Our New Website!



We realize you might not always be able to swing by the shop… so now you don’t have to! Over the last few months we have been hard at work developing a new, more powerful website that will offer you another option to shop with Fitzgerald’s.

https://www.fitzgeraldsbicycles.store/

Experts in the FAT since 2007



5 years ago we brought the first Surly Pugsley into the shop and wondered if this whole concept of Fat Biking would catch on. At first most customers scoffed as they proclaimed with polished pride, “That’s cool and all, but I’m a skier in the winter.” It was as if to say, “Sure, I live and breath all things bike from April to November but Ullr, the great god of Snow, would forever render my skis waxless and my goggles fogged if I ever thought about throwing a leg over a bike in the winter.” We just smiled and politely offered these apostles of shuss a demo to see for themselves. One by one the die hard skiers fell to the magic of the Fat Tire while assuring Ullr that they would not stray too far from the flock. Ullr sat back and laughed at his fearful minions, “FOOLS! I love to ride the Fat when the skiing blows!”

Now the greater Teton area has become a mecca for Winter Fat Biking and the people rejoice as their legs are prepared for the Spring riding like never before and the lack of a powder day offers a wondrous opportunity to explore new lands. Come… rejoice.

Etiquette

We Fat Bikers are the new users on the trails and should be extra polite and courteous when out there riding. Here are a few tips to always keep in mind when riding Fat (or skinny for that matter).

Fat Biker Snowmobile Trail trail etiquette:

• Install white flashing front lights and red flashing rear lights on Fat Bikes
• Yielding to Snowmobile traffic
• Riding as far right as possible at all times
• General awareness of parking area conditions that make it hard for Snowmobile trailers to maneuver
• Communicating with other trail users in a friendly manner
• Idaho Fat bike owners are encouraged to join the ISSA (Idaho State Snowmobile Assoc) http://www.idahosnow.org/

Fat Biker Nordic Trail trail etiquette:

• Do not ride if the Nordic track is posted for skiing only
• Do not ride if the snow is too soft
• Give skate skiers a wide berth
• Do not ride in the classic ski tracks
• Make a donation to the club or organization who grooms your local Nordic trail
• As a general rule, if you have to get off and push your bike, the snow is too soft and you absolutely shouldn’t be on the Nordic trails. If you are leaving a trough deeper than an inch or are having a hard time riding in a straight line, it is probably too soft to be on the Nordic trails.

Grand Targhee Fat Bike Guidelines and Rules

• Bikes – should yield right away at all intersections.
• Snow bike lane- ride to left of classic track/ yield to all skiers.
• Stay to right side of trail around corners and for oncoming
• Snow bike riders – should let track set –up until 10:00am on morning in which the track is groomed.
• Snow bikes – Ride Rick’s Basin and Quakie loops
• Counterclockwise only( best direction for hills)
• All riders should have trails pass.
• Trails – Do not ride in soft conditions.
• Hard packed conditions on trails with 2”new snow is ok, more than 2”( you can’t climb or descend very well)
• In a snow cycle 12” or more with freshly groomed trails can be too soft. If you leave a rut, it’s to soft.
• Snow bikes only on trails, tires must be 3.7” or bigger.

Fat Bike Etiquette Article by Dave Byers

What’s the deal with the gear?

Ahhh, there are many secrets to be discovered in this new sport. Let us begin with the bike…

 

At Fitzgerald’s, we are a big supporter of the Salsa Mukluk. The Mukluk offers you a light weight Aluminum frame and modern Fat Bike geometry at an amazing price! Fat Biking is not the fastest form of cycling so you’ll appreciate the lighter frame and fatter rims when you’re cruising along at 5 miles an hour

There are many other options out there and here is a good article from 2010 that will give you some more ideas…

2010 Snowbike State of the Union Article

We have much more to discuss in the “gear” category… stay tuned.

Where to Ride.

Contrary to popular misconceptions, you can not “braaaap” your way across an open snow field on a Fat Bike. The critical component to a successful Fat Bike ride is a supportable base under your rubber (good tip for life in general). So groomed Nordic trails, snowmobile groomed trails, snowmobile “singletrack”, and winter roads is the arena in which this sport takes place. Around here there is no shortage of destinations.

Wyoming:

Around Jackson you can keep yourself entertained with a handful of groomed trails. The Cache Creek and Game Creek trails offer consistent grooming and easy in-town access. Keep an eye on Putt-Putt and Hagen for doable Winter singletrack riding when the snow storms have been few and far between. Hagen specifically can be awesome!

If you are looking for a more “back country” experience, take the beautiful drive to Togwotee Lodge on a sunny day and explore the Continental Divide Trails. The CD-V-CD route is a great 25mile loop or make it a big longer by substituting the K Trail instead of the V for a 35 mile option. This is the home of the Togwotee Winter Classic Snowbike Race.

Teton Valley Idaho:

The real goods are in Idaho. Thanks to an extremely active State Parks and Rec grooming program, we have literally hundreds of miles of groomed trails to be explored. Have you ridden your bike in the Horseshoe Canyon? Well that’s a great place to begin your Winter ride too. Head to the end of Horseshoe Canyon Rd and park where the plowing ends (be aware that snowmobile trailers need ample room to maneuver). Ride out and back to Packsaddle Rd or climb high into the Big Holes for an all day adventure. Trail head maps will show you the way.

On the East side of the Valley, look to the canyons for more adventure. Teton Canyon is groomed thanks to Teton Valley Trails and Pathways and Darby Canyon is snowmobile packed and less frequently traveled.

Don’t forget Grand Targhee! Thanks to Andy Williams at the ‘Ghee, they are the first resort in the Country to offer Fat Biking on their Nordic trails. Check in with the Activity Center for your day pass and be sure to check the grooming report before you go to find out if conditions are favorable for bikes that day.

Of course, you haven’t really experienced Teton Valley until you have turned off the highway and explored our back roads. When the snow builds up, the Valley Fat Biking is amazing. Whether you are heading out for 5 miles or a Winter Century, there is no limit to the exploration. Check in with the shop for a suggested route and current conditions.

Island Park, ID and West Yellowstone, MT

Have I used the term Mecca too much already? Well ignore all the previous references because this is it! The snowmobile trails book-ended by these two communities is EPIC! Phenomenal day rides or multi-day adventures await. Check in with the shop for more info on these areas and take a look at the map below:

Freemont County Grooming Map

For latest grooming report call 208-624-7266

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks:

Don’t get me started…. Although both parks boast a desire to increase non-motorized Winter use, riding your bicycle on groomed park roads is currently illegal. This bicycle ban is the result of misconceptions about the safety of other Winter users sharing the trail with cyclists. Yes, that’s right, even in Yellowstone you can not ride your bicycle on the road where snow coaches, snowmobiles, skiers, and snow shoers are peacefully co-existing. Stay tuned as we continue dialog with both parks about changing these unfortunate regulations.

Events

Grand Targhee Snow Bike Race — Results

Togwotee Winter Classic

West Yellowstone Equinox Snow Challenge

Fitzgerald’s is Moving to Victor, ID



History:
After 10 years in Jackson, WY, Fitzgerald’s Bicycles will relocate to Victor, ID in 2012. Opened in April of 2002, Fitzgerald’s Bicycles was started by Scott Fitzgerald as a one man bicycle repair operation under a tent on Glenwood St. Shortly after opening, Fitzgerald’s moved into 300 square feet within it’s current location on Hansen St next to Snake River Brewing. From 2002 to 2011 Fitzgerald’s moved and grew within the same building as the business expanded from a repair shop to a full service bicycle sales, rental, and repair store. The store has remained committed to being the only year round Jackson Bicycle store, never transitioning to skis in the Winter month, providing indoor riding classes, snowbikes, and tune-up specials that keep the store vibrant through the Winter.

Accolades:
Locals voted Fitzgerald’s “Best Bike Shop Jackson Hole” in 2009, 2010, & 2011 in the JH Weekly “Best Of” edition; a clean sweep since the contest started.

In 2010 the trade journal Bicycle Retailer and Industry News named Fitgerald’s a “Top 100 Bicycle Dealer” in the United States. http://www.bicycleretailer.com/downloads/Top100_2010.pdf

Fitzgerald’s was named one of the Top 100 Best Bike Shops in the Country by Bicycling magazine in 2011.

http://www.bicycling.com/maintenance/featured-stories/hallowed-ground-best-bike-shops?page=0,1

Reason for Relocation:
Fitzgerald’s Bicycles is committed to being the best bike shop possible for its existing Jackson customers as well as a new customer base in South East Idaho. Long term sustainability is paramount to this goal. Lower overhead costs in Teton County, ID will allow for long term planning and expansion of the business to better serve all our customers long into the future.

The owners of Fitzgerald’s, Scott and Jannine Fitzgerald, are also looking forward to the lifestyle change this move will bring. Scott and Jannine are passionate cyclists who love promoting the cycling lifestyle they sell. After 7 years of daily commuting over Teton Pass, they are eager to get back to living a pure cycling lifestyle.

This move is in no way instigated by any actions of Fitzgeralds’ current landlord. Snake River Brewing has thoroughly supported Fitzgerald’s for 10 years. We look forward to future collaboration and drinking more Snake River beer!

New Location:
The Fitzgerald’s are exploring many options at this time. More information will follow in the coming weeks, but it is certain that Fitzgerald’s Bicycles will relocated to downtown Victor, ID.

Timing of the Move:
Details are forthcoming but we are certain Fitzgerald’s Victor location will open sometime in the Winter or Spring of 2012. The Jackson location will be open throughout the 2011 season.

Staffing:
Fitzgerald’s is looking forward to bringing their legendary customer service to Teton Valley, ID. Customers will be happy to know that Brandon Campisi will stay on as Store Manager and Jay Petervary will stay on as the primary Bicycle Fitter. Of course Scott and Jannine will remain working at the store day to day as always.

New Market Position:
Fitzgerald’s Bicycles is not leaving the Jackson Hole community but simply moving 25 miles away into a more permanent location. Fitzgerald’s is committed to the Jackson community and will stay active and involved in cycling events and promotions in Teton County, Wyoming while positioning itself as the locals’ choice for all bicycle needs, year-round in Teton Valley, ID. Fitzgerald’s will still be the Jackson cyclists’ premier bicycle store and the number one choice for bicycle purchases, professional service, and expertise on both sides of the Pass.

Regionally, Fitzgerald’s will position itself as the premier, destination pro-shop servicing the greater South East Idaho market with superior product selection, fitting services, and travel services through their BicycleTender operation.

Everyone at Fitzgerald’s Bicycles would like to thank all the customers, friends, and business partners that have made Fitzgerald’s successful over the last 10 years!

Ride on down that Winding Road!



Summer is here and BIKES are blooming!



The Crust Cruising Season is here!



WE ALSO RENT SNOWBIKES $39/Day $60/Weekend

If you’re scratching your head when you see a rider with grin on their face taking a fat-tired bicycle towards the trailheads this time of year, you are missing out! But don’t worry, Fitzgerald’s has everything you need to know to join the fun. Snowbiking is a rapidly growing sport in Jackson Hole! From Snowy singletrack, groomed trails, and frozen lakes - these bikes have found their favorite home here in the Tetons. Check out these two fantastic snow bikes that can help you keep your legs spinning all winter long!

SALSA MUKLUK

Salsa graced the biking world with this ultra-light uber-stable snow bike with the rider in mind! A lower bottom bracket, taller headtube and low standover height help you stay more stable and makes mounting and dismounting a breeze. The double-butted aluminum frame keeps it light and floating on top of the snow!

SURLY PUGLSEY

Tried and true, this bike was the first snow bike to hit the market, and the response was huge! Built with ChroMoly steel, she boasts a double-butted triangle with horizontal drop-outs with a derailleur hanger and disc brake mounts. If you didn’t know, our very own Jay Petervery has sent the Pugsley into a first place finish on the 350 miles Iditarod Invitational in Alaska!

Both bikes are sold as a frameset or completely built up. Why waste any more time, the trails are ready and the Togwotee Winter Classic is just around the corner!

‘Cross Season Cometh



With some colder temps settling in and ski season still months away, it’s time to fall in love with Cyclocross all over again. What’s up with ‘cross you say? Here’s the deal - Cyclocross bikes are built on a road bike platform with some key tweaks to build in off road versatility. First, the frames are a bit wider to accept knobby tires to shred the dirt like you road bike can only dream of. With dirt terrain comes the need for better braking - add on cantilever (old school mountain bike) brakes and you’ve got yourself a ‘cross bike. Of course there are some more subtle attributes of ‘cross bikes like more relaxed geometry, slightly different gearing, and cable routing that makes the bike easier to run with. Run with?! More on that in a minute. Can you make these upgrades to your existing road bike? Nope, not gonna happen. That’s what makes a ‘cross bike so cool. You can get into a new cyclocross bike for as little as $900.

So you’ve got this bike that is slower than a road bike on pavement and sketchier than a mountain bike on dirt. Great, sounds like a blast right? It is, but you have to see the light first and have faith in the church of ‘cross to really get it. Think about it, you’ve pedaled your road bike on every stretch of pavement between here and Yellowstone all summer and you’re a bit bored. Well how ’bout mixing in some dirt road adventure riding to your daily routine. Don’t turn around at the end of Fall Creek, keep going and loop back to Jackson from the Snake River Canyon. Find out where the Elk Refuge road really goes. Test your bike handling skills on a cyclocross Cache Game loop. And don’t even get me started on Teton Valley, Idaho. If you ride anywhere around Victor, Driggs, and Tetonia, a ‘cross bike quadruples your riding options and brings you to beautiful places you didn’t even know existed. And the best part is, the colder and crummier the weather, the more fun it is!

But wait, there’s more. That do everything/adventure ‘cross bike of yours is also exactly what you need get in on the fastest growing segment of cycling in the country - ‘cross racing. Here are the basics of cyclocross racing:

• Racers compete on a short lap course that is partially pavement and mostly off road
• Each race is between 1/2 hour to 1 hour long
• Obstacles are placed on course to force riders off their bike to run through sections
• Racing takes place in the Fall and bad weather is appreciated

That’s the quick and dirty, but the story is bigger than that.

• ‘Cross racing is bike racing for non bike racers.
• ‘Cross racing is THE most spectator friendly bike racing.
• ‘Cross races are festivals and parties
• ‘Cross races are for the whole family

Think about it, most bike races take you far from home and require a summer worth of training that may or may not go over too well with the significant other. If you do bring your family to watch your race, they sit in one area, give you some shouts of encouragement as you leave the start line, and then wait for sometimes hours before you zip by again in a flash or finally finish the stupid race that you dragged them to in the middle of no where!

‘Cross racing has a different taste. Training can be as simple as a weekly one hour ride with buddies. The races are local, and short. Different categories mean that while Mom races, Dad watches the kids and vice versa. Even kids get their own category! When you’re not racing, competitors come by every 5 minutes or so and demand that you ring a cowbell in their face! When it’s all said and done, you gather up to drink beer and tell the story about how you got mud in your teeth over and over to anyone who will listened. Oh, and did I mention it doesn’t matter if you win? Battling for 15th place feels just as important as 1st because who can really tell where the leaders are anyway!

Yes, ‘cross racing is addicting… If you want to check out the local support groups for ‘cross addicts, here’s how…

Local Cyclocross Events:

• Weekly Wednesday Morning ‘Cross Practice - 7:30am roll out from the Bunnery in Jackson
• September 25th - ‘Cross Kickoff / Oktoberfest Party at Grand Teton Brewing in Victor, ID
• October 2nd&3rd - MooseCross Race presented by Grand Teton Brewing in Victor, ID
• October 30th - Spooky Cross Victor, ID
• November 6th, 13th, and 20th - The Cube Cyclocross Series Rexburg, ID

If you need more fix, there are great races all through Montana, Idaho, Utah and beyond!

Try it… you’ll like it!