SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Chunky tires crunch through Summerside’s Rotary Friendship Park early Saturday morning.
The tires, about twice as wide as a regular mountain bike, bounce over the hard-crusted snow and plow through the exposed drifts of soft powder on the groomed tree-lined trails.
“I started with a regular mountain bike and progressed to a fat bike three years ago, so I can ride throughout the year,” said Kirk Johnson, who cycles twice a week in the park if weather permits, at dawn or dusk.
Fat bikes have become a popular winter activity in the park, thanks to the City of Summerside’s Active Winter campaign.
The campaign offers residents a reason to get outdoors and active with a free "Try Fat Biking" program that can be arranged.
“Last year, the city purchased two or three fat bikes, so they have programs for people that want to learn or give it a try. Those interested in fat biking can contact the city and the bikes can be signed out,” said Albert Flavell with Parks P.E.I.
“Once people sign the bikes out, they can meet me at the Rotary Park at a designated time and I will take the group out on the trails for an hour or more, depending on how many people there are,” he said.
“But before the outdoor fun begins, they will get an email on what to wear or how to prepare for the day.”
The 64-acre park, with more than five kilometres of trails, contains berms and rollers geared to the more advanced cyclist.
Although, there’s something there for everyone.
“I groom the trails, which is part of a program through Cycle P.E.I., and also, the province is involved, but this is a passion for me,” Flavell said. “There’s nothing more refreshing than escaping into the quiet of nature.”
All the trails in the park are multi-use, but trail etiquette is promoted.
For instance, wearing snowshoes on a freshly groomed trail or after a blizzard will keep it smooth and safe for the next user, said Flavell.
Flavell hopes to get more snow soon so the active winter campaign can kick into gear.
“This is a great activity during the winter season, and with more trails being developed and maintained, more people are joining this sport,” he said.
For more information, visit cupevents.ca/activewinter.
