Posted for Wayne Bishop of 2 Wheel Revolution:
There’s still time and access to register and join 80+ of us at Falcon on Sunday to race or ride (that is an option). See you there! Great Fatty times ahead!
https://www.facebook.com/2wheelrevolution/posts/2021464934804756
Cheers, Fat Tom K
Details are coming together for the:
“2018 Alfred Barr’ Lake Winnipeg Fatbike Crossing & Campover” Adventure – now planned for Fri-Sun 2-4 March 2018!
We are dedicating this Memorial event in Honour of our much loved Fatbiking and adventure friend Alfred, who died on 8 March 2017 during an Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Search and Rescue (SAR) Technician training jump from a 435 Squadron C-130 Hercules – just days after he had taken part in our 2017 version of the same Lake Wpg crossing and campover. I announced this Event Memorial dedication when I spoke at Alfred’s Memorial Service at 17 Wing Winnipeg Air Base, received his families’ appreciation and endorsement. Now we follow through … Alfred you will not be forgotten!
Alfred – we are going to complete the task you had set out for yourself and told us about on the lake last year … Alfred Barr: “I am so lucky to be a SAR Tech and so very well trained during my SAR Tech Course 49 this past year. I hope to pass on a lot of my newly honed skills, especially Arctic survival and extended adventure travel to my Fatbiking friends.” Don’t worry Alfred … your friends will ‘take up the torch’ and try to live up to the SAR Tech Motto that you died training to uphold: “That Others May Live” Rescue!
While we will be following a similar inexpensive/non-profit/cooperative group adventure plan as last year; with limited sponsorships (last year MEC & Wilderness Supply were very supportive), we will also be engaging in cooperative training and adventure with SAR Techs from 435 Sqn and others who trained with Alfred on SAR Tech Course 49. They will be taking part on the ground (ahem, snow) and possibly from the air (if weather and coordination allows for parachute training).
We will provide 1, 2 and 3 day participation options:
Fri 2 March: Take part in Fatbiking, winter camping skills, backcountry medical/evacuation SAR practice exercises likely on Lake Winnipeg with fatbikers and motorized escort quads/snowmobiles heading out to the center of the lake to set up a little ‘tent city’ and campover with the Team Leaders.
Sat Morning 3 March: Fatbikers and escort vehicles bike/drive back from the lake campsite in the early morning to the Sand Bar Inn in Grand Marais for breakfast and to meet up with other FatBikers joining the group who drive out from ‘town’ that morning.
Sat 3 March: After breakfast, the combined group will ride across Lake Winnipeg following a marked/groomed route with snowmobile/quad support for pressure ridge crack crossings as req’d. Stop at mid-lake to add to the campsite with any additional tents and gear, possible 435 Sqn SAR aircraft participation, then continue across to Gimli for lunch and then back to the camp for supper, bonfire and sleepover in our little tent city.
Sun 4 March: After a breakfast on the lake, we will ride back to the Sand Bar Inn at Grand Marais for lunch and adventure wrap up.
I am also pleased to announce that our Leaders Team is now complete and these amazing volunteers will ensure that our adventure is well organized, safe and fun:
Tom Kolesnik
2018 ‘Alfred Bar’ Lake Winnipeg Fatbike Crossing & Campover
Adventure Weekend Coordinator
tomkolesnik@gmail.com
Cell: (204) 612-9266
Major Tom Kolesnik, RCAF, 17 Wing LLO
Former 435 Sqn C-130 SAR Pilot
More details to follow after upcoming planning mtgs.
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 …
Great FatBike Racing times ahead! 🙂
Cheers, Fat Tom K
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”.
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.
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
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!”
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! 😃
* 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! 😉
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 …
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!
An interesting encounter with media and a fun ride with two nice ‘new Fatbiking loving’ cyclists from the Netherlands! 🙂
Cheers, Fat Tom K
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
Video complete: “Fat Tom K’s 2018 Red River Fatbike Crossing” – check it out:
Cheers, Fat Tom K
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 …
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 …
So my “2018 Fat Tom K’s Red River Fatbike Crossing” is open – day or night …
A few local ‘fatties’ have already been over to check it out …
Cheers, Fat Tom K
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!
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!
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
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!
Cheers, Fat Tom K
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’! 😉
*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! 🙂
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’. 🙂
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