Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
MPR News Staff

Winter rally hopes to put Bemidji on fat bike map

Fat bikes
Fat bikes get their name for the over-sized tires the bikes employ to ride over snow, sand and other difficult terrain.
Derek Montgomery / File for MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Keep the dogsleds in the barn for a day. Organizers of Minnesota's newest winter sport phenomenon want you to get on your fat bike and ride.

Bemidji State Park becomes the newest fat bike destination this winter. Organizers will launch the first Northland Fat Bike Rally on March 1, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday.

The rally is not just for experienced fat bikers. "Anyone interested in this new winter sport will have the opportunity to ride the course, check out various fat bikes, learn about the sport by talking with fat bike experts and take a short spin in the snow" on a fat tire bike, the DNR said. Live music and refreshments will be provided throughout the day in the visitor center.

The day runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The main ride begins at 11 a.m. with a mass start on Lake Bemidji and then into Lake Bemidji State Park.

The trails north of County Road 20 will be open for those who want to warm up or just check out some new terrain. After the event, the course will be open to biking until 4 p.m., the DNR said.

The event and activities are free, but a Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit ($5 a day or $25 for 12 months) is required to enter the park.

Fat bikes have exploded in popularity recently in Minnesota, especially in the winter. The bikes' extra wide tires with very low pressure are designed to float over a couple inches of snow.

The DNR is grooming trails for fat biking at Jay Cooke, Split Rock and Fort Snelling State Parks, as well as the Luce Line State Trail in Wayzata, and the Gateway State Trail in St. Paul. That's in addition to 20 miles of trails at the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area near Brainerd.