The cold temps are predicted to moderate by Sunday with a high above zero. The cold is setting up the trails, so they should be nice and firm.
When: February 2, start at 11am
Where: Meet at the El Dorado Creek Trailhead
Google Maps link to meeting area
Estimated tour time: About 2-3 hours (about 11-12 miles)
Description: This is an intermediate level ride. We'll climb up El Dorado Creek Trail to the Alaska Pipeline, follow the pipeline for a short way, then follow Waterford Trail back to the Goldstream Subdivision. From there we'll either take the roads back to the El Dorado Creek Trailhead or, if we're up for it, we may try to find a trail off the end of Molly that connects to the El Dorado Creek Trail. The trail is not always in, so that might not be an option.
The El Dorado Creek Trail has some areas of overflow as well as a free-flowing creek that is easy to get around. (You can ride it, but most people walk their bikes around it.)
The ride is free, but you'll need to be a member of the Fairbanks Cycle Club. Temporary memberships are available. Participants also need to either sign a liability release form or have signed one earlier this year. Download the form and find out more on our insurance page.
Minimum skill level: Intermediate: Can handle short and long climbs and some short overflow crossings (hopefully all frozen). If the overflow makes you nervous, you should be able to walk your bike around it.
Temperature cut-off: The ride will be canceled if it's 15F below or colder at 9 a.m. according to the Toboggan Lane weather station (scroll down to "latest observation").
Dogs: No dogs please.
Leader: Dean Engelhaupt: dmengelhaupt (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.)