoreline and ride south on Youville St for three blocks, cross Marion via cross walks (light controlled) and four short blocks south to Dubuc St to head east until we can access the Seine River edge trails and follow the same route as the “Guided Shorter” ride … off of Dubuc St for short distance then onto the Seine River (well frozen safe section) south for about 15 of beautiful winding sheltered river riding until we exit west by Humboldt Ave and ride west via more quiet roads to Kingston Row/Crescent leading to our “Chilifest” pitstop at a fatbike-friendly home on Kingston Crescent near Kingston Park.

After ‘chillin’ time, you can head back to the Forks via Churchill Parkway directly to the Forks (30 minutes) or head homeward as best suits you. We will look as having guided groups heading back to the Forks leaving the Chilifest pitstop at 3-ish & 3:30-ish.

Let us know if you are able to be a ride guide (let’s make all the new riders feel welcome).

* Btw, we will be obeying all traffic signs on our group rides, though we hope to use as much trail as possible … and no one will be left behind. 🙂

More details (specific ride distances and maps, etc) will be posted shortly.

Group Rides, Uncategorized

MCA Fat Bike Ride at Bison Butte – 1:00 PM 26 Nov 2017

November 22, 2017 Tom Kolesnik Leave a comment

Come on out to Bison Butte for an MCA sponsored Fat Bike Ride lead by Adrian Alphonso at 1:00 PM on Sunday 26 Nov 2017.

Adrian Alphonso showing his wheelie skills. Photo Credit: Gregory McNeill

Here’s your chance to checkout this awesome trail riding facility right in the city at Fort Whyte Alive. If you have an MCA licence – excellent, if not – you can sign a waiver. It’s open to the public. More details here at MCA:
https://mbcycling.ca/mca-fatbike-ride-at-bison-butte-saturday-nov-26th/

Group Rides

Sunday Afternoon Rides with Olympia Cycle

November 14, 2017 gregorycharlesmcneill Leave a comment

Last Sunday we met at Whittier at 1 p.m. for a combo skills ride/regular bike ride with Adrian Alphonso leading. We traversed South through the trails around the Seine River, East along Fermour trails – stopped for some jumps in Papoose Park, then kept going West to the St. Vital Bridge, and then North through the Churchhill drive trails back to Whittier. Stay tuned for more postings about rides in your community. olympicacycle.com

Group Rides, Pictures, Ride Report, Woodcock Fat Bike Group Rides

Thursday Night Fatbike Rides from Woodcock Cycle Shop

November 14, 2017 gregorycharlesmcneill Leave a comment

Everyone had a great ride last Thursday night! We left the Woodcock shop at about 7 p.m. (after showing up for 6:30), rode North shadowing the Seine (because the river is not frozen yet), through Whittier heading East, over Esplande Riel, to the Forks, then back south on the East side of the Red River to the St. Vital Bridge, and back to the shop on St. Mary’s. Check with Woodcock Cycle, but there should be consistent rides every Thursday leaving the Shop at 6:30 PM (or 6:00 – check with them), with varying routes. woodcockcycle.com

Grand Beach Prov Park, Groomed Trail Ride, Group Rides

Grand Beach Prov Park FatbikeGroup Ride & BBQ: Oh So Sweet it was!

March 27, 2017 Tom Kolesnik

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:

Hey G-Mac … back at yah! 😉

That was super sweet! Til next time …

Cheers, Fat Tom K

Grand Beach Prov Park, Groomed Trail Ride, Group Rides, Winter Singletrack

Invite to Grand Beach Prov Park Group Fatbike Ride & BBQ: 10 AM 26 Mar 2017

March 23, 2017 Tom Kolesnik

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

See you all there.

Cheers, Fat Tom K

Alfred Barr - We Remember, Group Rides

Fat Bike Ride in Honour of Alfred Barr – 11 Mar 2017

March 11, 2017 Tom Kolesnik

Today more than 20 fatbikers and friends of Alfred Barr gathered at my home and we rode to the Forks and back to my home again to Honour Alfred, pay Tribute to his many wonderful qualities and join in mourning his tragic loss!

I give thanks to all of you who joined me on this ride and an special thanks to Robert Paige of Xtreme Sports Medics who met us at several points in the ride with refreshments served from his Medic Ambulance.

These Badges are Special:
LEFT – is mine from my flight suit when I flew C-130 Hercules aircraft and was a Pilot on 435 Squadron based in Winnipeg flying Search and Rescue missions for over eight years.
CENTER – a badge made in Honour of Alfred by his SAR Tech Training Course Mates
RIGHT – Alfred gave me one of his SAR Tech Course 49 badges when he first arrived back in Winnipeg after he graduated and was assigned to 435 Sqn. I recall giving him a big high-five and he gave me a big hug in return!