To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and well-maintained winter trail experience, please follow these guidelines when using the groomed  bike trails at New Fane:

1. Use the Right Equipment

• Fat bikes (with tires 3.7 inches wide or greater) are the only bikes permitted on the groomed bike trails. Narrower tires sink into the surface, leaving ruts. These ruts freeze and can lead to trail conditions that are unsafe for riders. 

• Tire pressure guidelines for fat bikes:

  • • Soft Surface: 1-4 psi — Lower pressure will improve traction and flotation in soft snow to prevent ruts.

    • Firm Surface: 6-8 psi — Slightly higher pressure is ideal for hard-packed or icy trails.

• Why it matters: Grooming these trails takes significant time and effort, and not using the appropriate equipment or tire pressure undoes that work, leaving the trails unusable for their intended purpose.

• While not required, studded tires can significantly improve traction on icy sections, helping you ride safely without slipping.

2. Trail Usage Rules

• Only fat biking and snowshoeing are allowed on the groomed bike trails.

• For safety, hikers are not allowed on the bike trails at New Fane. We kindly ask that hikers stay off the groomed fat bike trails because their deep footprints (known as “post-holing”) damage the surface leaving the trails unusable for their intended purpose.

• Why it matters: Grooming trails takes significant time and effort, and hiking undoes that work. Please respect our volunteers and explore the dedicated hiking trails instead. 

3. Snowshoers are welcome! 

• Snowshoers play a crucial role in packing down the trail surface, which improves conditions for fat biking. Thank you for your contribution to keeping the trails in great shape!

• Snowshoers should travel in the opposite direction of bike traffic to ensure clear visibility and enhance safety.

4. Preserve the Groomed Surface

• Do not ride if your tires leave deep ruts. If your tires sink more than an inch, conditions are too soft to ride.

• Trails are best for riding when temperatures are consistently below freezing (32°F/0°C). 

• If daytime temperatures rise above freezing, especially with sun exposure, trails may become soft and prone to ruts. It’s best to ride early in the morning or after the temperature drops again in the evening.

5. Respect Trail Closures

• Trails may be closed due to grooming schedules or adverse conditions. Check Trailbot for trail conditions.

Thank you for respecting the rules and helping us make New Fane a great place for fat biking!