Course des Neiges Cycle Néron - Darcie on a fatbike

It's time to take chances...make mistakes! Get messy!

Ah, that classic line from the Magic School Bus never gets old, and is reasonably applicable to the crazy world of obstacle course racing, or mountain biking, or <insert name of outdoor activity>

January 24 was yet another first for me. The local bike shop (which had been in my neighbourhood as long as I can remember) was holding a non-official event where anyone was welcome to try the fatbike in a park. A loop of 1.47km with a teeny hill to be done 5 times sounds straightforward enough, right?

What's a fatbike? Picture a mountain bike with extremely wide wheels. Ever seen a Jeep with ridiculously oversized tires? Yup, something like that. Anyway, a fatbike is made for riding in snow, or sand.

(photo credit Cycle Néron)

I'd always wanted to try one, so now was my chance. One of the bike shop employees, Christian, who I've gone on a few running outings with was inviting everyone to give it a shot.

The morning was bright and cold and thanks to fellow Mudd Queen Anne-Marie's tips, basically gear up to shield every part of myself to the wind. At the registration table I get to pick my number on a pullover jersey acting as a race bib! Also, in the recreational wave I've signed up for, we are a total of 6 riders. I was just hoping we wouldn't be too many jockeying for position.

Outside, participants are taking the bikes out for a few laps. Once I get sized up and fitted, I try the bike out on a flat. It feels alright...now in hindsight, perhaps I should have gone for a longer ride.

Ready to start! What am I looking at? (I'm on the right)

The other funny coincidence - my ex-boss JP is at the event (he was riding in the next wave) and is emcee-ing the recreational wave.

Off we go and clearly me not having warmed up my legs has bitten me in the rear. (Also didn't help I worked them out Saturday...when will I learn?) I watch the 5 remaining riders just disappear in front. My RPM's slow even more as my legs scream to adjust to the rhythm I'm forcing them to adapt. I also take the time to click the gears and figure out which ones would be adequate.

The part of the loop that was on the bike path leads back to some terrain (frozen dirt patch) and I'm hoping I don't wipe out and fall off as it is bumpy and uneven. Next thing I know, the loop takes me back on a bike path and leads up to the mini-hill. Digging into the memories of the few spin classes I've done, I stand up on the bike and pedal furiously towards the top...

...and lose momentum, coming to a complete standstill.

Embarrassing moment aside, I get off the bike and walk the way up as I'm huffing and puffing enough to blow the 3 Little Pigs' houses down (yes, even the brick house!) The loop goes downhill into a hairpin curve and back up the hill, that I stubbornly pedal up. On my way down I hear JP saying some encouraging words, then telling me to pull off on the side while they pump air in the tires. An unexpected but welcome break, as I am pretty much folded over the handlebars trying to catch my breath.

The loops fade into one another, I finally get some rhythm in my legs. The faster riders pass me but yell encouragement, and a volunteer on course helpfully tells me to change my gears. After the 2nd loop passing under the start line arch JP echoes the sentiment but the mic is still in his hand, meaning everyone hears the instructions to use the gears - hahahaha!

On the 3rd loop I don't make it up the hill at the 2nd pass, well failure is an option I guess. I finally get to completing my last lap (more stubborn pedaling to crest the hill) and make my way to the finish while hearing "Let's all encourage Darcie, the last finisher of the wave!"

Christian catching my finish (merci!)

I didn't realize 5 small laps could be so exhausting in the moment! I think I'm ready to breathe fire.

Would I fatbike again? Yes...because I don't always want to be the slow one. Plus it was a great and different way to enjoy the snow.

Overall, I had fun and met some cool people along the way, and it was nice to see some familiar faces as well. It really felt like a bunch of cycling enthusiasts gathering for a ride, no matter if experienced in fatbike or not.

Plus, I have some work to do, but I figure I'll start mountain biking to get things rolling. Next!...epsom salt bath. My legs feel heavy!