Riders brave winter conditions during the Rangeley Fat Bike Loppet. (Rangeley Lakes Trails Center Photo)
Riders brave winter conditions during the Rangeley Fat Bike Loppet. (Rangeley Lakes Trails Center Photo)

Maine Hosts 10th Rangeley Fat Bike Loppet in January

Maine’s Rangeley Lakes Trail Center will host the 10th annual Rangeley Fat Bike Loppet on January 26.

This popular event for fat bike enthusiasts features the option of a long course of 16 to 20 miles and a short course of eight to 10 miles.

Snow falls while a riders tackles the Rangeley Fat Bike Loppet course. (Rangeley Lakes Trails Center Photo)
Snow falls while a riders tackles the Rangeley Fat Bike Loppet course. (Rangeley Lakes Trails Center Photo)

The course takes advantage of the varied terrain at the Trails Center, from wide straight-a-ways to gradual ascent and descents, to some aggressive hill climb and descent opportunities. The race features spectacular views and often frequent wildlife sightings.

The Trails Center grooms with a PistenBully nordic groomer with a power tiller and aims for a nice firm corduroy for the fat bike course. The singletrack is snowmobile groomed. Course length may be adjusted based on snow conditions.

A pack of riders navigate the Rangeley Fat Bike Loppet course. (Rangeley Lakes Trails Center)
A pack of riders navigate the Rangeley Fat Bike Loppet course. (Rangeley Lakes Trails Center)

The Trail Center stadium provides an excellent venue for mass starts and great visibility for an exciting finish. There is a sidehill overlooking the stadium that also provides a perfect vantage point for spectators. There are several places along the course that are in the vicinity of the Trail Center’s yurt lodge that also provide good places for cheering and spectating. 

Visit the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center page to learn more and to register.

To get a feel for the event, enjoy this video documenting the 2018 race.