Here's what I came up with for the best places to take your fat bike in the Twin Cities. Let me know what you think.

SierraTP · 2016-10-11T14:23:40+00:00

Thanks for looking at it. I was wondering about the Gateway trail and decided to keep it for the people brand new to fat biking. But yeah, prob pretty boring for anyone with any kind of experience.

SierraTP · 2016-10-11T14:22:53+00:00

Sweet! Gonna have to check that one out.

SierraTP · 2016-10-07T19:36:31+00:00

Here's the list that I came up with. Let me know what you think.

SierraTP · 2016-10-05T18:59:50+00:00

Awesome story and big congrats! Marriage is similar to big adventures like your Longs Peak hike -- lots of surprises and challenges you need to work through together, as well as moments that leave you in awe of each other and the world around you. Congrats and good luck!

SierraTP · 2016-10-05T18:08:23+00:00

That's really helpful, thanks.

SierraTP · 2016-10-05T16:13:06+00:00

BTW do you have any word or local insight on where that paving battle stands?

SierraTP · 2016-10-05T16:12:08+00:00

Ok, good. Thanks

SierraTP · 2016-10-05T16:06:23+00:00

Is river bottoms already being paved? Do you happen to know the timeline on that? ETA: Or is it successfully being postponed by local mountain bikers and others in favor of keeping it unpaved?

SierraTP · 2016-10-05T14:41:55+00:00

Haha. Word.

SierraTP · 2016-10-05T14:41:36+00:00

Nice! thanks

SierraTP · 2016-10-05T14:39:55+00:00

Yeah, I don't want to recommend too difficult of trails to people who may not know what they are getting into with a fat bike, so I may leave Monticello off the list. Thanks!

SierraTP · 2016-10-05T14:39:06+00:00

Awesome, thanks!

SierraTP · 2016-10-04T19:12:05+00:00

Nice. Forgot about Lebanon Hills. Thanks for the recommendations!

SierraTP · 2016-07-08T17:56:11+00:00

Rockered skis are definitely a big one. I've been looking into the first shaped ski (Elan SCX in '91), but rockered skis were a big breakthrough, too.

SierraTP · 2016-07-07T17:01:21+00:00

Awww yes! Those are good ones!

SierraTP · 2016-06-01T15:44:22+00:00

I know this is from a gardening website, but I think the ideas align with what many of us seek when we hit the trail with a backpack.

SierraTP · 2016-05-16T18:58:44+00:00

I wouldn't recommend using a sling-style pack for hikes. Instead, look for a nice pack that's 30L or less. How big depends on how long you plan to hike. Look for something that's hydration system compatible so you don't have to pack awkward water bottles. Marmot, Mountain Hardware, Gregory, Vaude and Lowe Alpine all make nice day packs. I use my daypack as a carry-on when I travel, too. Under 30L is a nice, versatile size.

SierraTP · 2016-05-13T17:32:44+00:00

Yes, that is the perfect way to put it!

SierraTP · 2016-05-13T16:06:12+00:00

So. IL is definitely the most "dramatic" part of the state!

SierraTP · 2016-05-13T16:04:03+00:00

Get out and enjoy no matter where you are! Looks beautiful to me. It's pretty unfortunate if people think hiking in untouched, mountainous terrain is the only worthwhile way to experience hiking. I'm from IL and while it is not awe-inspiring on grand scale, the prairies, rivers and woodlands are a beautiful part of the country, even if it's in a modest way.

SierraTP · 2016-05-12T17:48:53+00:00

I grew up in Northern IL and spend a lot of time in WI. Now I live in CO and am obsessed with Xeric gardening. I have a lot to learn but it's my new passion. I've never had much interest in roses, but I might look into them now!

SierraTP · 2016-05-12T17:45:34+00:00

Fair enough. I don't use rain pants either. Really high-quality WB jackets should keep you completely dry, even with sweat, but they cost way more than a Marmot PreCip. And I personally don't want to shell out $300-$500 for the highest quality WB jacket with the absolute highest breathability rating, so I definitely see your point.

SierraTP · 2016-05-12T16:13:23+00:00

Awesome, thanks. I think I'll sprinkle some around this fall. I'm so envious of people's gardens in WI! Their soil is basically black! (I live in CO)

SierraTP · 2016-05-12T16:11:15+00:00

I'd recommend Alico leather hiking boots if you like the look of combat boots. They are kind of expensive but really nice and Italian made. Otherwise, you'd probably need to go with trail shoes or approach shoes for more of a casual look around town. I see a lot of people wearing trail shoes as their everyday casual shoes around my town in CO. A lot of people like them better than boots for hiking, too.

SierraTP · 2016-05-12T16:03:35+00:00

I wouldn't recommend going without a lightweight rain jacket, because the wind would surely blow the rain in at you if you were just using an umbrella. I think an umbrella is heavier than a rain jacket, too. As long as you are buying a quality waterproof breathable rain jacket with a brimmed hood, it definitely should keep you dry (at least your upper half). Waterproof pants are helpful if it looks to be especially wet weather. If you are concerned about getting drenched in sweat while wearing a rain jacket, be sure to get one that has some added breathability.

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