High chance of sunburn for Saturday’s Farmhand Fat Bike Race at Cannonsburg. But also a high chance of beer.
If there was ever a safe date to hold a winter event, you’d be hard pressed to beat the last weekend in frigid January. With a cold and snow December kicking off the year, you’d be forgiven to for complacenty enjoying great groomed trails through the holidays and taking a frosty Farmhard for granted. But, this being Michigan, nothing is assured, where even good weather can be bad and bad weather nearly perfect. It’s complicated.
Nonetheless, Brewery Vivant’s Farmhand Fat Bike Race is ON for this weekend, and it’s Matt Acker entering as a big favorite for Salsa Cycles. The Men’s Open field is sitting at 24 riders, with strong showings fromt the squads you’d expect to be excited for fat bike racing (Grand Rapids Bicycle Co. and Freewheeler) plus some strong riders from Clark Logic and Central District Cyclery. It’s a race that’s been a fixture in West Michigan for years and one the locals take rather seriously.
On the women’s side, Jenny Acker will put her Baja Divide tan to the test against Julie Momber, and Clark Logic’s Victoria Cane. Making the trip in search of some Great Lakes Fat Bike Series points is Kristina Navarro,
Both Ackers are the highest placed riders in the GLFBS registered for Saturday, making it a great chance for the locals to move up the rankings heading into the final three races in February.
Fat Nationals Preparations
There’s a bit more to the race this year than usual. Just two weeks later, Winter Rush hosts the USA Cycling Fat Bike National Championships, also at Cannonsburg. It’s a chance for locals to get a feel for the venue, and there are a number of Northern Michigan riders watching the weather and considering a trip for Farmhand with that in mind. The length of the Farmhand is also enticing; the three-hour solo event is the perfect chance for riders looking for a hard day in the saddle to sting them into shape this winter.
Of course, some people want to enjoy their time on the bike, and for those intelligent and well-intentioned souls, there’s the Duo category. kolo t.c. is rooting for anyone that can beat Nick Afton and Team Unicorn vs Ninja.
Registraion closes Thursday, so get yourself in there.