Fatbike Group Rides in Minnesota

Fatbike group rides are happening all Winter long and to help you find out the what, when and where so you can join in, I have put together a list of bike shop rides, regular weekly rides and links where others are regularly posted.

Shop Rides

On Sundays from 12:30 to 2:30 pm the Hub Bicycle Co-Op has their Weekly Fat Bike Ride that meets at their store at 301 Cedar Ave. in Minneapolis.  Ride Description:

The ride will be a moderately paced 10-15 mile ride going to places such as the Minnesota River bottoms, Theodore Wirth Mountain Bike Trails, exploring the Mississippi River Bluffs and Minnehaha Creek.  Our definition of a fat tire bike is loose. You just need to be able to ride in snow on a variety of terrain. We will adjust distance due to weather conditions and will not ride if it's below 0 degrees F. Our goal is to create community, have fun, and stay riding during the long Minnesota Winter.

On Sundays at 9:00 am at Wirth Lake Beach in Minneapolis, Erik's Bike Shop hosts their weekly Sunday Morning Fatbikes at Theo ride.  The ride pace is set by the group each week and ride distance is usually 5-10 miles.  Ride description from the Erik's website:

*STARTS NOVEMBER 9th!!!!* This ride will start before the snow flies and carry through the thaw of Spring. You'll meet and ride at Theodore Wirth Park Mountain Bike Trail as long as conditions permit. Due to the initial wetness leading into Winter and the thaw in the Spring, expect to have various route changes and ride paces because they will be chosen by you, the riders! Fat bikes are strongly recommended, but 26+, 29+, and 2.4+ may get the job done. The goal is to have a blast and talk about all things bike related with a bias to all things Fat.

Freewheel Midtown Bike Center holds their Sunday Funday Ride at 2:00 pm on Sundays led by Jacob Haskins.  Ride description:

Departs Midtown at 2:00pm. Goes to the River Bottoms or other fun places. 20 - 30 Miles, speed is dependent on the group, always no drop. Check Facebook or call the store (612-238-4447) to get the most current information.

Milltown Cycles in Faribault holds its weekly Fat Tuesday shop ride every Tuesday this Winter from 6:30-8:30 pm.  Ride description:

We'll head out from Milltown Cycles by 6:30 - bring your lights!

Image Credit: Nicollet Bike Shop

Nicollet Bike Shop in Mankato has its weekly Fat Bike Mountain Bike Ride every Tuesday during the Winter at 5:30 pm.  For more details visit their Facebook page or call the shop at 507-388-9390.  Ride description:

Ride will leave the shop at 5:30. Lights required. Ride will be a mix of single track, ATV trail, and pavement. Once we have snow on the ground this ride will switch to Fat Bikes only.

Michael's Cycles hold a Wednesday night ride usually at the MN River Bottoms or Murphey-Hanrehan at 6:30 pm.  They also have a Saturday morning ride out of their Chaska store at 8:00 am.  See the Micheal's Cycles Facebook page or the Michael's Cycles-Chaska Facebook page for updates on weekly rides.

Group Rides

COGGS (Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores) holds its weekly Monday Night Fatbike Ride at various locations in and around Duluth.  Rides start at 6pm and take place at locations like Hartley Park, Brewer Park, Lester Park, Piedmont and Minnesota Point Beach.  Keep up-to-date on each week's ride details by visiting the COGGS Monday Group Ride Fourm  or the COGGS Facebook page.  Ride description:

The MNR is an easy-paced, no-drop mountain bike ride. The ride starts at a different trail each week. Please call the shop (218-724-8525) to get the starting location. From 9/15/14 until 4/6/15 – weather dependent – the MNR becomes a Fat Bike ride. COGGS will run the show during this period. Please check their Facebook or website for location.

The Carver Lake Slow & Fat Ride takes place on Mondays at 6:00 pm weather permitting.  This is an easy pace ride and lights are required.  See the MORC Group Rides Forum for weekly updates.

Faturday at the MN River Bottoms happens weekly on Saturdays at 10:00 am.  Riders usually meet up at the Lyndale Ave. parking lot or the Bloomington Ferry Unit parking lot.  Check the MORC Group Rides Forum or the MN Fatbike Group Rides group on Facebook for weekly updates.

Join the public group, MN Fatbike Group Rides on Facebook to view group rides throughout Minnesota or post up your own ride.  And finally, you can always check the MORC Group Rides Forum for new ride postings in the Twin Cities.

If you would like your fatbike group ride listed on this post, send me an email with the following details:

• Day and time of rides

• Ride schedule continues through (date, month, etc.)

• Ride start location

• Duration and distance of ride

• Type of ride (casual/fast - drop/no drop)

• Type of trails or terrain for ride route

• Helmets and lights required?

• Fatbike rentals available?

• More information on group rides can be found at...(Facebook page, website, calling the shop, etc.)