On Saturday, Feb. 7, Sugar Bottom Bikes and the Solon Centennial Lions Club held its ninth annual Lake Macbride Fat Tire Classic with a record-number 190 riders. The 15- and 30-mile bike ride continues to be one of the longest bike races in the state of Iowa and the biggest fundraiser for the Lions Club.
There’s a reason why the annual bike race is strict on fat tire use. The bike trail isn’t one long gravel trail, but a mix of all types of surfaces: gravel, scenic beaches, double track, offroad snowmobile trails, hiking trails, and more. A 3.8-inch wide tire allows for better tire traction during harsh weather conditions, including snow, which is typical for this time of year.
Making up the group of riders is a mix of competitive riders looking to top the field and people simply looking to support and go through the motions. The leaders of the 30-mile race typically finish around the two-hour mark, while the back-end of the race cruises to a five- or six-hour finish.
A $1,000 cash prize was split between the top three racers for men and women ($250, $150, and $100).
“My favorite part is just getting to interact with the riders as they go along,” said Brian