in Trailbuilding and Advocacy

OK, I've got a long-winded proposal I am developing. I'm wondering what people's thoughts are and if CORP is willing to back me up on this:

Introduction:

   I have occasionally been riding snowmobile trails on my fat bike and ‘proto-fat bike’ for about 6 years now. It started for me riding some of the rail-to-trail routes in the winter, and then I gradually began to explore some of the local snowmobile routes that were not part of the rail to trail network. My interest in using these snowmobile trails leapfrogged in 2012 when I bought my first true fat-bike and thus gains a much greater ability ride in a variety of snow conditions.

   I enjoy riding regular mountain bike trails in the winter, but for me, the great thing about the fat bike is that it can go so many places that a standard MTB just can’t. Winter brings a new dimension to our well trodden trails that’s for sure. But I’m much more interested in exploring new places. Riding on snowmobile trails in the winter allows me many more riding opportunities close to my home than are available during the summer. Furthermore, I get to see parts of, and perspectives on, my local landscape that I would never be able to see otherwise.

   So far I have been riding these trails “on the down-low”. Bicycles are officially banned from the snowmobile trails. When I do use these trails, I try to avoid busier times and dangerous nighttime conditions, and usually base my routes as a loop off of one of our local rail-to-trail corridors. I have been very friendly, and courteous towards snowmobilers and always yield the trail to any snowmobilers I encounter. So far, my interactions with snowmobilers have only been positive. Most wave and keep going or ignore me. Other times I’ve had short, friendly conversations (usually centering around the uniqueness of my fat-bike or how crazy/hard-core I am for biking in these conditions. I have even been passed by a grooming machine, and have never had anyone tell me I should not be on the trail or have any other negative comments for me. However, I figure it is only a matter of time before I am ‘busted’ and asked to leave. As more fat bikers discover snowmobile trails as a riding opportunity, I see a potential for conflict and enforcement of the existing rules banning bicycles and other users from these snowmobile trails.

   I think these snowmobile trails are the biggest untapped fat-biking opportunity in the midwest and probably anywhere there is snow and an active snowmobiling community in North America, and beyond. If fat bikers can be granted access to snowmobile trails, we can literally increase our riding opportunities ten-fold. In Dane County there are less than 20 miles of mountain bike trails, but according to the Dane County Snowmobile Council, there are 274 miles of snowmobile trails. Statewide, there are over 25,000 miles of trails according to the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs.

   I see two potential hurdles with fat bike access to snowmobile trails:

   First is liability, with cyclists out on the trails, there is a chance that snowmobilers zipping along at 60 MPH could hit and injure or kill a cyclist. I assume this is why cyclists, cross-country skiers and hikers/snowshoers are currently not allowed on the trails. That said, I think cycling on the snowmobile trails is very safe, certainly less chance for injury than riding on the road or existing MTB trails. You can literally hear snowmobiles coming a mile or more away at times (at least 100 yards away in the worst conditions) and fat bikes handle these packed snow trails very well so as to easily get out of the way of the snowmobiles before they arrive. I believe some of the regulations I stipulate below for cyclist on snowmobile trails mitigate any serious risk of injury as a result of a collision, outside of gross negligence of one party or the other.

   Second, private landowners may take issue with the presence of cyclist on their properties where they have already granted snowmobilers access. I think the number of fat bikers compared to snowmobilers will always be very low, but any additional traffic may be unwelcome. Furthermore, the slower speed of the cyclist means they will be on any particularly property for a longer period of time. Perhaps some landowners would raise some other objection. In any event, fat bikers would not want to cause any additional friction between snowmobiling organizations and the landowner who allow them access, so this issue should be considered and handled carefully.

   With all this in mind, I would like to develop the following proposal to bring to our local snowmobile groups to try to gain trial access for any fat bike riders on snowmobile trails for a season or two, to see if the snowmobilers are willing to take us on as additional trail users. I think the stipulations I outline below should satisfy and reasonable opposition to allowing fat bikes on these routes.

Proposal for Trial Access of “Fat Bike” Bicycles to the Dane County Snowmobile Trail Network.

   A new type of bicycle has been evolving over the past few years called a “fat bike”. Fat bikes are a breed of mountain bike with tires roughly 4-5” in width, mounted to rims ranging from 2.5 - 4” in width. With these “fat” tires and running tire pressures as low as 5 - 10 PSI, these bikes are able to ‘float’ on soft surfaces such as loose sand and packed snow. It only takes a few passes with a snowmobile to compact the snow sufficiently to make a deep snow field a surface that a fat bike can traverse, albeit, slowly. Fat bike speeds on snowy terrain typically range from 4-14 mph.

   As such, snowmobile trails could present a great opportunity for recreation for fat bike enthusiasts. These enthusiasts are few in number currently, and though fat bikes are increasing in popularity, their overall numbers will likely always remain low simply because few cyclist are dedicated enough to ride in cold, wintery conditions or to pay thousands of dollars for this specialized type of bicycles.

   Fat bike enthusiasts would like to petition for trial access to utilize our local snowmobile trail network. These bikes would have to follow all the same rules as snowmobilers, pay all the same fees, and even follow further rules to ensure that they will be able to interact safely with the existing users of the trails. Below are the regulations upon cyclist using the snowmobile trail network that we are proposing as part of this trial.

Rules and Regulations for Bicycle Access to the Snowmobile Trail Network

   1) Cyclist must follow all existing rules that apply to snowmobiles use on the trail network, except where they contradict the below requirements.
   2) All cyclists must obtain a snowmobile trail pass and affix it to a visible area on the front of the bicycle.
   3) Only “fat bikes” those with tires 3.7” wide or greater, may use the snowmobile trail network. Bicycles with narrower tires are not allowed.
   4) Cyclists may not use earphones or other devices that may reduce their ability to hear at any time.
   5) Any time a cyclist encounters a snowmobile, the cyclist must yield the trail to snowmobiles by stopping and getting off of the trail entirely, to allow the snowmobile to pass.
   6) If using the trails at night, cyclist must use front and rear lights which are visible at at least 1000 ft. Cyclist must also have reflective material on the front and rear of their bicycle and/or clothing, which is visible when illuminated at 200 ft.

   I feel that these regulations would allow a small number of fat bikers to safely utilize the local snowmobile trail network. After a 1-2 season trial, it would be up to the local snowmobile clubs to decide if this trail access would be allowed to be permanent going forward. We feel that cooperation between fat bikers and snowmobilers would allow for a stronger user base for the trail system and more support for the maintenance and expansion of these recreational opportunities in the future.

Best of luck with this proposal. As someone who doesn't own or operate a fat bike or a snowmobile, this sounds somewhat reasonable. However, the snowmobilers have significant resources (read: money), certainly much more than off-road cyclists, and significantly more than those who would utilize the snowmobile trails.  Some users would probably be OK sharing the trails, but I doubt the lobbyists would. I could be wrong on this. I do know that they are constantly looking to add more trails.

I think the main issue is safety, though.  I'm sure this will be an issue going forward.

Clearly you are passionate about this idea and have put some time into it. Personally, I would never support this proposal. The inherent dangers of putting a bicycle in the path of people going 60+ mph (and often drunk) make it a prohibitive pursuit. Can't imagine any snowmobile club, parks department or DNR would want to engage in such a dangerous idea as they haven't allowed activities such as XC skiing to co-exist on these trails for decades. I think it would only be a matter of time before someone gets hit...then what happens?

Anyway good luck going forward!

Sure, but only when the signs on the snowmobile trail rest rooms look like this:



On a more serious note, there has been cooperation with snowmobile groups where their leadership recently came to support our interests in the PV Ridge neighborhood. They were at the hearings with us when CamRock expansion was approved some years ago (bridges across the creek). With mutual support for facilities ideal for our respective sports, I think this flies in the face and begs for trouble.

It's also kind of crazy when one of our land managers offered a new fat bike property or territory and and no one stepped up. You wouldn't have to worry about getting nailed by a machine with that and have beer served when done.

My suggestion is finish opportunities and projects in our lap first.

The inherent dangers of putting a bicycle in the path of people going 60+ mph (and often drunk) make it a prohibitive pursuit.

The same could be said for road riding. Except that 10X as many cars pass you in an hour on the road as snowmobiles do in an hour on the trail, but probably about the same number of drunks. Its certainly no more dangerous than sharing trails with ATV's, and that happens on public land all over the nation.

I have also gone out on the snowmobile trails occasionally. I do agree with Frank that it is a great way to get out and explore some new territory. So far I have usually gone out when the trails have been closed because of lack of snow for snowmobiles. I have yet to encounter a snowmobile.

Your ideas are going to be a hard sell. A few of the guys I work with are snowmobilers and I know they have no love for bicyclists. Also, a couple years ago when I was building my fatbike, I spoke with a guy that was pretty involved on the state snowmobile council. He told me that the agreements that they have with private landowners was for snowmobiles only and if I rode the trails I would be tresspassing.

On the other hand (if you go to Fatty Platty this weekend you may be able to find out more) I heard in Platteville a bunch of fatbikers joined the snowmobile club. The club welcomed them because (if I got this right) the money the club receives from the state thru snowmobile registrations is based on membership.

I'm not sure how you would go about getting snowmobilers to accept us. What do we have to offer that they would want? I know the snowmobile club down in Brooklyn just bought a tractor (4WD-125HP) not sure what they are going to use it for but obviously they have a lot more money than CORP. Why would they want a bunch of bicyclist on there trails that they will have to slow down for?

I'm not sure how you would go about getting snowmobilers to accept us. What do we have to offer that they would want? I know the snowmobile club down in Brooklyn just bought a tractor (4WD-125HP) not sure what they are going to use it for but obviously they have a lot more money than CORP. Why would they want a bunch of bicyclist on there trails that they will have to slow down for?

Why do you say the snowmobilers have no love for bicyclists?

Yeah, I agree we don't have much to offer. 20 fatbikers might bring in $700 worth of registration fees, that would be about it. But we also wouldn't take much. Fat bikes have no real impact on the trail, and if cyclist follow the rules I outline they would not impact the snowmobilers either. I also think if cyclist followed the rules I outline that that would eliminate any real safety issue.

So that leaves landowner access. Would they care if a handful of fat bikers rode across their property each winter in addition to the hundreds of snowmobiles?

I'll repeat my earlier suggestion to follow up with and finish opportunities already in our lap. That supports the land managers who stick their necks out for us, land managers who who write checks for us, and best fits the IMBA chapter being the stewards for the sport in this area.

Please consider how our area city, county and state land managers have years of experience knowing what works for many different groups. They know the sport is young. They have master plans where long-term solutions can fit in.

Another winter biking opportunity landed in my in box in recent days. Today the land manager was explicit saying it would be nice if the fat bikers would step in an a proactive manner while the sport is young vs repeat history where solutions are harder to create because they end up in a reactionary mode.

Fat bikers can be sure the CORP board will support a fat bike leader or program manager willing to expedite opportunities and work with our land managers.

Interesting discussion. Frank is good for that

I did not know that it was illegal to ride a bike on the snowmobile trails. I know in other parts of the state that snowmobile trails are used for fatbiking. Even sanctioned races on snowmobile trails. Maybe those are on state-owned trails? I was under the assumption that snow biking was not officially approved around here, but also not specifically disallowed either. I guess I have not read a Dane County landowner agreement. I assume you have and are moreinformed than I. I do know that these agreements are run by Dane County Parks.

I will also agree with William that it seems we have a lot of other issues that are more pressing. It will be a shame if we let existing opportunities for more snow biking trails (read open to all bikes in the snow) pass us by when they are actively seeking us. Even willing to put resources to it. All we need is someone willing to step up and it will happen.

While I definitely feel the need to have more trails to ride locally, I think we are talking about entirely different things here.

Establishing new trails is a lot of work, not just meeting and agreements, but cutting, maintaining and so forth, and all this for a few miles of trails. I'm not saying its not worthwhile, I'm just saying its a bigger project that takes resources.

Even maintaining MTB trails in the winter for fatbike use can be a lot of work as we found out last year.

What I'm talking about here is simply trying to gain access to 274 miles of trails, in Dane Co. alone, that are already in existence and perfectly groomed for fatbike use. I am sure this will take a couple meetings, written proposals and discussions, but relatively not much work for a huge payoff in potential routes to ride.

So when the snow is too deep and wet for fatbikes, why bother grooming the singletrack? Why not just ride on trails that already exist, are fare more numerous and closer to home, and ready to ride after just a few passes by a snowmobile?

If I'm the only one who's into this then I think I'll just buy myself a snowmobile trail pass, so if anyone asks, I can say I'm putting in my share for access to the trails. But if winter riders are interested, I'd like to say that we are representatives of CORP, rather than just a guy or a couple guys with a proposal.

The other trails I'd like to get access to is XC ski skate tracks. Fat bikes have less impact on those than ski's do, so no reason fatbikes shouldn't be allowed. But really, those are small potatos compared to the potential of the snowmobile trail network.

As for whether bikes are officially allowed on the trails or not. A few years ago the old map had a line in there about no snowshoing, skiing or bicycling on the snowmobile trails. Now on the 2011 PDF of the snowmobile routes, all I can find is something that says "No two, three or four wheelers permitted on trails." I assume they are talking about motorized wheels, but it could be applied to fat bikes.

That said, I wonder why they dropped the bit about snowshoes, skis and bicycles specifically? Does it go without saying? Did some state or county land access rule force them to remove it? Was there not enough space on the map?

Frank, I don't have answers for some things you bring up, and nothing's stopping you from pursuit of a passion. Please, don't misrepresent CORP the IMBA chapter or IMBA if you go at this on your own.

The board will gladly accept proposals brought to our quarterly meetings, or if the membership raises and issue that requires an emergency meeting.

My guess is the whole board and others will agree that we can't drop what's in the queue, we must support the land managers who stick their necks out for us, and be mindful of issues as they pertain to our IMBA chapter status.

I am very much with our land manager who expressed that it would be great for fat bikers to be proactive and organize while the sport is young vs have to get organized in a reactive manner.

Thank you.

I am all for you giving it a go as well Frank. If you are passionate about it, then bring it forward. That is how anything gets done. Both passion for the end result, and sticking to it for the long haul. Would I ride the trails? Sure I would some. Though I prefer to be on singletrack it would be a nice option. I have done it some here locally and had no issues. Though like Greg I have mainly been out when others are not.

If bikes are not expressly forbidden, I would think you might have an easier go of it. If they are expressly forbidden, I would think it will take way more time and effort than a couple of meetings. Like lots of meetings, lots of time, research, sticking with it, and potentially years. It took me 7 years to get the Connector trail approved at CamRock and that was with DCP always stating they were in favor of it.

I would say to start would be a call to DCP asking weather or not bikes are forbidden. But honestly I would not assume you would get the correct answer, just the one they want to portray (I am assuming no bikes as this is the easier route for them and they are too overwhelmed to want to take on anything new). I would try to find some official agreement or ordinance that would state the legal standing.

I don't own a fat bike so this wouldn't really impact me directly but I don't see why CORP couldn't get behind this.  As Frank stated, working towards getting permission to use already established trails doesn't really compete for resources like building new trails or maintaining trails does.  At the same time, if he's approaching folks trying to get an agreement in place he might carry a bit more weight if he can represent himself as being there on behalf of our club rather than as one interested guy. 

I don't own a fat bike so this wouldn't really impact me directly but I don't see why CORP couldn't get behind this.  As Frank stated, working towards getting permission to use already established trails doesn't really compete for resources like building new trails or maintaining trails does.  At the same time, if he's approaching folks trying to get an agreement in place he might carry a bit more weight if he can represent himself as being there on behalf of our club rather than as one interested guy.

As anything in life, some may be for it, some not.
As to whether the BOD will be behind this means to bring it in front of the BOD for a decision.
I get a lot of personal requests for new ideas, new trails, new trail building techniques, etc from folks. Prolly just 'cuz I have been around a bit at this point. I try very hard to make it clear they are talking to me and my opinions. I am not the BOD.
If the BOD is going to decide on something then it needs to formally be brought up to them. That won;t happen is a weeks time. But as stated a positive decision would result in a lot more weight behind it going forward. Particularly in this case as these trails are monitored by Dane County Parks. Though it is great to get some opinions of folks in general and that is always taken into consideration when the BOD is looking at ideas.