Silverstar XC Conference April 2017

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Samson Golden
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1 Silverstar XC Conference April 2017 Integrating Fat Bikes into Nordic Ski Areas Gary Sjoquist, Quality Bicycle Products

2 Goals for Today and Tomorrow Provide guidance and resources for the integration of fat bikes into existing ski areas Identify best practices for trail layouts, grooming, signage, kiosks, etc. Make it easier for CSAAA members to integrate fat bikes into what is offered to the public

3 Starting Point Question Will existing Nordic community accept fat bikes? If No then the process becomes much more difficult and time consuming If Yes then several issues need to be addressed: Rental Bikes Trail Layouts Signage and Kiosks Grooming Techniques and Devices

4 Issue #1 Rental Bikes Need to think about initial purchase, maintenance, and rental process in light of current facilities Cash Outlay (bikes, helmets, tools) Maintenance Rental process Where will rental bikes be ridden?

5 Issue #2 Trail Layouts Where will fat bikes be ridden on your property? Co-exist with Nordic ski trails Use separate groomed multi-use trails Develop a separate trail network (singletrack or dual track)

6 Trail Layout Recommendations Consider stacked loops Keep grade below 8% if possible Try to avoid blowever areas Try to stay away from trees with snow bombs Think about what type of grooming will be necessary

7 Issue #3 Signage and Kiosks Use of posted guidelines at trailheads critical to success Examples are IMBA Guidelines Need to specify: Times fat bikes allowed Maximum (or minimum) degree ranges for weather Minimum tire width Maximum tire pressures Trail etiquette for multi-use trails

8 Issue #4 - Grooming Use of existing grooming equipment may determine trail layouts Wide trails Use snowmobile to pull roller or drag sled Narrow trails with tight corners Use snowshoes Use mechanical means for pulling a grooming device

9 Wide Trails Can use piston bully groomers, snowmobiles Grooming devices can include rollers or drags Both rollers and drags should allow weight to be added Variety of cutting and finishing implements

10 Narrow Trails Typically less than 48 wide Not wide enough for snowmobile Specialty pullers required Rokon Yamaha Big Wheel motorcycle Tracksleds

11 Factors When Thinking Fat Bikes Will your Nordic skiers revolt at the idea of adding fat bikes? What are the start up costs to implement fat bikes? Are there places where people can already ride fat bikes? Will this be a pilot program, or are you all in? Do you have lighted trails that could be open for fat bikes?

12 Type of Fat Biking Offered? Fat bike riding on separate days from Nordic? Fat bikes at the same time on the same trails as Nordic? Develop a network of singletrack for fat bikes only? Allow fat bikes on multi-use trails like here at Silverstar? What type of riders do you want to attract? Beginners who would use your rentals Skiers who want something to do when the snow isn t great Hard core fat bikers looking for a great ride

13 Developing a Fat Bike Specific Trail What available acreage or kilometers can be used? What type of fat bike riders do you want to attract? Do you have suitable terrain for a fat bike specific trail? Can you develop a stacked loop system? Can fat bike trails be directional?

14 Fat Bike Trail Grooming How wide will your trail be? Low snow or high snow area? Do you have crusted snow on a regular basis? Can you groom a narrow singletrack trail effectively? Do you have heavy forests? Blowover areas?

15 What Practices Will Need to Change to Embrace Fat Bikes? Staff has to embrace fat bikes and see them as a viable option Need to let Nordic skiers know to expect fat bikes Need to let Nordic skiers know that regulations and rules are in place for fat bikes Can you provide parking for fat bikers? Do you allow summer mountain bike downhill with lift access?

16 Signage and Kiosks for Fat Bikes Signage need to have fat bike specific signage at trailheads and intersections Kiosks at trailheads with maps clearly marked for fat bikes Web site could have filter to show which groomed trails in your network allow fat bikes

GROOMER OPERATORS CERTIFICATION TEST. Name: Date: Grade: _. Chapter 1

GROOMER OPERATORS CERTIFICATION TEST Name: Date: Grade: _ Chapter 1 1. Snowmobile trail grooming is: a) The single largest expense of a snowmobile trail program b) Using mechanical equipment to produce