Not all bicycling enthusiasts have their gear in winter storage, and the Flakes of Fury Fat Tire Bike Race is one good reason they don’t.
The 10.5-mile race, slated for Jan. 22 at Fort Stevenson State Park three miles south of Garrison, takes riders over the park’s trails typically used for summer hiking. In the winter they become popular for fat tire bike riders, snowshoers, and kick-sled riders, along with hikers.
Race day registration is from 10 a.m. to noon with a 1 p.m. start time. Pre-registration entry fee is $29 and underway until noon, Jan. 21. From then until noon Jan. 22 registration is $39.
Registration fees include a post-race chili feed and entertainment beginning at 3 p.m. Race guests and others can purchase tickets, which include chili and entertainment, Fort Stevenson State Park Manager Chad Trautman added.
Now in its fourth year, the race is a mix of fat tire bike riders participating “for the fun of it”, Trautman described, as well as competitive riders. Thirty-six riders participated the first two years but numbers dipped in 2021. While the park has fat tire bikes available for rent, Trautman said most racers own their bikes.
The race will be held regardless of weather. “We’ll figure something out at that point,” Trautman said, should Mother Nature deal a weather event Jan. 22.
Val’s Cyclery, Minot, is sponsoring prizes for the Men’s and Women’s race divisions with $50 gift cards for first place, $25 for second, and $10 for third in each division.
Contact Fort Stevenson State Park, (701) 337-5576, or go to its Facebook page for details or pre-registration.
