Jump on a fat bike and enjoy winter from a new perspective
Fat biking trails and rentals in Maine
Fat bikes have exploded in popularity across Maine in recent years. Riders traverse a wintery lake in Bethel, part of Carter’s XC Ski trail network. Photo by Emily Delameter.
By Saisie Moore
Ever felt like winter activity options are polar extremes – a toss-up between toboggans or the vertiginous perils of ice climbing? It’s time to consider a new alternative. An accessible, beginner-friendly entry point to the rugged world of winter activities, fat biking has enjoyed growing popularity in Maine as a way to experience the state’s many trail networks via groomed snow and balloon-like tires. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to saddle up for winter.
Get your fat bike in gear
Affordable bike and helmet rentals make fat biking accessible to anyone willing to layer up this winter. Photo courtesy of Rangeley Lakes Trail Center.
A fat bike’s wide tire footprint (typically over 3.8 inches) and deep tread gives it the traction and control you need to tractor over loose surfaces and obstacles even under speed. Local mountain bikers, on the hunt for year-round thrills, have been in on the fat bike secret for years. But fat bikes are also a great option for off-road amateurs, guaranteeing several feet of snowpack between you and the deviously technical roots and rocks of New England singletrack.
Unlike other winter sports, fat biking doesn’t require a gearshop’s worth of equipment. Not ready to splash the cash on a new bike? Maine’s bike and ski shops rent out high-quality models for $30 to $40, typically with helmets included. After that, all you need are waterproof winter boots, thick gloves, and layers – lots of layers. The cold air will hit hard at first, but trust that after a few minutes you’ll work up a serious sweat.
Wool, sweat-wicking polyester and a wind shell are essentials, as is a water bottle – that sweat needs to be replaced pronto.
Ready to roll: Maine’s fat bike trails
Fat bikes are incredibly versatile and will carry you across a frozen lake, winding singletrack, or even sandy beaches with ease. But like any winter sport, conditions matter. Fresh powder may be a skier’s dream, but cyclists will flounder. Firm, packed snow is preferable, but remember to factor in the possibility of icy conditions in the morning and slushy snow in late afternoon. For a full-day excursion, consider a trip to some of Maine’s best trail networks, where groomed trails and professional guidance on tire pressure guarantee the best ride.
Thanks to their deep tread and wide tires, fat bikes offer a smooth ride on snow that even beginners will enjoy.
Carrabassett Valley Trails
Few destinations can rival Carrabassett Valley for winter adventure opportunities – fat biking is no exception. Alpine ski slopes might be the headline act up here, but today you’re in for a different kind of adventure. Head for Sugarloaf Outdoor Center where day passes ($10) and bike rentals ($30–$90) allow conditional access to 90 kilometers of Nordic ski trail system stretching throughout the valley forest. The fun doesn’t stop there – join up to Maine Huts & Trails and the Narrow Gauge Pathway networks for access to miles of secluded backcountry trails stretching between Stratton Brook and Poplar Stream Falls huts, including a multitude of singletrack offshoots to challenge your ability. This year, the local chapter of New England Mountain Biking Association and its volunteers have worked hard to expand the system and add a new trail to Narrow Gauge that rewards riders with a spectacular vista of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Carter’s XC Ski in Bethel
Since 1985, the Carter family has been passionate about getting Mainers outdoors during the winter months. Today, Carter’s XC Ski in Bethel offers 55 kilometers groomed daily for skiers, snowshoers and bikers alike – as a rule, bikers should yield to other trail users. Jes Carter suggests first-timers opt for a guided tour or lesson with one of Carter’s experienced instructors ($50–$125). Alternatively, there’s the Special Rental package, which for $30 allows you to switch between a bike, skis or snowshoes at any point in the day depending on conditions. “After all,” Jes says, “fresh powder is great for skis, but not so great for fat biking!”
Carter’s XC Ski in Bethel allows visitors to switch between bikes, snowshoes and skis to explore over 55 km of trails. Photo by Emily Delameter.
Rangeley
Redefine “breathtaking views” when you tackle mountainous Rangeley on a bicycle. After a visit to AJ’s Fat Bikes on Main Street for a rental and some expert pointers, head for Rangeley Lakes Trail Center at the foot of Saddleback Mountain. Over 55 kilometers of groomed Nordic ski trails and winding singletrack await you among old-growth forests along the south shore of Saddleback Lake. Closure of the ski mountain in 2014 reframed local attention toward fat biking, and an annual race was launched. The Rangeley Fat Bike Loppet, scheduled for March 6, 2021, rallies around 100 hardy competitors who duke it out over “straightaways to gradual ascent and descents, to some aggressive hill climb and downhill opportunities.” Who knows? Experience the snowy thrill of fat biking once and you, too, might feel compelled to join in the action.
Pineland Farms
Looking for a beginner-friendly introduction in the Greater Portland area? Pineland Farms offers access to 30 kilometers of rolling farmland and woodland trails threaded with wide, gentle trails shared with snowshoers. “We groom our trails, but weather can have a big impact,” advises the on-site Outdoor Center. “Call ahead and we’d be happy to tell you how the snow looks.” The Outdoor Center offers six adult fat bike rentals at $30 for two hours, but if you’ve got a bigger party, Gorham Bike & Ski in Portland is a short drive away. Once you’re done, you’ve got the pick of Greater Portland’s eateries to refuel and reward your snowy exploits.
