As the daughter of a dedicated biker father who is a northern Michigan (NoMich) trail rider and connoisseur, the sport of biking has always been intertwined with the path of my life. I have experienced the spectrum of different types of biking, whether it be road, mountain, tandem, or even stationary cycling. For my family, the draw of the sport is not solely rooted in exercise, but in the opportunity for bonding it provides for families, children, and adults alike.
Now, biking may not strike you as a winter sport, but thanks to fat tire bikes, it has transformed into one.
Fat tire biking remains an untapped potential in terms of winter activities. I have taken it upon myself to find and share the best winter biking trails in northern Michigan so we can explore the world of fat tire biking when the first snow falls. For those who are already well-versed in the sport, read on — you just might discover your new favorite trail.
Why Fat Tire Biking Is Perfect For Winter
A fat tire bike is an off-road bicycle that has wide and underinflated tires that are sometimes twice as broad as a typical mountain bike tire. The extra width of the tires, combined with the lower tire pressure, is ideal for riding on soft, unstable terrain such as sand, mud, and snow. Due to their capability of traversing diverse terrain, fat bikes are the perfect answer to the northern Michigan winters.
“Mountain biking really kicked off in northern Michigan in about 2012,” says fat tire biking enthusiast Cody Sovis. “I was working at a local bike shop, Einstein Cycles, and we decided that they (fat tire bikes) would be fun to have around. We got an early model, built it up, and I spent thirty minutes on it just riding around the parking lot. I was hooked.”
Where To Rent Fat Tire Bikes
Einstein Cycles, Brick Wheels, Crystal Mountain, and Suttons Bay Bikes in Suttons Bay each provide fat bike rentals for those inspired to dip their toes into winter biking.
Top Winter Fat Bike Trails
Once you’ve secured your trusty steed, it is time to scout the trails.
Vasa Winter Sports Singletrack
Cody Sovis’ sentiment is akin to my own, and he recommends the Vasa Winter Sports Singletrack. “My favorite winter ride is to get up nice and early with a charged light and ride in the dark while the sun slowly rises,” said Sovis. “It's like watching the woods — and the trail — come alive. After an hour or two, you start to see more riders out and even some wildlife on the move.”
Crystal Mountain
Crystal Mountain, one of Northern Michigan’s largest and most popular ski resorts, boasts twelve miles of winter bike trails to fuel your exploration and enjoyment.
45 North Vineyard Trail
The 45 North Vineyard Trail is located on the Leelanau Peninsula and is named after its relation to the 45th Parallel. This three-mile, recreational Vineyard Trail is free for all to use during business hours. The trail is a loop that snakes through the vineyard grounds, offering both uphill terrain and shortcuts if you’re looking to avoid the added difficulty.
Grand Traverse Commons
The Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area provides an extensive nine-trail system that wanders through the acreage behind Building 50.
Post-ride Rewards
You’ve been exerting yourself in the cold for hours. Your taste buds deserve a treat. Check out the following establishments, each adjacent to trails and home to a host of remarkable recovery beverages!
Cuppa Joe
Riding the Vasa Winter Sports Singletrack? Once again, I recommend taking Cody Sovis’ advice: “On the way home, I stop at Cuppa Joe on Four Mile for coffee and a cookie...you know, recovery food!”
EArthen Ales
Bring your fat tire bike to the Grand Traverse Commons, and take a turn towards a local brewery. In the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, you’ll find my dad’s favorite post-ride watering hole: Earthen Ales Taproom and Brewery.
45 North
Another trail with built-in benefits is the 45 North Vineyard Trail. The trail starts at the Tasting Room and winds around the property, taking riders through a tour of the vineyard with the promise of a glass of wine at the finish line.
Iron Fish Distillery
Iron Fish is Michigan’s first farm-based distillery that grows grain, distills spirits, and barrel finishes sourced whiskey, with a library of barrel-aged spirits exceeding 2,400 barrels. Take the two-mile trail from Crystal Mountain; once you reach Iron Fish, you can treat yourself to a delicious and refreshing local libation.
Fat tire biking is the future of winter sports and recreation. For the social butterfly, there are a multitude of local riding groups that northern Michigan has all winter long, one of them being a squad of bikers who do Friday Night Lights, a night ride at Timber Ridge Resort. In the words of Cody Sovis: “Try it.”
