The Forge Fat Tire Bike Race & Tour, Partnered with the Bike Hub, was the first Fat Tire race in the Chicagoland area in January 2022. The race takes 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.
2023 Information and registration to be confirmed.
As this is a winter event, expect 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.
The course conditions can vary widely, from hard-packed to soft powder, to 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.
The Forge Fat Tire Bike Race is developed based on trail and weather conditions that traverse the wide gravel trails, a newly developed double and 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 tour the trails at their own pace casually. E-Bikes 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.
