March 14 is Pi Day, but March 8 is Pie Ride Day! Ride out to Larae's Breads, Pies, and Espresso on Chena Hot Springs Road, almost entirely on trails! Yum! You'll earn your pie! (Or other treat.) Please see note at bottom about the military pass.
When: Saturday, March 8, start at 9:30 am
Where: Meet at Birch Hill Recreation Area (lower parking lot)
Google Maps link to meeting area
Estimated tour time/distance: Approx. 15 miles each way (30 total). Expect 2.5-3 hours each way plus an hour for coffee and pie/snacks, so 7 or more total.
Tour Description: On snowmachine trails with variable snow conditions. Some hills in the first/last 3 miles, then mostly flat.
Ride from Birch Hill Recreation Area to Larae's Breads, Pies, and Espresso on Chena Hot Springs Road, almost entirely on trails! Stop at Larae's for something to eat and/or drink, then ride back. Make sure to bring lights, as we may be out past dark depending on group speed. We will all stick together so bring extra clothes if you get cold during stops.
Optional RSVP: Larae's has various pies and baked goods but if our group is large it would be nice to order ahead to ensure enough great pie and cut down on the time spent waiting in line. If you are planning to attend and don’t care exactly what pie you get, please email Travis by Tuesday, March 4, so he can order some pies ahead of time. Flavor suggestions welcome. If you don’t RSVP you may have to stand in line for a personal treat.
Shorter alternative: If you are interested in the ride but feel like 30 miles may be a bit too long, consider getting a ride back from Larae's (10 mile CHSR). Or set up a relay shuttle: one person rides the first leg, while another drives to Larae's, then switch places after the snack stop. You'll have to set these up on your own and FCC takes no responsibility for vehicle safety.
The ride is free, but you’ll need to be a member of the Fairbanks Cycle Club. Temporary memberships are available.
Minimum skill level: Intermediate level, all-day adventure
Intermediate: Can handle short and long climbs, some soft snow and dry and damp (but not flowing) overflow
Temperature cut-off: The ride will be canceled if it’s 20F below or colder at 9 a.m. according this weather station (scroll down to “latest observation”).
Military Pass: This ride crosses military land. To have all your paperwork in order, you need to have an isportsman account, purchase a $10 annual pass, and then check in to area 115 for the ride. Please note that the ride will not go on or near any roads or buildings on base.
Dogs: No dogs please
Leaders: Travis Naibert (tnaibert [at] gmail.com
FATBIKE RENTALS
If you don’t own your own fatbike, but want to try it out, there are a few places around town that rent fatbikes that we know about. (Not all are open on Sundays, so plan ahead.)
COLD WEATHER RIDING
We've got cold weather riding tips HERE.