Fatbiking 101

It's Official!

Our Recreation, RECR 193, Winter Cycling (aka FatBiking 101) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Kuskokwim Campus is a go!

Maybe this is a first of its kind at the University of Alaska! Curious if others are doing anything like this in an academic setting...please let me know if you are?

I use the website as a repository - focal point for the class. It includes: the syllabus (obviously), links to course resources like the fatbikealaska weblink, videos, pictures and even uptodate tweets regarding class happenings.

http://martinuaf-recr193.blogspot.com/

A little taste of the syllabus below:

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Course Description
RECR 193 is a survey of winter bicycling in Alaska. Topics covered include: Alaskan Winter Cycling Roots &History; Performance & Off-season Training; Bike Design, Performance & Construction; Expedition Readiness and Wheel Building. Practicum will include in-region day-rides and bike-building opportunities for all students. Upon completion, students will have a better understanding of the new levels of fitness and the safe enjoyment of the out-of-doors that this growing winter sport can provide.

Course Goals
* Exposure to some of the unique bicycling history in Alaska
* Understand the roots of Snow Biking and the Development of 'FatBikes' in Alaska
* Develop a broader knowledge-base regarding ultralight camping and self propelled travel
* Understand critical design and construction components for winter bicycles
* Develop basic mechanic skills and confidence through hands-on bike shop experience
* Review off-season training tools and performance
* Recognize and practice safe wilderness travel etiquette

ml

New Fat Bike Forum

MTBR has put-up a new forum dedicated to the Fat in Bikes:

http://forums.mtbr.com/forumdisplay.php?f=164

Two cool threads:

Fat Bike History

Fat Bike FAQ

Still like the Alaska forum as a repository though...more centric to our efforts and nuances...to each their own!