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Global Fat Bike Day 2016

I had Global Fat Bike Day on the calendar as soon as it was announced!  The past two years we had went to Sleepy Hollow State Park to enjoy the festivities.  I wanted to do something different so I asked Craig what his plans were.  He informed me that he would be going to Island Lake to join the Son's of Fatarchy riding the Badlands!  I thought this sounded like good idea and a quick message out to the other Fatties in our group made it a consensus.  Don Miller ended up working and could not join us.

The ride was starting at 10am and Craig advised that we get there early so we could get a parking spot.  Raymond, Don Stange and myself met in Birch Run and got the bikes loaded up.

Bikes loaded and ready to go!

We left Birch Run and made it to Island Lake with plenty of time to spare.  Craig arrived shortly after we did.

Craig and Raymond starting to prep for the ride.

Craig suggested we get ready and role out before the large group started.  We suited up and soon were ready to head out.

L-R: Me, Raymond, Don and Craig

Craig led the way and we ended up with over 5 miles in the Badlands.  We ended up with almost 17 miles by the end.  Craig told us that this are had been mined and then given to the state.  There was some clause in the deed and the mining company will be coming back in to mine again soon.  They will be in the area for several years and will then return the land back to the state.  There were some really cool features out there and I hope to get a chance to ride it again.  I recorded the entire ride and will put out a video soon (I hope). 


Two different views on top of one of the ridges.  Some of this area looked like freeride trails.



We all agreed that we need to ride together more often.  So we are planning to put together a ride once a month.

The Bikes: below here are the bikes that we rode.

Don's Specialized Fat Boy.

Raymond Framed Alaskan Carbon.

Craigs Surly Ice Cream Truck.

My Sarma Vortex

So I have made some changes to the Vortex since I first built it up.  The most recent is a slightly longer stem which has made me a little more comfortable.  Overall I really like this bike and am considering selling the Farley.  If I were to do that I would keep the Bluto and put a rigid fork on the Farley.  Just not sure I can part with the Farley.  However, I can do more things with the Vortex when it comes to different wheel sizes and could just have one bike.

After the ride we went to Jameson's and had a very good lunch.  They have a great beer selection and a very good menu.  The food was great.  We got back on the road and headed home after a great time.  The rest of my day was spent doing some things around the house and resting.  That was my longest off road ride in some time.

The next truly planned event is to attend the Fat Bike Nationals to be held in Grand Rapids at the end of January.



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