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Hi! Yeah, I know it is Friday and not Thursday. Spring is busy and the bike shop is doing a bit o’ business now. Here is an important question going forward and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Do you like the Thursday night delivery of the Weekly Dose of Fat?
Would you prefer Friday morning delivery?
I’m genuinely curious. what you all think. Email me at [email protected] and let me know what you think.
It is another light week in fat-bike news but we’ve got a couple things worth noting. Let’s get into it!
1. Top Stories
Lake Ehfect EX - Made UP's Five-Year Vision Gets a V2.0
Longer wheelbase, 197mm rear end, integrated rack, Cerakote OD green and hunter orange. Yep!
Todd Poquette is working on a new version of his original vision, the Lake Ehfect. As Todd describes, “Lake Ehfect was intentionally designed from the bottom bracket U.P. to become the ultimate fat, mountain, gravel, bikepacking, all-terrain bike on the market. Born to adventure.” You can check out the original story here - https://madeupeh.com/pages/lake-ehfect
The new version, Lake Effect EX is a reimagining of the original idea. Todd says “Here we are five years later. That is... crazy to say out loud. Lake Ehfect V2.0. Longer wheelbase. Integrated rack. 197mm rear end this time around (V1.0 was 177mm). Kicked the seat tube angle a degree or two back. Cerakote OD green and hunter orange finish. It's headed to Winnebago Bicycle right now to get built up. Stay tuned for more on this unique fat/adventure bike!
WOT Roll Top Handlebar Bag — A Dispatch from the Fat-bike Lab
Made by hand in Wakayama, Japan.
This is a first in what I hope will become a regular occurrence. Fat-bike Lab community member Dunk Wilson spotted the WOT Roll Top bag on a fellow rider's Smokestone, ordered one, and wrote it up in detail. It mounts with two rubber straps and a support loop, doesn't move, and opens mid-ride without pulling over. The maker is a one-person operation out of Wakayama, Japan. Have a look at Dunk’s story!
https://news.fat-bike.com/p/wot-handlebar-bag-review-by-dunk-wilson
Do you have a story about an event, an item to review or just a feel good fat-bike ditty? Send ‘em to me and I’ll make you famous! [email protected].
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2. You May Have Missed These
Port Washington Ice & Sand Fat-bike Excursion (March 23, 2026) — https://fat-bike.com/2026/03/port-washington-ice-sand-fat-bike-excursion/ Pre-ride beer at the American Legion Post, then onto the beach. This Wisconsin group ride report is a good reminder that Lake Michigan is right there, and spring beach season is already open.
Micro Dose #11 — Paragon Closes, Alaska Adventure, and Spring Events (April 4, 2026) — https://fat-bike.com/2026/04/weekly-dose-of-fat-micro-dose-11/ If you missed the podcast version of early April: Paragon Machines shutting down its framebuilding supply operation, the Alaska expedition mid-march, and spring race season opening up. Five minutes, worth the listen.
Fat Bike Gear Recommendations (Updated monthly) — https://fat-bike.com/2026/01/fat-bike-gear-recommendations/ (From the archive) Before summer riding really kicks in, this running gear list is worth a scroll. Updated regularly with picks from around the fat-bike world. Tires, racks, bags, components etc.
3. Races & Events
Tour de Towner — May 24, 2026 — COMING UP
Fat-bike friendly community ride, two weeks out.
Fat bikes are welcome at the Tour de Towner on May 24. Two weeks away. If you are in the Milwaukee area, get it on the calendar.
Otter Creek Trail Festival — June 12–13, 2026 — Mandan, ND
North Dakota's premier trail weekend, fat bike categories included, $4,200 in cash prizes.
Two days of racing and riding at Harmon Lake Recreation Area near Mandan with nearly 20 miles of professionally built singletrack, on-site camping, food, and a community that makes the Bismarck-Mandan area look like it’s worth the drive. Fat bike and e-bike categories are part of the lineup. As of today, 163 spots remain.
Registration closes May 27. https://www.bikesignup.com/Race/ND/Mandan/OtterCreek55
That’s what I’ve got for this week. See you in a week or two!
Greg
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