_ The 2022 The Forge Fat Tire Race & Tour:

The Forge Fat Tire Race & Tour

in Partnership with The Bike Hub

January 15, 2022

Race Information

The Forge Fat Tire Bike Race & Tour, Partnered with the Bike Hub, will be the first Fat Tire race in the Chicagoland area.  The race will take place on the gravel and MTB trails throughout the Forge: Lemont Quarries Adventure Park and adjoining Heritage Quarries Recreation Area and I&M Canal trails.  

As a winter event we anticipate the trails to be snow covered.  As we know all too well in the Chicago area, we cannot predict or control the weather and winter around here can be variable and gnarly.   The event will proceed in all weather conditions unless it is unsafe.      

We cannot control the weather and the course conditions can vary widely, from hard packed to soft powder, icy to no snow at all.  The trails will be groomed for Fat Tire riding, assuming there is adequate snow.  There are no restrictions on the specific tire size allowed.  Participants are free to choose different equipment based on the conditions of the course. We recommend that participants be prepared to race in any course condition, with bikes that are equipped with at least 3.5 inch wide tires.  E-bikes are not allowed in the race but may be used in the Tour.

Course Information

The Forge Fat Tire Bike Race will be developed based on trail and weather conditions that traverses the wide gravel trails, newly developed double and single single track throughout the Forge and adjoining trails systems.  The course is being designed and the distance and course will be released before race day.  The main trails have a variety of terrain but are mostly flat with a few small hills, bridge crossings, etc.  The MTB / single track trails will have more variability in the terrain.    

The Forge Fat Tire Bike Tour is an untimed non- competitive event that will allow riders to casually tour the trails at their own pace.  E-Bike are allowed in the Tour.

Final course maps will be released well before race day.  The trail and weather conditions will determine the actual course and distance.

Preliminary Course Map: Forge Fat Tire Race & Tour Map    

Registration

Online Registration Opens October 15, 2021

Race Cap is 300

Tour Cap is 100

Entry Fees:

Fat Tire Bike Race:

• October 15 – December 31, 2021 = $45

*Includes entry to the race, electronically timed results, earned overall and age group awards, a cool Forge Winter hat, swag and post-race party with food, beer, and other beverages.

Fat Tire Bike Tour:

• October 15 – Event Day = $30

*Includes entry to the tour, a cool Forge Winter hat, swag and post-race party with food, beer, and other beverages.

Online registration closes Tuesday, January 11.

In person registration will be available at packet pick-up and race day if the event is not sold out.