Fat Tire Biking

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Submitted Photo

On one of Shawna Anderson’s rides she came across this view and wanted to capture it.

By Desiree Jensen, Reporter

Fatbike is an off-road bicycle with specialized tires that are wide enough that allow a rider to go through mud and puddles. For biking in the winter, the tires have lower air pressure in the tires making them flatten out and make it easier to go over ice and snow.

Special Education teacher Shawna Anderson enjoys fat tire biking in the winter time. Anderson’s bike has studded tires on so she can go over the ice and snow better.

Anderson got into this type of biking when her husband decided to buy her a bike for Christmas. She hadn’t received a new bike in almost 20 years.

“I fell in love with it,” Anderson said.

She rides with a group of ladies and they go different places every time, they usually go on Tuesdays. She rides in Duluth on the trails, she also goes to the Osaugie Trail in Superior.

Her last ride was to Madeline Island near Bayfield. Her group started in Washburn, they rode across the frozen bay. The gear she wore for this was thermal pants, thick winter leggings, t-shirt, windbreaker, and a jacket just for the sport. Hat, helmet, and gloves. She wore snow pants this ride, and they got stuck in the chain and ripped.

“Duct tape saved the day,” Anderson said.