A layperson review of Skookum

The Fatback Skookum

I am in completely and utterly in love with my Skookum fat bike.  If you would have told me five months ago that I would feel this way towards a fat bike I would have laughed.   My old cross-country bike was eight years old, elderly in the bike world. Then it was stolen.  I was heartbroken over losing my first love. Living in skiing heaven, I was one of those people that would say fat bikes aren’t bikes or winter is for skiing. Then with thanks to homeowners insurance, no adventure bike, and a recommendation from a friend I purchased a Skookum. I wanted a bike that could play a bit in the snow and needed to bikepack. I liked the idea of having a Bluto fork, not vital for snow but nice for bikepacking. My thoughts about tire width, were I think those belong on a mack truck.  As the Skookum came with Jumbo Jims, a hefty 4.8 inches with an aggressive lug pattern. When I got the bike, I wasn’t sure about this whole fat biking thing.  I thought it be a way to get outside when I couldn’t ski. Then a friend took me out for single track and my heart started to pitter patter. As winter went on I started to ride more, the more I would ride the more I would fall in love. By March a whole 6 weeks into my fat bike relationship I was biking more than skiing. I would meet a great group of folks who also have a few lose screws.

                Then in April I was invited to ride the Kokopelli trail. When I purchased the bike I thought about getting a second wheel set for summer/ adventure of 27.5+. When I committed to the ride I was traveling and would have 3 days to get my bike ready. Not enough time to sort out what I wanted in terms of tire and gearing. Instead of making quick and costly decisions I went for what I had. Going into this trip I was worried that Jumbo Jims were a bit too big and the gearing would be too hard for a loaded bike going up steep grades. Now, 150 miles later I am more in love. Once I figured out how to get the most clearance out of my seat post bag I was ready. Riding a small frame creates a huge space challenge.  Having less than an inch of clearance but with a bit of extra p-cord on the bag I was good to go. I was worried about the bike handling with weight. Reality, I rode up and down things I didn’t was possible. I will admit did notice weight when I was hike a biking. I was nervous that only having one 30 tooth chain ring would not be a great idea for bikepacking. Reality, 1x11 was great, the gearing was just right. For the long road climbs I added extra air and it wasn’t too bad. Once I got the massive wheels going I felt unstoppable. Going downhill was incredible! I didn’t think riding a loaded bike could be so much fun. The Jumbo Jims are so dang stable. I was able to carry speed well, which adds to the fun-o-meter. I have the 4 season G1 build. I switched to a trigger shifter, went to tubeless, and switched the saddle to a woman’s (that is a rant for another day). If I were to go on a ride with more gravel I think a smaller tire would be good choice. Overall, this bike and build is great for trails such as Kokopelli and single track snow.

The joys of fat tires

I was so very wrong about fat bikes. A fat bike is a bike with tires over 3 inches wide. In November my beloved Sunshine was stolen out of the back of my truck. I had just bought a new trail bike. Sunshine was going to be adventure bike, gravel and bikepacking. My homeowners insurance would cover replacement cost of my bike. I first thought about buying a plus (3 inch tires) size bike that I could still ride some snow and mostly adventure. Then the idea came, buy a fat bike and then second wheel set. I figured that I didn’t have much to lose. In January I test rode a fat bike before buying. Oh man, it kicked my butt. I liked it enough to open Pandora’s box. I ordered a Fat Back Skookum. I named the bike Sven, after the reindeer in Frozen.   From insurance I was able to order a Cadillac, carbon and Bluto fork.

I knew that tire PSI was key for success. My first few rides were not great. The conditions were a bit warm so traction was limited. Then a friend and I rode the single track in Victor, oh man, I was now hooked. Finally, I was able to align conditions and tire PSI. Fitz (local bike shop) was hosting group rides in the evening. I found my bike light and showed up. I am fairly sure I was a complete junk show. Figuring out layering for riding when it 10 out. Trying to keep up the group and not falling. One of the joys of riding on snow is getting flung off and wallowing in soft snow with no warning. I fell a few times. On the way back my light died. Thankfully someone had a backup! My world was just what I could see, everything else disappeared. The next morning, I was back in my happy place.

Next, I finally figured out the trails at Targhee and fell more in love. A friend told me about the Togwotee Pass Winter Classic. A 25 or 35 mile race on snowmobile trails. I felt like I was back in college racing. I have bought winter boots just for this race. I met a few other racers at breakfast. I had figured out how to carry water without it freezing for a 4 hour ride. Then about a half mile in my chain dropped into the spokes. I tried to pull then yank it out, no luck. Someone stopped to help me hold the bike, still no luck. I was forced to push my bike back to the lodge. After a bit I ran into a local who could help me. It took him 45 minutes to get the chain out, that fix was well above my pay grade. By the time my bike was ready the first round of folks were coming in. I went for a little out and back ride. Sad that I wasn’t able to ride but glad it happened at a half mile and not mile 15.

By the end of March, I was completely in love with Sven. Riding brought me joy that I hadn’t felt. I had a sense of adventure that was new. Skiing I love but biking brought me excitement and joy that skiing hasn’t. Fat biking kept me going this winter. I was going through some rough times with my family and job. Thank you to my friends who encouraged me with fat biking, I cannot tell you how much I owe you.  One of the best parts is that Sven isn’t just limited to snow.

Night riding, love the frost.

Targhee single track

pushing up to Mud Lake and making friends who are just as nuts as me. 

Bitch Creek, from my house =)

Idaho Hot Springs, the ride

Hi there! 

So I am not so good about updating my blog better late than never. The Hot Spring Loop. Oh man, that trip kicked my butt and ticked off my achilles. I wasn't able to train as much as I wanted, with the election in May then a cold that had me in bed for a week in June doesn't create good conditions for training. When planning I figured I riding 65 miles per day would be good. 65 miles on gravel and going up and over passes is way harder than 65 road miles. 

The first day, I rode out of Boise with Kyle and Sarah riding the first 20 miles. Then my first pass, the heat kicked my booty. Riding around the reservoir. Finally about 3 pm I was officially on the route! I chose a campground with a hot spring. I was making slower time than I wanted. My booty was starting to hurt. I finally made it to the "campground" it was abandoned about 30 years ago. There was an outhouse that didn't look inviting. I looked for the hot spring, then I saw it, across the river. I could see the steam just downstream. Being alone, I wasn't comfortable crossing the river. So my first soak would have to wait. I made dinner and went to bed. 

The second day. I was up early and headed out. There was a hot spring about 15 miles at the base of the first major pass. I made my way, again slower pace than what I was hoping. I made it to the hot spring for an early lunch. I crossed a small creek with hope of soaking. What I found was a hose but no hot water. So no mid-day soaking. I filled up water, ate, and started the slog up the pass. As I made my way up I found granny gear going a whopping 3 miles per hour. My booty kept hurting. I was clawing my way. A few hours later and 4-5 miles below the top I was walking. A truck passed me offered a ride, I declined. They passed me again and this time I accepted. By this time I was worried about running out of water. They drove me to the top and I was grateful for the help. I don't like taking rides from people, the point is for me to ride my bike not hitch hike. I had under estimated my ability and the challenge I accepted. I needed the help. At the top, I had a blast going down into the first "town" Rocky Bar. Rocky Bar has a house and sign! I had another small pass to climb then drop into Featherville. There was a small store I picked up an ice cream and gatorade. I rode on to a campground about another 10 miles. There was a developed hot spring. When I arrived I realized that it was Saturday night. I was able to find a site. Then I went soaked. While in the pool I realized that I had only talked with the folks who gave me a ride. I craved conversation but no one talked. I made dinner and laid down. Now, I only had my sleeping bag no tent or tarp. A young girl, about in 4th grade came over and asked why I didn't have tent and I was worried about raccoons? I said I didn't need a tent. I told her that I was riding my bike around. She was taken aback, in a good way, she had never thought about riding her bike and camping. I have to say, I love when I shatter people's world with new ideas.     

The third day. I was up early again. Another huge pass, Dollarhide. I had 30 miles of slight uphill, 10 miles of steep uphill, and 25 miles of downhill to Sun Valley. Riding the first section was again slow, my booty hurting, plugging along at 8-10 miles per hour. Once I hit the steep uphill I a sense of joy came. I could see how much I was climbing which makes my heart beat a bit faster. I was still going 3-4 miles per hour. I did have to walk a few places but I made it! Then the downhill, on the steep downhill I would try to keep my speed around 25 miles per hour, not wanting to lose control on gravel and go over the edge. I passed a number of hot springs but didn't soak, I wanted to keep moving. I realized late in the day that it was Father's Day. So I pushed into Sun Valley. I was so hungry and tired. When I arrived in town I called dad to say happy father's day and that I was alive and well. He said that I have family in Sun Valley! Why, my parent's didn't tell me this before my ride not sure. I booked a hotel room as I couldn't find a campground in my 10 minute search. That shower was just wonderful! I rise out my biking clothes. I contact my family, Frankie and Alan, we plan to have breakfast. 

Day four. I got up and mostly packed and rode to meet Frankie and Alan for breakfast. Sun Valley has a very similar feel to Jackson. Oh man, Frankie and Alan were great, they a few years older than my parents. Alan is an avid cyclist. He has a sexy road bike (typically I don’t say road bike and sexy but this one is an exception). He passed on the daily group ride with the guys to meet me. They invited me to stay the night, I accepted my body was beat up. I wanted to buy a new saddle. I was starting to get saddle sores which for me is the indication that a saddle doesn’t fit. I bought a new Brooks B17 men’s, what a difference! Alan and Frankie showed me around, we went to the newly remodeled resort, wow! Alan has WWII jeep, this is his other toy. We enjoyed each other’s company. Crazy to have family close by and they get the mountain lifestyle.

Day Five. As I was packing up I topped off my tires with air. Then blew my tube! Alan would ride with me for the first 20 miles. About 10 miles in I my Achilles was hurting to the point that I needed to take some vitamin-I (Ibuprofen) and tape my Achilles. I had felt it on the first days but it always went away in the first 30 minutes of riding. Now looking back, I wonder if the saddle pain was masking the Achilles pain. When the pavement ended Alan said good-bye. I headed up Glenna Pass and hopefully on to Stanley. Mid-afternoon I was at the Glenna Pass lodge. The bike shop gave me info about the next turn, without that information I would have stayed on the road. The “gravel road” was overgrown not very visible. It was a hard but fun climb. Again not making the time I had hoped but I started to accept my fitness and challenge. I topped out. Then headed down, again checking my speed. About 20 miles from Stanley there is a lodge with food. I figured I would have dinner and ride on bit. Across from Smiley Creek Lodge is landing strip. I talked with two guys who were flying around. I ended up staying the night, the owner let me stay in teepee! My Achilles never felt great.

Day Six. I woke up and had breakfast at the restaurant. I met a woman who was riding a section of the loop. The day before she tried the single track section and she turned back. The year before she raced the Great Divide Route in 28 days, averaging 98 miles! Badass? Yes! Just as the folks the day before at the Glenna Lodge had said the route needed work, she said the same thing. We headed out. My leg was still hurting. I wasn’t sure how far I wanted to go, I wanted to give my leg a bit of rest. By mid morning I knew that I needed to pull off. I had a choice, pull off and be able to rest and recover to work in July or push though be in pain and probably really hurt myself. I called Kyle and Sarah to see if they could pick me up. Being such wonderful friends and despite Kyle haven’t a root canal done that morning they came to my rescue. I made it to Stanley. There is a hot spring in town and I soaked for the second time.

Post ride. I stayed in Boise for a few days before heading back to Teton Valley. My Achilles was still grumpy and swollen. When I got home, my Achilles started to squeak! I went to physical therapist and we created a plan to help my Achilles. I love that I live in a place that gets my lifestyle! I was able to work a NOLS course. My Achilles today 10 months later is still not 100% but it doesn’t affect too much.