Fall is for fatbiking (winter, too!)

Your love for the outdoors doesn’t have to wane in the shoulder seasons. Late fall and early spring are ideal times to hit local trails – they are quieter, there are no bugs and, in the fall, the colours are stunning. But if you’re a cyclist venturing out on paths around Huntsville and Algonquin Park, slippery leaves and muck may leave you spinning your wheels. Not so with a fatbike.

What’s fatbiking you ask? The name refers to the tires – they’re the biggest, cushiest wheels you’ve likely ever seen on a bike and they’re what makes cycling over a carpet of fall leaves, atop winter snow, and through spring mud a pleasure rather than a chore.

They’re available for rent at the Algonquin Outfitters Huntsville and Lake of Two Rivers stores, and while you could take them for a spin on roadways you’ll get a full appreciation for their potential if you try them out on one of these local trails:

Old Railway Trail, Algonquin Park

This 16-kilometre long trail runs from Rock Lake Campground almost to Cache Lake, it’s open year-round for cycling, but in the winter only fatbikes are allowed to preserve the trail for other winter sports. Because it follows the railbed of the historic and decommissioned Ottawa, Arnprior, and Parry Sound Railway, it’s a flat trail that’s comfortable for beginners and advanced riders alike.

Fatbiking on the Minnesing Mountain Biking Trail (Photo courtesy of Algonquin Outfitters)

Minnesing Mountain Bike Trail, Algonquin Park

Unlike the Old Railway Trail, the Minnesing Mountain Bike Trail is better suited to experienced riders. Its terrain is hilly and often muddy with exposed roots and rocks – perfect for a fatbike which can handle just about any terrain.

Limberlost Wildlife and Forest Reserve

This hidden gem east of Huntsville has a variety of hiking trails that are also suitable for fatbiking. They range from relatively flat and wide to narrow, steep and rough terrain. Check out the map online or pick up a trail guide for a small fee when you sign in at the gate.

Echo Valley Nature and Bike Trails

These relatively new trails in Lake of Bays are a welcome addition to the hiking and biking scene in Muskoka. Located about halfway between Huntsville and Dwight, Echo Valley has 3.5 kilometres of varied terrain open year-round for all abilities of cyclists. Keep in mind that these are multi-use trails so watch out for hikers and snowshoers.

Bikepacking

Fatbikes are great for bikepacking, too – think long-distance backpacking with a bike – thanks to their soft ride and all-terrain capabilities. Get an armchair taste of bikepacking on the Algonquin Outfitters blog in an account by friends Miles and Sebastien about their 205km bikepacking journey.

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist looking for a way to extend the season or a rookie wanting to expand your horizons, you just might want to give fatbiking a try.

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