Sunshine, Snow and Fat Bikes at Summerstown Trails

On January 18th, Summerstown Trails held an Intro to Fat Biking Clinic on a beautiful sunny winter morning. The clinic consisted of a hour-long introduction inside the chalet followed by a ride through the forest.

The morning began with a presentation of a $1000 donation to Summerstown Trails by Tom Everson on behalf of the Rotary Club of Cornwall Sunrise to help fund bus transportation for the school programs. The cheque was presented to Vic Leroux, President of Friends of Summerstown Forest Trails (FOTST) and Jean-Pierre Tibi, FOTST Secretary and Communication/Event/Media Contact.

The clinic instructor was Steve Sutherland, a FOTST member and experienced cyclist who has hosted several similar clinics in the past. The information session included such topics as tire pressure, appropriate clothing and gear, bike maintenance, sizing and specific bike features, tire studs, and riding techniques. A special shout out was made to the groomers, a group of dedicated volunteers who prepare the trails, often in the dark, using a special stand-on motorized device called a Snowdog. The theory portion of the clinic completed with a prize draw consisting of cycling items courtesy of Total Cyclery & Sports.

It was then time to hit the winding trails through the forest with Steve in the lead. I witnessed many smiling faces as the group headed out to enjoy the outdoors.

Summerstown Trails has 20 km of fat bike and multi-use trails. A few bikes (with helmets) are available for rental on weekends at $15 per hour by E-transfer or cash payment only. Contact [email protected] for more information. Trail conditions are posted regularly on the Summerstown Trails Facebook page or by joining the Facebook Group “Summerstown Flow Riders.” Consider becoming a FOSFT Member to help with the trail maintenance costs and to obtain extra benefits such as discounts on rental equipment and invitations to special members-only events.

For more information about the Summerstown Trails visit their website at: summerstowntrails.com