Fat bikes, the ice road, and other winter biking fun.
Biking in the winter is growing every year. From biking on Lake Superior (including the Bayfield to Madeline Island Ice Road) to the roads in the National Forest and the popular Fat Bike Trails at Mt. Ashwabay. Whether you have a mountain bike, fat bike or sometimes even a road bike there are many places in the area to ride and enjoy some beautiful scenery along with getting some great exercise.
Riding the ice on Lake Superior has been popular for several years. The first ice bikers were the ice fisherman modifying their bikes to pull an ice fishing sled with all their gear. Now many bikers have taken their bikes out to Madeline Island and further. General guidelines regarding ice thickness and safety can be found at http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/thickness.html. Studded tires are recommended for ice riding.
National Forest roads are another great place to ride. A lot of them are plowed through the winter and the others are still ride-able with fat bikes. Great opportunity to connect with nature and track all the wildlife that use the roads for easy passage including the local wolf packs.
Bayfield's Mt Ashwabay Ski & Recreation Area has some great fat bike trails that give the rider a great workout and a lot of downhill thrills. You can find more information on the trail system at http://www.mtashwabay.org/winter-fat-tire-biking.html.
The North Coast Cycling Association actively promotes winter biking in the area and is hosting several winter bike competitions and weekly rides throughout the winter. For more information go to www.northcoastcycling.com