Still in its relative infancy, fat bikes have been rising in popularity in ski towns and resorts around the world.
Fat bikes have been specifically designed for use on snowy paths, making use of an oversized wheel base to maintain traction in conditions that would normally be untenable for cyclists.
In a bid to capitalise the success of these broad-tyred bicycles, Mount Stirling is trialling an introduction to the sport throughout June and September this year and is encouraging enthusiasts to bring their fat bikes along with them.
Operating between the hours of 9am and 4pm on June and September weekends, Mt Stirling Resort Management hope to determine whether an opportunity exists for the fat bike experience to be developed further within the resort.
Marketing and communications manager Gillian Dobson said that Mount Stirling is an ideal location for people to experience fat biking for the first time as a result of the resort’s “natural beauty in both summer and winter”.
“Mount Stirling offers people a truly unique mountain experience as it is untouched by development,” she said. “The trial run of fat bikes will give riders the opportunity to explore Mount Stirling by bike, taking in some of the most amazing scenery, all in a safe and fun environment.”
Areas available for use by fat bikes are restricted to the Circuit Road from Telephone Box Junction (TBJ) to King Saddle and the Circuit Road from TBJ to Howqua Gap, depending on conditions.
The resort warns that riders will also need to check in with the ski patrol director at TBJ to identify what part of Circuit Road is available on each permitted day.
Any fat bikes used on Mount Stirling must have a minimum tyre tread width of 9.7cm.