We're getting into the part of the year when fat-bike events start filling up the calendar, and a couple of longtime fixtures are making news. Hugh Jass is trying something different after more than a decade of winter racing, while Polar Roll has another sold-out Mass Start on its hands. There's plenty happening closer to home, too, along with a few interesting places to ride considerably farther away.

After more than a decade of winter fat-bike racing, the Hugh Jass Fat Bike Series is changing things up for 2027. Instead of the familiar multi-race schedule, there will be just one event, appropriately named One Big Hugh-Rah, on February 6 at Jennings Holler in Eagle, Wisconsin.

Wheel & Sprocket launched Hugh Jass in 2015 as a way to get people out riding fat-bikes through the winter. Over the years, the series expanded to locations around Wisconsin and Illinois, developing a personality all its own. Flannel, costumes, Hammerschlagen, bucket-race finishes and a healthy disregard for taking bicycle racing too seriously have been part of the attraction. You can race hard if you want, but there have always been other ways to earn points and have a good time.

For 2027, the organizers are concentrating everything into one race and a larger post-race party. The course will combine open passing areas with singletrack, followed by a gathering in a barn with a live band, prizes and raffles. This year's theme is Space Cowboy/Cowgirl, and both costumes and flannel can earn extra points. The race starts at 11 a.m., with the party beginning at 1 p.m.

There's an important catch. Organizers need at least 250 registered riders to make the event happen, and registration is capped at 350. Regular advance entry is $50, with a limited early-registration discount available.

I've watched plenty of cycling events come and go over the years, and I hope this new approach works. Hugh Jass has always had its own personality, and winter fat-biking is better with events that remember riding bicycles is supposed to be fun. If you've been thinking about doing a Hugh Jass race, this might be the year to finally get out there.

One Big Hugh-Rah: Official Event Information and Registration

Registration for the 2027 Polar Roll opened Sunday, November 8, and all 450 places in the February 20 Mass Start are now filled. That's 50 more riders than the 400 places originally announced. The 2026 event famously sold out in just three minutes, although I haven't found confirmation of how long it took to fill this year's expanded field. Either way, there's clearly no shortage of enthusiasm for riding around Michigan's Upper Peninsula in February.

One of the big attractions for 2027 is the return of the original 30-mile point-to-point route from Marquette to Ishpeming. The shorter 15-mile event remains based in Ishpeming, and organizers say the 30-mile route will be used regardless of how much snow arrives this winter. Exact course details will be released closer to the event.

There are other ways to participate in Polar Roll beyond the sold-out Mass Start. The EX format runs from January 1 through March 1 and offers several opportunities for independent winter riding. The Ultra begins February 22, with 100- and 150-mile categories currently listed. Final Ultra route details are still being developed.

Polar Roll has become one of those events that people plan their winters around. Between the quick sellout last year, another full field this year and the return of the original point-to-point course, 906 Adventure Team appears to have found a formula that keeps people coming back.

Polar Roll 2027 Official Event Information

Global Fat-Bike Day is Saturday, December 5, and more organized rides are appearing as we get closer to the annual celebration.

In Wisconsin, CAMBA is planning a gathering at New Moon Ski and Bike Shop in Hayward, with a casual ride planned on the Hospital Trails. Over in Crosby, Minnesota, the Cuyuna crew has put together Intergalactic Fat Bike Day, with a group ride leaving Red Raven Bikes for the Yawkey Unit. Fat-bike rentals will be available, and riders can return to the shop for food, hot drinks and a Wolf Tooth Components giveaway.

Flatlands Cycling in Fargo, North Dakota, is also planning a December 5 group ride, while Bloomington Parks and Recreation in Minnesota is taking a different approach with its Fat Bike with a Naturalist program. That one provides bikes and helmets for a beginner-friendly ride along the Minnesota River Bottoms Trail, with stops to learn about the local environment.

I've always appreciated the grassroots nature of Global Fat-Bike Day. Some people organize races or elaborate group outings, while others simply meet a few friends at a trailhead and go for a ride. There's no particular requirement beyond getting out and enjoying a fat-bike. Snow is nice, but it isn't mandatory.

If you're organizing a Global Fat-Bike Day ride and we don't have it listed, send us the details. We'd like to help people find opportunities to ride with other fat-bikers.

CAMBA Global Fat Bike Day
Cuyuna Intergalactic Fat Bike Day
Flatlands Cycling Global Fat Bike Day
Fat Bike with a Naturalist in Bloomington

Whatever happened to Borealis? That's a question I've heard more than once since the Colorado fat-bike manufacturer announced it was scaling back operations in 2025. The company cited tariffs, uncertainty over import costs and a slowdown across the bicycle industry as reasons for suspending new inventory purchases. At the time, there was understandable speculation about whether Borealis would survive.

Well, according to a statement on the company's website, Borealis is still in business and plans to return to full operations in fall 2027, with a complete lineup of new bikes and parts. In the meantime, the company has reduced inventory and scaled back operations while continuing to provide spare parts, warranty service and customer support.

For now, it appears Borealis is largely working through existing inventory rather than introducing new models. The company's website still offers custom configurations of its Flume aluminum fat-bike, with complete builds starting at $2,099. The frame accommodates tires up to 26 × 5 inches or 27.5 × 4.5 inches, and buyers can choose from several drivetrain, wheel and component combinations. The carbon Crestone, however, is currently listed as sold out.

Borealis has been part of the fat-bike scene since 2013, and I'd hate to see another established manufacturer disappear. The bicycle industry has had a rough few years, and smaller companies specializing in something as niche as fat-bikes face particular challenges. It's encouraging that Borealis is still supporting its customers and has a plan to bring new products to market.

Of course, fall 2027 is a target, not a guarantee, and we'll have to see how market conditions develop. But there's an important distinction between a company winding down permanently and one deliberately taking a break while keeping the lights on. For now, Borealis says it's the latter, and that's welcome news.

Borealis Fat Bikes: Official Website and Company Updates
Borealis Flume Custom Fat-Bike

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We recently covered Ornot's new Alpha Wool Pullover, one of the first cycling garments to incorporate Polartec's Alpha with Wool insulation.

The pullover combines merino wool with the familiar lofted Alpha construction, creating a breathable insulating layer intended for changing conditions. Ornot offers men's and women's versions, both made in the USA and priced at $198.

For fat-biking, the interesting question is how well this material manages moisture during high-effort riding. Staying warm isn't usually the hardest part of winter cycling. Staying comfortable while your effort level and the weather keep changing can be considerably more complicated.

I've also been testing Ornot's Fog Eater rain jacket, Mission Pants and Merino Gravel Sweater. Those are still works in progress, but I'm interested in how well this kind of clothing performs both on the bike and as everyday wear.

Ornot Introduces the Alpha Wool Pullover

If you missed last week's story about Dave Schlabowske's friend Andy “Bike Farmer” Quandt, it's worth a look. Andy once declared fat-bikes stupid, slow and pointless, insisting he'd never own one until pigs could fly.

Then he ended up riding a titanium Carver Omega Beast on a bikepacking trip in Maine. He liked it enough to bring the bike back to Wisconsin, where another fat-bike adventure followed on Dave's Valhalla Beach Party route along Lake Superior.

It's a good story, complete with photographs, route information and videos. Sometimes the most effective argument for fat-bikes is simply handing somebody one and taking them for a ride.

Pigs Can Fly: Bikefarming in Valhalla

FIRFAR returns this Sunday. The eighth annual Flannel Iowa River Fatbike Adventure Ride takes place November 15 in Steamboat Rock, Iowa. Riders can choose approximately 20-, 30- or 40-mile routes through a mixture of gravel, dirt, grass and unimproved roads. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the local holiday toy drive. FIRFAR: The Hateful 8

Triple D celebrates twenty winters of questionable ideas. The January 16, 2027 event in Dubuque, Iowa, marks twenty years since a small group set off into the winter countryside and decided to call it a race. The current event includes several riding distances and a noncompetitive poker tour. Triple D Winter Endurance Race

Tuscobia returns with 80- and 160-mile options. The Wisconsin winter ultra runs January 1–3, 2027, with new organizers Kari Gibbons and Erik Raivo. Registration is already closed, but the event remains one to follow for anyone interested in winter endurance riding. Tuscobia Winter Ultra

Fat Pursuit is coming in January. The Idaho winter endurance event is scheduled for January 8–10, with 30K, 60K and 200K options in the Greater Yellowstone region. The longer distances are the sort of undertaking where equipment preparation and experience matter at least as much as fitness. Fat Pursuit

Fat Viking heads back into the Norwegian winter. The January 30, 2027 event in Geilo offers 50K, 100K and 150K distances. If your idea of a good winter weekend involves a lot of riding in Scandinavian conditions, here's one to investigate. Fat Viking

The Fat-bike.com Events Calendar keeps growing. We've been adding winter races, Global Fat-Bike Day gatherings and other fat-bike events from around the country and beyond. Recent additions include Bold St. Nick's, the Fat Bike Loppet, the Great Nordeen and several community rides. We're also updating existing listings as organizers release new information. If you know about an event we're missing, send us the details. Check the Fat-bike.com Events Calendar

Steamboat Rock, Iowa

The eighth annual Flannel Iowa River Fatbike Adventure Ride offers approximately 20-, 30- and 40-mile mixed-terrain routes. The recommended entry fee is a new, unwrapped toy for the local holiday toy drive.

FIRFAR Event Information

Worldwide

The annual grassroots celebration of fat-biking returns. Organized rides are planned in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and plenty of other locations, with more gatherings being announced as December approaches.

Find Global Fat-Bike Day Events on Fat-bike.com

Medora, North Dakota

Two-hour, four-hour and team racing in the North Dakota Badlands. Registration is open.

Bold St. Nick's Registration

Dubuque, Iowa

Twenty years of winter endurance riding, with approximately 20-, 35- and 70-mile options and a noncompetitive poker tour.

Triple D Event Information

Jennings Holler, Eagle, Wisconsin

The Hugh Jass Fat Bike Series consolidates its 2027 season into one race and party. Organizers need at least 250 registered riders to hold the event, with a maximum of 350.

Hugh Jass Race Information and Registration

Marquette and Ishpeming, Michigan

The February 20 Mass Start is sold out, with all 450 spots filled. The Ultra begins February 22, while the independent EX format runs January 1 through March 1.

Polar Roll Official Event Information

Find more winter races, rides and gatherings on the Fat-bike.com Events Calendar. If you're organizing an event we're missing, we'd like to hear about it.

Winter has a way of reminding us about the equipment we meant to deal with last spring. Tires that have seen better days, dried-up sealant, dead light batteries and frame bags that don't quite fit are all easier to address now than when the first real snow arrives.

If you're looking for tires, bags, lights, clothing or other fat-bike equipment, take a look at the Fat-bike.com Partner Store. We've collected links to companies and retailers we work with, and purchases through participating affiliate links help support Fat-bike.com without changing what you pay.

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While looking through winter fat-bike destinations, I came across a travel guide from Visit Finland highlighting Northern Lapland. It's a place where winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, watching the northern lights and, perhaps less surprisingly to those of us who ride fat-bikes, exploring the trails on big tires.

The Saariselkä area in northern Finland has an established winter cycling network, with approximately 80 kilometers of winter biking routes according to regional tourism information. There are guided fat-bike rides, equipment rentals and routes ranging from relatively easy forest trails to more demanding outings across the open fells. You don't even need to bring a bike, which makes it a little easier to contemplate a trip halfway around the world.

One local operator offers guided two-hour winter fat-bike rides with a choice of conventional or electric fat-bikes, while another runs evening rides where, if conditions cooperate, you might find yourself pedaling beneath the northern lights. The scenery looks pretty spectacular, with snow-covered forests, open Arctic landscapes and trails winding through a part of the world that's about as different from a typical Midwest winter ride as you can imagine.

I've always liked the way fat-bikes open up places and conditions that might otherwise be difficult to experience on a bicycle. The idea of spending a few days riding groomed winter trails in Finnish Lapland, stopping for photographs and perhaps finishing the day in a traditional sauna, sounds like an excellent use of a fat-bike.

It's also a reminder that fat-biking has developed its own culture in places far beyond North America. We spend plenty of time talking about Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Alaska, but there's an entire world of winter riding worth exploring.

Visit Finland: Your Guide to Northern Lapland
Lapland North: Winter Biking Routes and Experiences
Guided Fat-Bike Riding in Saariselkä

Hugh Jass trying a new format and Polar Roll filling another race field are two different reminders of what it takes to keep winter cycling events going. Meanwhile, Global Fat-Bike Day is getting closer, and there are plenty of opportunities to get out and ride before the heart of winter arrives.

If you've got a Reader's Ride, custom build, event or something else worth sharing, bring it over to the Fat-bike Lab or just hit reply. I'm always interested in seeing what people are riding and where they're taking their bikes.

See you next week.

Greg

Fat Dash Bike Dot Com

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