Togwotee Winter Classic Race 2 Results

This just in from The Togwotee Winter Classic:

The TWC Race #2 was met with good conditions despite concerns that it might be soft and sloppy. Overnight temps in the teens firmed up the trail nicely and temps in the 20s to low 30s made for a pleasant day on the trails. For the first time we offered two distances and this format was a hit with the racers.

35-Mile Results
1st - Carey Smith - 3:43:00 (35-Mile Men’s Course Record)
2nd - Bryan Safarik - 4:15:00
3rd - Dave Byers - 4:15:02
4th - Hamilton Smith - 4:30:00
5th - Dave Bergart - 4:44:00
6th - Katie Engelman - 5:00:00 (1st Woman, 35-Mile Women’s Course Record)

25-Mile Results
1st - Dave Saurman - 3:23:00
2nd - Michelle Byers - 3:24:00 (1st Woman)
3rd - Tony Labbe’ - 3:37:00
4th - Chris E. - 3:50:00
5th - Scott Fitzgerald - 4:00:00
6th - Len Carlman - 4:15:00

Good job everyone!

The Push for Snowbiking in Yellowstone

More people are pushing for snow biking in the Nation Parks than we thought! The Drunk Cyclist started a huge thread about the issue.

“In my opinion if snowmobiles, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing is allowed, bikes should be allowed as well. The greater issue should be more about making sure that everyone’s safety is top concern, and there are minimal chances of crashes and near crashes between snowmobiles and bicycles. However, my opinion is seldom correct, or presented in a well written manner. For that I offer you a link to an opinion piece written by Mr. Scott Fitzgerald who owns Fitzgeralds Bicycles in Jackson, WY, and has played a large role in the cycling-centric development of Victor, ID. If the link doesn’t work, check out this blog posting to see the article. Feel free to share your opinion, and remember, try to place nice.”

What do YOU think? Should it be allowed?

XXC eMag Season 3 - Issue 10

Our very own Dave Byers was able to co-author a piece in the latest XXC eMag! Click on the link above and flip over to pages 32-37 to hear some great beta about snowbiking!

Snow Biking for the Rest of Us!

We’ve all heard about Jay & Tracy’s epic 1,100 mile snow bike rides in Alaska. And if you are trying to figure out the best methods to ride in -40F temperatures you need only to ask Dave Byers. But, if you’re like me (andy) - and you know you are never going to pass Beer League status in the Jackson Hole race circuit - there are great rides for us too! Here’s one:

Destination: Granite Hot Springs

Trailhead: Granite Hot Springs TH - 12 miles past Hoback Junction on US Highway 191

Gear List: Swimsuit, Pack Towel, Water, Food, Beer

This is a fantastic way to spend a day with a friend or loved one. Pick up a few bikes from Fitzy’s, grab a couple of sandwiches from Backcountry Provisions (they even have a veggie called the Hot Springs), snag a six pack - and jump in the car. It takes all of half an hour to get to the Granite Hot Springs TH. From there you enjoy a mellow 10 mile ride that takes a couple of hours, at a very leisurely, picture taking pace (it took us 2 hours and 15 minutes). They have everything you need - picnic tables, toilets, changing rooms and fantastic natural hot springs with unbelievable views. They do sell bottled water, if you need it. Soak in the hot springs for an hour or 2, enjoy a few brews, then have a blast on the downhill ride back to the car (took us an hour and a half). What’s nice about this ride is that the trails are well maintained and traveled. You are riding to a destination. And the return is downhill - all while choosing an eco-friendly alternative to a snow machine.

Costs per Person:

• Snow Bike Rental - $39
• Backcountry Provisions Sandwich - $8
• Hot Springs Fee - $6
• PBR - $3
• TOTAL - $56 for a great day!

Togwotee Winter Classic!

Saturday, January 8th 2011 - 9:00 am

SNOWBIKE HEADQUATERS

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!