Penn Cycle's 25th Season of Thursday Night at the Races Starts May 5th

Penn Cycle's long-standing tradition of mountain bike racing at Buck Hill returns in 2016 for the 25th season.  What started out with 45 riders the very first night a long time ago has grown and evolved into something truly special.  "Whether you’re a first-timer or local hero, these weeknight races continue to rank as the best bang for your entertainment Buck by every mountain biker in the world."  Thursday Night at the Races brings together beginner, intermediate and advanced mountain bikers for some great racing and good times.  This family friendly event is also a great opportunity to get the little ones into mountain biking with a free kid's race after the adult races.

"You won’t find a more family friendly, cycling event anywhere and I am really proud of what we have put together and continue to do so on Thursday Nights." - Pat Sorensen, Penn Cycle President.

If you've never raced before, this is your chance to give it a try.  The Beginner class race starts at 7:15 pm and only costs $5.  For the intermediate and advanced racers, $10 will gain you entry into the Advanced, Recreational or Fat Bike class races that start at 6:30 pm.  Registration for the races runs from 5:00-6:15 pm.

2016 Buck Hill Race Schedule

Series 1:  May 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th, June 2nd and 9th.

Series 2:  June 16th, 23rd, June 30th, July 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th.

If you're still not convinced to join in on the fun this year, watch the video below for a week by week recap of the fun, thrills and competition of the 2014 races.

After the races, the adults take to the kid's course on kids bikes.  Watch the hilarity ensue as Pat shoots for the win in the longstanding rivalry with Charly Tri.

Image Credit: Gal Alon

This is a great opportunity to test yourself in a race setting on a challenging wooded course at Buck Hill.  For Minnesota High School Cycling League racers, here's a chance to get in some early practice for the upcoming season.

After the races there will be loads of door prizes and food and drink is available all evening long. For additional details you can visit the Penn Cycle Thursday Night at the Races page or call the Bloomington store at 952-888-1427. A little rain may not always cancel the races, so give them a call if weather becomes an issue.

Twin Cities Winter Fatbike Season Wraps Up With King of the Hill Fat Bike Duel

Image Credit: Buck Hill/Penn Cycle

Buck Hill is one of the few spots left in the Twin Cities that still has snow remaining.  This Saturday, March 12th there will be fatbikes racing at Buck Hill for the King of the Hill Fat Bike Duel presented by Penn Cycle & Buck Hill.

Practice riding starts at 10:00am and racing at 11:30am.  Race format will be 4 racers with single elimination with the top two riders advancing.  Entry fee is $30 or $10 with a non-perishable food donation.  After the racing is completed there will be an open free ride until 4:30pm.  This will be your last chance to ride Winter downhill in the Twin Cities before Spring.  Don't miss it.  See the flyer below or visit the Facebook Event Page for full details.

Get Phat With Pat Winter Fatbike Races Return to the MN River Bottoms in January

Penn Cycle & Fitness will hold the Get Phat With Pat Fatbike Races for the fourth year at the Minnesota River Bottoms in Bloomington on January 23rd and 30th.  They are co-sponsored by and are a part of the Bloomington Winter Fete.

The Details: 

Both races will be held at the Russell A Sorenson Landing at the end of Lyndale Ave. S. in Bloomington, MN underneath the 35W bridge.  Registration will start and 9 am the morning of each race and closes 30 minutes prior to race start. Registration will require a $10 entry fee and also a $5 donation to MORC (Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists) which will help the non-profit volunteer organization pay for trail maintenance, equipment and fund their 2016 season.

Fat bikes (3.8” tires and wider) are recommended. Depending on course conditions and entries, there may be a separate class for non-Fat-Tire bikes. Spectators are encouraged and welcome!  There will be three race classes for each race day; Beginner, Recreational and Advanced.  The Beginner class race will start at 10:15 am and consist of one lap, the Recreational class race starts at 10:00 am and is two laps, the Advanced class race starts at 12 noon and will be three laps.

The race course will be similar to last year's race with a new section in the East segment that lies between Lyndale Avenue and Cedar Avenue.  Start and Finish will be under the 35W bridge with the course heading West before turning around near Nine Mile Creek for an additional loop East of the Lyndale Ave. parking lot.  The lap will be a loop of about 6 miles with one section of trail heading out and another heading back.

An agreement with the City of Bloomington will allow many temporary sections of trail for the races.  The race course will be groomed and ready to ride one week before the first race.  Riding the temporary course once established is encouraged to pack down the trail.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each category.  There will be plenty of swag given away to race participants at the conclusion of each day's races.  A Grand Prize Drawing for a Trek Farley fatbike frame and fork will be held at the January 30th race for race participants*.  All prize winners must be present to claim their prizes.  *To be eligible for the Grand Prize you must race in both races.

Get Phat with Pat will not only be fun but the weather will also make it challenging as we saw at the second race last year.  Thanks to Pat Sorensen and Penn Cycle & Fitness for organizing these races and the City of Bloomington for allowing them to take place at the Minnesota River Bottoms.  I'll see you there.

Facebook Event Pages

Get Phat With Pat-Race #1

Get Phat With Pat-Race #2 

Winter '15-'16 Minnesota Fatbike Events

Global Fatbike Day

Fatbikes are more popular than ever here in Minnesota and new fatbike events keep popping up around the state.  This season's calendar will include all types of  Winter fatbike events from festivals and races to demos and group rides.  Below is a list in chronological order.  Race and event organizers, if you would like your event listed, please send me an e-mail (or visit my contact page).  I will continue to update and add events to this post as they become available.

Fat Turkey Ride-November 21, 2015
Acceleration Sports and Fitness
Brainerd, MN 

The Turkey Trekk 2015-November 26, 2015
Kiwanis Park Mountain Bike Trailhead
Mankato, MN 

The "Pie Burner" Thanksgiving Weekend Fatbike Ride-November 28, 2015
Hibbing, MN 
Facebook Event Page 

Fat Friday-December 4, 2015
Trailhead Cycling
Champlin, MN 

Global Fatbike Weekend-December 4-6, 2015
Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails
Crosby/Ironton, MN 
Facebook Event Page
Tickets

Faturday / Global Fatbike Day Minnesota River Bottoms-December 5, 2015 Cancelled
Russel A. Sorensen Landing
Bloomington, MN 

Frozen Frolic Fat Bike Race Series-December 5, 2015
Elm Creek Park Reserve
Champlin, MN 

Global Fat-Bike Day-December 5, 2015
Worldwide
Facebook Event Page    

Global Fatbike Day Ride-Northfield Edition-December 5, 2015
Downtown Bicycles
Northfield, MN
Online Registration  

Global Fatbike Day-Rochester, MN-December 5, 2015
Rochester Cycling
Rochester, MN 

Hibbing Global Fat Bike Day-December 5, 2015
Hibbing, MN 

Nicollet Bike Global Fat Bike Day Ride-December 5, 2015
Nicollet Bike Shop
Mankato, MN 

Super Fat Criterium-December 5, 2015
Freewheel Midtown Bike Center
Minneapolis, MN 

Winter Bike Expo-December 5-6, 2015
Freewheel Midtown Bike Center
Minneapolis, MN
Facebook Event Page 

Charlie's Phat Fundays-December 6, 2015
Charilie's Tangletown Bike Shop
Minneapolis, MN
Approx. 15 miles 

Frozen Frolic Fat Bike Race Series-December 12, 2015
Murphey-Hanrehan Park Reserve
Savage, MN 

Bi-Weekly Fatbike Winter Ride!-December 19, 2015
The Hub Coop
Minneapolis, MN 

Solstice Chase-December 19, 2015
Great Lakes Fatbike Series
Big Rock Creek Retreat
St. Croix Falls, WI
42k, 21k
Online Registration
Facebook Event Page 

Charlie's Phat Fundays #2-December 20, 2015
Bloomington Ferry Unit Trailhead
Bloomington, MN

Fat Bike Full Moon Ride-December 26, 2015
Outdoor Motion Bike Shop
Hutchinson, MN
8-10 miles

Penn Cycle Group Ride Tailgate Series-MN River Bottoms

3rd Annual New Year's Day Frozen Nose & Toes Fatbike Ride-January 1, 2016
Royalton, MN 
Distance & Route TBD 

Bi-Weekly Fatbike Winter Ride!-January 2, 2016
The Hub Bike Coop
Minneapolis, MN 

Ben Erickson Memorial Fat Wednesday Bike Ride & Race-January 6, 2016
Keller Golf Course
Maplewood, MN
Facebook Event Page
Facebook Page   

Fatbike Adventures / Extreme Riding-January 5, 2016

Valley Bike and Ski
Apple Valley, MN 

Frozen Frolic Fat Bike Race Series-January 9, 2016
Elm Creek Park Reserve
Champlin, MN 

Fat Wednesday Fat Bike Race Series-January 13, 2016
Keller Golf Course
Maplewood, MN
Facebook Page 

FAT FRIDAY-January 15, 2016
Trailhead Cycling
Champlin, MN 

Brookview Meltdown Fat Bike Snow Race-January 16, 2016 Cancelled

Brookview Golf Course
Golden Valley, MN
10.5 (Expert), 7 (Sport), 3.5 (Beginner) miles
Race Flyer w/ Registration  

Freezer Burn Fatbike Race-January 16, 2016
Springvale County Park
Cambridge, MN
15, 10, 5 miles 
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration  

Frozen Frolic Fat Bike Race Series-January 16, 2016
Murphey-Hanrehan Park Reserve
Savage, MN 

Snow Crush Fat Tire Bike Race-January 16, 2016
River Bend Nature Center
Faribault, MN
Beginner 5 miles, Advanced 10 miles
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration   

Fatbikes >> Football Part Deux (the "I told you so" version)-January 17, 2016
Behind Bars Bicycle Shop
Minneapolis, MN 

Ride Like a Girl Cycling Fatbike Group Ride #1-January 17, 2016 Cancelled
Russel A. Sorensen Landing
Bloomington, MN 

The FatWac Fatbike Race-January 17, 2016
Waconia Brewing Company
Waconia, MN
30, 15 miles 

Fat Wednesday Fat Bike Race Series-January 20, 2016
Keller Golf Course
Maplewood, MN
Facebook Page   

Get Phat With Pat-Race #1-January 23, 2016
Minnesota River Bottoms Mountain Bike Trail
Bloomington, MN 

Carver Lake Cold Catfish Cup-January 24, 2016
Carver Lake Mountain Bike Trailhead
Woodbury, MN

Fatbikes >> Football Part III (Return of El Nino?)-January 24, 2016
Behind Bars Bicycle Shop
Minneapolis, MN

Get Phat With Pat

Arrowhead 135-January 25-27, 2016
International Falls, MN
135 miles
Registration for race veterans opens 9/1/15
Registration for newcomers opens 10/1/15
Race Registration Information  

Fat Wednesday Fat Bike Race Series-January 27, 2016
Keller Golf Course
Maplewood, MN
Facebook Page  

Fat Thursdays Crit Series-January 28, 2016
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge
Spring Park, MN
Facebook Event Page  

Frozen Frolic Fat Bike Race Series-January 30, 2016 Cancelled
Elm Creek Park Reserve
Champlin, MN 

Get Phat With Pat-Race #2-January 30, 2016
Minnesota River Bottoms Mountain Bike Trail
Bloomington, MN 

Saturday Morning Ride-January 30, 2016

Micheal's Cycles-Chaska
Chaska, MN 

King Boreas Winter Triathlon-January 31, 2016
Phalen Golf Course
St. Paul, MN
5k run, 17k bike, 7.5k ski
Online Registration 

Fat Wednesday Fat Bike Race Series-February 3, 2016
Keller Golf Course
Maplewood, MN
Facebook Page  

Wednesday Night Ride!-February 3, 2016
Michael's Cycles-Chaska
Chaska, MN
10-12 miles 

Fat Thursdays Crit Series-February 4, 2016
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge
Spring Park, MN
Facebook Event Page 

Thirsty Thursday Fatbike Ride-February 4, 2016
Buffalo Wild Wings
Hutchinson, MN 

Cuyuna Whiteout-February 5-6, 2016
Great Lakes Fatbike Series

Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trails
Crosby/Riverton, MN
Lights Over Sagamore-February 5
Whiteout Races-February 6
30k, 20k, 10k
Cuyuna Smorgasbord-February 6
Registration  

1st Annual Ely Fat Bike Ride-February 6, 2016
Whiteside Park
Ely, MN 

La Cross-Fat-February 6, 2016
Myrick Park
La Crosse, WI 

Penn Ice-Cycle Loppet-February 6, 2016
Lake Calhoun
Minneapolis, MN
Online Registration

Fat Tire Loppet

Penn Cycle Fat Tire Loppet-February 7, 2016

Great Lakes Fat Bike Series

Minneapolis, MN

35 km

Online Registration

Penn Cycle Puoli Fat Tire Loppet-February 7, 2016

Minneapolis, MN

21 km

Online Registration   

sNOway but Round Fatbike Races-February 7, 2016
Detroit Mountain
Detroit Lakes, MN
10, 5 miles
Facebook Event Page 

Fat Wednesday Fat Bike Race Series-February 10, 2016
Keller Golf Course
Maplewood, MN
Facebook Page 

Fat Thursdays Crit Series-February 11, 2016
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge
Spring Park, MN
Facebook Event Page

Fatbike Frozen Forty

Fatbike Frozen 40-February 13, 2016

Great Lakes Fat Bike Series

Elm Creek Park Reserve

Champlin, MN 

40, 20 miles
200 rider cap 
Facebook Event Page 

Registration    

Saturday Morning Ride-February 13, 2016
Michael's Cycles-Chaska
Chaska, MN  

Fat Bike Vasaloppet-February 14, 2016
Lake Mora
Mora, MN
38K Race, 10K Ride
Facebook Event Page
Online Registration 38K Race
Online Registration 10K Ride

Frozen Gopher Fat Bike Race-February 14, 2016
University of Minnesota Nordic Center
St. Paul, MN
Online Registration 

MAMB Kiwanis Snow Kraze 2016-February 14, 2016
Kiwanis Park Mountain Bike Trailhead
Mankato, MN 

Valentine's Fat Bike Date-February 14, 2016

Brookview Golf Course
Golden Valley, MN 

Tuesday Night Ride!-February 16, 2016
Michael's Cycles-Chaska
Chaska, MN 

Fat Wednesday Fat Bike Race Series-February 17, 2016

Keller Golf Course
Maplewood, MN
Facebook Page  

Fat Thursdays Crit Series-February 18, 2016
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge
Spring Park, MN
Facebook Event Page  

Arctic Fat Fever Fatbike Race and Demo-February 20, 2016
Excelsior Brewing Company
Excelsior, MN 
Facebook Event Page 
Excelsior Brewing Facebook Event Page 

Fat Bike Fun Race-February 20, 2016

Cleary Lake Regional Park
Prior Lake, MN 

Orono Rotary's Ice Madness-February 20, 2016
Nelson Park
Long Lake, MN
15k & short loop fat tire bike ride/race
Online Registration  

WAMB Snow Bomb Fat Bike Race and Chili Cook-Off-February 20, 2016
Holzinger Lodge
Winona, MN
Facebook Page 
Online Registration   

Bikecicle Fatbike Race-February 21, 2016
Rhombus Guys Brewing Company
Grand Forks, ND
15-20 miles
Facebook Event Page   

Winter Bike Ride-February 21, 2016
Northbound Smokehouse & Brewpub
Minneapolis, MN 

Fat Wednesday Fat Bike Race Series-February 24, 2016Keller Golf Course
Maplewood, MN
Facebook Page 

Fat Thursdays Crit Series-February 25, 2016
Lord Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge
Spring Park, MN
Facebook Event Page 

Frozen Frolic Fat Bike Race Series-February 27, 2016
Murphey-Hanrehan Park Reserve
Savage, MN 

FatBike Fest X-February 28, 2016
Hillside
Elk River, MN 

Northland Fat Bike Rally-March 5, 2016
Lake Bemidji State Park
Bemidji, MN
28k, 10k
Facebook Event Page  

3Way10K-March 5, 2016 Cancelled
Zorba's on Gull Lake
Gull Lake, MN
10 km

Fat Bike Gravity Fest at Mount Kato

Fat Bike Gravity Fest 2016-March 6, 2016 Cancelled
Mount Kato
Mankato, MN 

Fat Bike Sunday-March 6, 2015
Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN 

Fat Forest Fourteen-March 12, 2016
Forest History Center
Grand Rapids, MN 

King of the Hill Fat Bike Duel Presented by Penn Cycle & Buck Hill-March 12, 2016
Buck Hill Ski & Snowboard Area
Burnsville, MN 

Fat Bike Sunday-March 13, 2015

Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN 

The Frosted Fatty - Downhill Fatbike Race-March 19, 2016

Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN 

Giants Ridge Fatbike Enduro-March 19, 2016 Cancelled
Giant Ridge
Biwabik, MN 

Fat Bike Sunday-March 20, 2015
Spirit Mountain
Duluth, MN

Penn Cycle & Fitness

Trek Fest is going on now!

Save on Bikes, Bike Gear 
& Cycling Apparel.

Twin Six Wednesday Night CX Kick Off August 26th

Twin Six Wednesday Night CX starts off the early cyclocross season with seven weeks of racing at Aquila Park in St. Louis Park starting August 26th.  "These races will be organized, structured, low key early season races.  A great time to try the sport as a beginner or a chance to work out the kinks for those returning for the new season."  These are not USA Cycling races so results will not be sent, points will not be earned and a USA Cycling license is not needed to race.

If you have ever wanted to give cyclocross racing a try, this is your chance.  Entry fee is only $15 and registration starts one hour before the first race each week and ends 15 minutes prior to race start.  Start times will change each week as daylight decreases so check the flyer and don't be late.  Advanced race will be around 60 minutes, Intermediate 45 minutes, Beginner 30 minutes and Newbies (8/26 & 9/2) for 15 minutes.

Course layout changes each week and will be done by that week's sponsoring shop.  Sponsoring shops include:

8/26 Angry Catfish
9/2 The Fix Studio
9/9 Now Sports/Synergy
9/16 Fulton/All-City
9/23 One On One
9/30 Penn Cycle
10/7 Omnium Bike Shop

Dirty Girl Adventure Gravel Ride Welcomes Women To Try Gravel

Ride Like a Girl Cycling is hosting a women's only gravel ride that is a great opportunity for gravel veterans and newbies alike.  The Dirty Girl Adventure Gravel Ride takes place on Sunday, August 23rd where it will start and finish at the House of Coates in Coates. This free ride is a 30 mile trip that will take riders on a variety of surfaces including gravel, sand, dirt, mud and pavement through some beautiful countryside.

Ride starts off from the House of Coates and goes into UMore Park taking riders past old buildings and 4 and 5-tower coal power plants that were once part of the Gopher Works Ordinance Plant during WWII.  From there it takes riders into the Vermillion Highlands on gravel roads

 Next up is the Minimum Maintenance Road that leads to a short ride on pavement followed by a long stretch of gravel. 

A 2-mile stretch of pavement brings riders to gravel again on Blaine Avenue which turns into a 1.8 mile stretch of "No Motorized Vehicles" doubletrack through the woods and fields of UMore Park. 

Finally, a half mile doubletrack "No Motorized Vehicles" road through the woods that puts riders out on Co. Rd. 46 for a one mile paved ride back to the House of Coates.

Cyclocross, mountain and fatbikes are recommended for this ride, though road bikes can be used with wider tires (32c and larger).  Bring the necessary water needed as there are no places along the way to refill.  Cuesheets, gpx and tcx files will available in the weeks before the ride for navigation of the route.  Rider support will be provided by the Penn Cycle Support Ambulance.

Stick around at the House of Coates after the ride for burgers, beer, prizes and giveaways.  RSVP on the Facebook Event Page by signing in to Facebook and selecting "Join" so the necessary arrangements can be made by the House of Coates and for ride support.  Once again, this is a women's only ride, sorry guys.

Penn Cycle Group Ride Tailgate Series Gravel Ride Set For May 3rd

Penn Cycle has put together another of its Group Ride Tailgate Series rides and it's coming up Sunday, May 3rd.  The Penn Cycle Group Ride Tailgate Series-Gravel Ride was set up to be a fun, challenging group ride to get cyclists ready for the Almanzo 100 coming up two weeks afterward.

This ride-at-your-own-pace event will take participants on a challenging 56 mile course with great scenery and plenty of climbing.  Group riding with your friends is encouraged and bringing everything you need to be self-sufficient out on the course is recommended.   

A minimum maintenance road with a 14 degree grade climb, single lane gravel, plenty of rollers and some great veiws of the Cannon River and Sogn Valleys make this a unique gravel riding experience close to the Twin Cities.

Riders will meet at Caron Park near Northfield around 8:30 am and roll out at 9:00 am.  Caron Park will serve as the start and finishing point for the 56 mile loop.  

After the ride Penn Cycle will be having a grill out at the park's pavilion with food, water and soft drinks provided.  Park rules permit beer consumption (glass containers prohibited) if you would like bring your own and tilt a can or two after the ride.

For more details or if you plan to attend, please visit the Penn Cycle Group Ride Tailgate Series-Gravel Ride Facebook event page and RSVP by selecting "Going".  Feel free to invite your gravel riding friends to visit the event page or share the it on social media.

Penn Cycle To Host Two Weekly Mountain Bike Rides This Spring and Summer

The 2015 Women's Wednesday Night Mountain Bike Ride is open to women of all riding abilities.  Riders must be at least 18 years of age and helmets are required.  The ride schedule starts May 27th and goes through September 16th where it will wrap up with an end of the season party.

Trail locations include Lebanon Hills, Murphey-Hanrehan, MN River Bottoms, Terrace Oaks, Carver Lake Park and Theodore Wirth Park.  Depending on the trail location, riders will meet either at the park or the nearest Penn Cycle store.  Rides leave at 6pm.  June 24th at Lebanon Hills will include a Giant Liv Demo and skills session.  Ride leaders Valerie Dosland and Janet Atkinson can be contacted for more information.  See the ride schedule for dates, locations and contact information.

The 2015 Penn Cycle Tuesday Night Mountain Bike Ride was put together and will be led by members of the Penn Cycle Mountain Bike Team.  It is for anyone (male or female) that has intermediate to advanced MTB riding skills.  Riders must be at least 18 years of age and helmets are required.  The ride schedule starts May 5th and goes through September 29th.

Trail locations include Lebanon Hills, Murphey-Hanrehan and the MN River Bottoms.  All rides will start/finish at the Penn Cycle Eagan store located at 2290 Cliff Road and will depart at 5:30pm sharp.  Ride locations will be determined by ride leaders by Sunday for the following Tuesday and will be posted on the Penn Cycle Tuesday Night Mountain Bike Ride Facebook Group.  Join the group to stay in the loop.  In cases of inclement weather or trail closures due to wet conditions, a decision to cancel the ride will be made by 5:00 pm.  Call Penn Cycle Eagan at 651-882-1241 for more information or for availability of mountain bike rentals.

Penn Cycle's Thursday Night at the Races Returns for 24th Year

Penn Cycle's long-standing tradition of mountain bike racing at Buck Hill returns in 2015 for the 24th season.  What started out with 45 riders the very first night a long time ago has grown and evolved into something truly special.  "Whether you’re a first-timer or local hero, these weeknight races continue to rank as the best bang for your entertainment Buck by every mountain biker in the world."  Thursday Night at the Races brings together beginner, intermediate and advanced mountain bikers for some great racing and good times.  This family friendly event is also a great opportunity to get the little ones into mountain biking with a free kid's race after the adult races.

"You won’t find a more family friendly, cycling event anywhere and I am really proud of what we have put together and continue to do so on Thursday Nights." - Pat Sorensen, Penn Cycle President.

Image Credit: Gal Alon

If you've never raced before, this is your chance to give it a try.  The Beginner class race starts at 7:15 pm and only costs $5.  For the intermediate and advanced racers, $10 will gain you entry into the Advanced, Recreational or Fat Bike class races that start at 6:30 pm.  Registration for the races runs from 5:00-6:15 pm.

Start of the Fat Bike Class Race

  
2015 Buck Hill Race Schedule

Series 1:  May 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, June 4th and 11th
Series 2:  June 18th, 25th, (No race July 2nd), July 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th. Plus a potential make up race on Aug. 6th.

If you're still not convinced to join in on the fun this year, watch the video below for a week by week recap of the fun, thrills and competition of last year's races.

After the races, the adults take to the kid's course on kids bikes.  Watch the hilarity ensue as Pat shoots for the win.

Post by Penn Cycle.

This is a great opportunity to test yourself in a race setting on a challenging wooded course at Buck Hill.  For Minnesota High School Cycling League racers, here's a chance to get in some early practice for the upcoming season.

After the races there will be loads of door prizes and food and drink is available all evening long. For additional details you can visit the Penn Cycle Thursday Night at the Races page or call the Bloomington store at 952-888-1427. A little rain may not always cancel the races, so give them a call if weather becomes an issue. 

Get Phat With Pat Winter Fatbike Races Coming to the MN River Bottoms in January

Penn Cycle & Fitness will hold the Get Phat With Pat Fatbike Races for a third year at the Minnesota River Bottoms in Bloomington on January 17th and 24th.  They are co-sponsored by and are a part of the Bloomington Winter Fete which runs from January 17-25.

Flyer Link

The Details: 

Both races will be held at the Russell A Sorenson Landing at the end of Lyndale Ave. S. in Bloomington, MN underneath the 35W bridge.  Registration will start and 9 am the morning of each race and closes 30 minutes prior to race start. Registration will require a $10 entry fee and also a $5 donation to MORC (Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists) which will help the non-profit volunteer organization pay for trail maintenance, equipment and fund their 2015 season.

All bike styles, fat or skinny are welcome to participate.  There will be three race classes for each race day; Beginner, Recreational and Advanced.  The Beginner class race will start at 10:15 am and consist of one lap, the Recreational class race starts at 10:00 am and is also one lap, the Advanced class race starts at 12 noon and will be two laps.
 

Nine Mile Creek Crossing

The race course will be similar to last year's race with a few areas that will be different.  Start and Finish will be under the 35W bridge with the course heading west past the railroad swing bridge before returning.  There will be an ice crossing for Nine Mile Creek but if the ice is deemed unsafe due to warm weather, the cottonwood tree crossing will have to be used.  The lap will be a loop of about eight miles with one section of trail heading out and another heading back.

An agreement with the City of Bloomington will allow many temporary sections of trail for the races.  The race course will be groomed and ready to ride one week before the first race.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each category.  There will be plenty of swag given away to race participants at the conclusion of each day's races.  A Grand Prize Drawing for a 9:Zero:7 fatbike frame and fork will be held at the January 24th race for race participants*.  All prize winners must be present to claim their prizes.  *To be eligible for the Grand Prize you must race in both races.

Top 3 Advanced Class Women - 2014

Pat was recently on Mountain Bike Radio and talked with host Ben Welnak about the upcoming Get Phat With Pat races.  Click here to listen to that segment of the show. 

See all of my photos and some video from last year's Get Phat With Pat races on Flickr.

Race #1

January 18, 2014 

Race #2 

January 25, 2014

Get Phat with Pat will not only be fun but the weather will also make it challenging.  Thanks to Pat Sorensen and Penn Cycle & Fitness for organizing these races and the City of Bloomington for allowing them to take place at the Minnesota River Bottoms.  I'll see you there.

Facebook Event Pages

Get Phat With Pat-Race #1

Get Phat With Pat-Race #2 

Pat Sorensen Of Penn Cycle Interviewed On Inside Mountain Bike Radio

Penn Cycle President, Pat Sorensen recently went on the Inside Mountain Bike Radio Show on Mountain Bike Radio to talk with host Ben Welnak about some of the history of Penn Cycle, events Pat has coming up and the long-standing tradition of Thursday Night at the Races.

Inside Mountain Bike Radio-November 5, 2014
Pat Sorensen of Penn Cycle

Pat starts the interview with how his father Elmer got Penn Cycle going back in 1957 and details some of the history and growth of the business.

 Elmer at the Richfield store back in the early 1960's

Image Credit: Penn Cycle

Pat tells Ben about the upcoming Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists' 20th Anniversary Gala on November 9th, Penn Cycle's commitment by being the Title Sponsor and the great work that MORC does for mountain biking in Minnesota.  Tickets are available at bit.ly/morcGALA.

He then goes into how the Get Phat with Pat fatbike races got the name, the unique location where they are held (the Minnesota River Bottoms), some of the fun and prizes to be had and how these races help raise money for MORC.  Also discussed is the evolution of fatbikes in the last few years.  More information on the upcoming Get Phat with Pat races can be found here.

With the Cross For Tots race coming up on November 29th at Moir Park in Bloomington, Pat gives a little history on how this cyclocross race was started and how it will benefit Toys For Tots.

To wrap up the show Pat reflects on the 23 year history of Penn Cycle's Thursday Night at the Races at Buck Hill in Burnsville.  How the kids races started, the danger, mayhem and fun that comes along with the adults on kids bike races are also discussed.  Watch the video below to get a taste of what Thursday Night at the Races is all about.

A download link of this episode of Inside Mountain Bike Radio is also available here.