Gear up fat bike riders of all levels. It’s time for the 5th Annual Northland Fat Bike Rally at Lake Bemidji State Park on Saturday, March 2, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The main event begins at 11 a.m. with a mass start on Lake Bemidji and then heads into Lake Bemidji State Park and up the Rocky Point Trail. Both a 10K and 28K route will be offered.

Spectators welcome! The rally is not just for fat bikers. Anyone interested in this winter sport will have the opportunity to watch the rally and learn about fat bikes by talking with the experts. A short course kids race will follow the 28k race. The Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park will offer food and refreshments at the visitor center.

The course will be closed until the official start time. After the event, the course will be open to biking until 4 p.m. The park will also be open to fat biking on Sunday, March 3.

Schedule
9:30 a.m.
Registration, Lake Bemidji State Park Visitor Center.
10:15 a.m.
Mandatory rules meeting, Lake Bemidji State Park Visitor Center.
11 a.m.
Event start, on Lake Bemidji.
2 p.m.
After-event social with awards and raffle at C.K. Dudley’s, 6405 Bemidji Ave NW, Bemidji, Minnesota 56601.

Participants must have 3.8-inch bike tires and wear a helmet. Fat bike rentals will not be offered at the park. Rentals are available from the Outdoor Program Center at Bemidji State University, 218-755-3900.

The event and activities are free, but participants are encouraged to make a free-will donation to the Trek North Middle and High School Mountain Bike Teams. A Minnesota state parks vehicle permit ($7/one-day or $35/year-round) is required to enter the park.

For more information, contact the park at 218-308-2300, or visit the Bemidji Area Mountain Bikers Facebook page.

The 5th Annual Northland Fat Bike Rally is sponsored by Lake Bemidji State Park, C.K. Dudley’s, Super 8 Bemidji, Karvakko Engineering and the Bemidji Area Mountain Bikers.

For more information about fat bike opportunities at Minnesota state parks and trails, visit mndnr.gov/fatbike.