2017 Fat Bike World Championships Epilogue
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.)
This guy definitely had the best costume.
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.
//www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9ZroUXPlQQ
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.
Eyewear choices are altered when it’s below freezing at race start.
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).
That’s how pink your legs get when racing in sub-freezing temps.
Some took the aero qualities of their apparel more seriously than others.
Making America great again the fat way.
Look up it’s a drone!
Former Olympic cross-country racer Travis Brown (left) was fifth overall.
Fire pit arctic style.
Frost beards were commonplace all week.
Frosty beverages were also prevalent.
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.
Another pint sized fan. We’ll get her on a fat bike soon enough.
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.
The Thursday course had no shortage of superb scenery.
Making the turn for another lap on the Trek Farley.
Nice day for a ride.
Fat bike freeriding. It’s a thing.
So is lift served fat biking. At least once a year in Crested Butte. Maybe someday it’ll be a regular thing.
That’s a sign you don’t see every day at a ski resort.
No one hit the big booter, but speeds well over 40mph were commonplace.
When fat bike freeriding, always go full enduro.
Skiers stay out.
Of course, the night life was good, too.
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.
The post 2017 Fat Bike World Championships Epilogue appeared first on Mountain Bike Review.