If you don’t want to put your bike away for the winter, try ripping up the snow on a fat bike! With 4-5 inch wide tires, more than twice as wide as the standard mountain bike tire, these bikes provide excellent flotation in soft conditions like snow or sand! They are an amazing way to enjoy the outdoors in the Winter.  Ride across a frozen lake or go for miles on a bike-friendly trail. There are many locations throughout the state to rent a fat bike, so you can try one before you buy one. Don’t let this winter pass you by without giving fat biking a try!

Take a trip down Route 26

Heading North on Route 26 from Portland and Gray takes you to the heart of Maine’s Winter playground. When planning your trip, leave SOME extra time to visit these great destinations along the way.

Carter’s XC Ski in Oxford has purposely built fat bike trails & fat bike rentals provided on-site by the Green Machine Bike Shop. Other noteworthy places to ride are Shepard’s Farm Preserve in Norway and Range Pond State Park in Poland. Snowmobile trails are also a great option, just be sure to ask permission from your local snowmobile club, as not all snowmobile trails are fat bike friendly.

The Green Machine Bike Shop opened its doors on Main Street in Norway, the Spring of 2012, with the focus on bicycle & ski repair. They have expanded their retail offerings to include bicycles & accessories from Felt, Scott, KHS, Santa Cruz & Fizik. Their ski lines include Volkl, Black Diamond & Scott Skis, Scarpa Telemark boots, Dalbello Alpine boots, Rottefella, NTN, 22 designs, BlackDiamond & Marker bindings. They have group rides for experienced road and mountain bikers, and a group that builds trails. Group road bike rides are Wednesdays at 5:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.  The group mountain bike ride is Sunday at 9:00 a.m. The trail building group meets  Tuesday afternoons at 5:30 p.m. Call 207-739-2324 for the most up to date information.

Green Machine’s Angela Harvey and company showing off their fat bikes. Photo courtesy of Green Machine Bike Shop.

Smedberg’s Crystal Spring Farm roadside stand in Oxford was originally built in 1967 and is owned and operated by Roger and Gayle Smedberg and Roger Smedberg, Jr. From Made-in-Maine products like maple syrup, honey, fruit salsa, pottery, soaps and ornaments, to their own One Cow Homemade Ice Cream that’s “udderly delicious,” Smedberg’s Crystal Spring Farm is an experience unlike any other. Stop by and check out their homemade baked goods including pies, breads and Gayle’s delicious homemade baked beans and chicken pies. Smedberg’s all-natural, home-grown beef, pork and lamb are raised on the farm and fed from the field, with no added hormones. Also available: bison, chicken, seafood and live lobster. You won’t want to miss a stop at Smedberg’s Crystal Spring Farm.

Carters Cross Country Ski Center is a family owned and operated business, and has been for over 30 years. They have two locations with full-service ski shops and unique trails. Their ski shops can equip you with quality touring packages, as well as Back Country and top of the line racing equipment for your entire family. Carter’s has many trails designated for Back Country skiers and snowshoers. They rent Back Country equipment and snowshoes at both locations so you can try before you buy.

Photo courtesy of Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce.

“I don’t have a bucket list… but my bikeit list is a mile long.” — unknown

After all that trail time you will have worked up an appetite! Located right on Route 26 in South Paris, stop for a meal at Maurice Restaurant. Since 1976, Maurice’s has been a pleasant surprise for world sojourners and people new to the beautiful Oxford Hills area of western Maine. The 200-year old clapboard house turned restaurant continues to delight, serving French-Continental cuisine in an elegant country

atmosphere at affordable prices.

Whether you crave breakfast in the morning or for lunch, Egg-ceptional has the menu for you. They offer breakfast all day and are home to the “Belly Buster,” an Omelet Challenge. Located at the 5 Corners in Mechanic Falls, Egg-ceptional features hearty country cooking and a friendly staff. You’ll feel as if you’re eating at home, except. . . you don’t have to wash the dishes! The restaurant is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. till 2 p.m.

Interested in mushing? Founded in 1977 by mushers Grey and Kathy Pickett, Nooksack Racing Supply is a provider of top quality equipment for novice and experienced mushers and dog powered sports. Friendly, courteous and knowledgeable staff to help you & your four legged friends. Proudly made in Maine, USA.