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Good snowpack and cold temperatures this winter have set up ideal conditions for fat-tire snow biking in the Boggy Draw area.<\/p>\n
But none of it would be possible without the dedicated volunteer groomers who lay down and maintain the 30-inch wide track on about 10 miles of looping trails.<\/p>\n
In appreciation of their efforts, the Southwest Colorado Cycling Association is hosting the annual Boggy Draw Groomer Gathering on Jan. 20 at 9 a.m. at the Boggy Draw Trailhead.<\/p>\n
There will be \u201cno drop\u201d group rides for all abilities, free snow bike demos, chili and baked goods. A timed sprint event that ends with a BB gun target shoot provides plenty of laughs.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a family-friendly, fun event,\u201d said organizer Ken Fagerlin. \u201cWe owe a big thank-you to our groomers who put down a beautiful corduroy track, and are out there after every storm. With all the snow, conditions are epic this year.\u201d<\/p>\n
The groomers are Jimbo Fairley, Mike \u201cGoose\u201d Gosling, Shawn Gregory, Grayson Hogue and Eric Hogue.<\/p>\n
They use snowmobiles pulling customized grooming equipment to lay down the track on designated routes. Maps of the snow biking routes are posted at intersections.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey even work at night with lights so the next morning, conditions are perfect,\u201d Fagerlin said. \u201cTheir grooming technique has really evolved over the years and provides a great service for the recreating public.\u201d<\/p>\n
Snow biking requires a wider tire between 3.5 inches and 5 inches, low tire pressure between 3 and 8 PSI and a compacted snow surface. The wider, low-pressure tires provide flotation and traction on the track.<\/p>\n
The sport\u2019s popularity is growing. Snow biking extends the biking season and is a great way to enjoy the winter landscape, Fagerlin said. But newcomers should not expect a superfast, thrill ride more typical of mountain bike riding.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a slower, chill kind of pace. \u201cThe resistance on the snowpack and hills make for a great workout,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Regarding the Groomer Gathering sprint event, participants use a small snow bike fixed in one gear and are timed on a one-eighth mile out-and-back course. Afterward, they are handed a BB gun and try to hit can targets, knocking off 10 seconds of their race time for each can they hit.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is lots of cheering and laughing as racers try do calm their heart rate to aim,\u201d Fagerlin said.<\/p>\n