A big thank you to recent supporters - Michael S., Joshua M. and Phil C. Your contributions go directly toward keeping fat-bike.com running. If you'd like to chip in, you can do so at ko-fi.com/fatbike.

Section 232 tariffs on bikes and e-bikes are halted, but a new fight begins April 15.

Following an industry-wide mobilization resulting in over 1,300 comments, the White House announced that bicycles, e-bikes, and frames will not be subject to new Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs as of April 6, 2026. Existing steel tariffs on e-bikes are also being removed. However, the industry remains on high alert as a Section 301 investigation continues; public comments for that phase are due by April 15, 2026.

https://www.peopleforbikes.org/news/2026-bike-industry-tariff-updates

One of only 28 in the nation, the city is recognized for its elite winter fat-bike infrastructure.

IMBA officially recognized Anchorage as a 2026 Trail Town on March 31. The city joins just 27 others nationwide in a network committed to trail stewardship, collaboration, and expanding access to outdoor recreation. The designation highlights the extensive winter fat-bike routes at Far North Bicentennial Park, the 50+ miles of mountain bike-specific singletrack at Kincaid Park and the Hillside, and over 120 miles of paved multiuse trails citywide. Notably, any point in Anchorage is within 20 minutes of a trail. The city has five mountain biking nonprofits, and the designation has been 20 years in the making according to Will Taygan, executive director of Chugach Mountain Bike Riders. Local leaders expect the recognition to strengthen partnerships with land managers, tourism agencies, and funders for long-term trail expansion.

https://alaskapublic.org/news/anchorage/2026-04-03/anchorage-recognized-nationally-as-a-trail-town

Ned Rozell and Forest Wagner have left Manley Hot Springs well behind. As of April 3, they're in Ruby - riding the Yukon River through one of the most remote stretches of the entire 700-mile journey to Nome.

When we last checked in, the duo had covered 145 miles in five days, arriving at Manley Hot Springs tired and ready for showers. That was the easy part.

From Manley, they pushed west to Tanana via a new winter road to the Yukon River. Rozell describes the moment he first saw Forest standing in front of the Yukon: "My jaw dropped to my chest in a real-life cliche. You forget how big this river is when you haven't seen it for a while."

The 120-mile section between Tanana and Ruby is the stretch Rozell said kept him up at night back in January. Few people travel it. There are no services, just a handful of remote log cabins separated by miles of frozen river, a bulbous waxing moon overhead, and ice four feet thick beneath their tires. The only other travelers they encountered were solo snowmachiners in praying mantis helmets who waved or gave a thumbs-up before disappearing into the deep snow.

"Two ants crawling over a cold moon," is how Rozell described them. Every hour they stop, plant their boots on the trail, and eat. When they stop chewing, he writes, "the hum of utter silence wraps itself around us like a hug."

In Tanana, they were reminded of a different kind of quiet - the absence of salmon. Fish wheels that once pulled king and chum from the river sit anchored in snow at the boat landing. They'll stay there again this summer.

As of April 3, they've reached Ruby and are continuing west toward Nome. These dispatches are six days old.

I didn’t notice any new releases this week. If you come across anything you think the fat-bike community would like to know about just hit reply and let me know!

In the Lab this week, the community was asked about their unpopular fat-bike opinions - and it turns out this community has some strong takes. The conversation covered the e-bike debate, drivetrain preferences, and the real-world impact of frame material versus cockpit setup. Join the ongoing discussion at fat-bike.com/community.

(Fat-bike Lab is free to join.)

As winter softens into spring, many of us crave energy that feels clean and steady. Not the jittery spike-and-crash kind.

That’s why I keep coming back to Sun Goddess Matcha by Pique. It’s easily the best matcha I’ve tasted.

In a market full of dull, bitter powders, this ceremonial-grade matcha stands apart for both flavor and purity. Crafted by Japanese tea masters and shaded 35% longer, it’s naturally rich in antioxidants and L-theanine to support calm focus and balanced energy.

The result is vibrant, smooth matcha that carries you through brighter mornings and fuller days. No spikes. No crashes. Just sustained energy that works with your body.

If you’re ready for a better morning ritual, try Sun Goddess Matcha here. 🌿🍵

Get 20% off for life

May 15-17, 2026 | Cannon Beach, Oregon

Registration is now open for this premier beach event. Highlights for 2026 include a "Choose Your Own Adventure" quest, a limited-capacity brewery tour, and the signature 13-mile beach ride to Hug Point timed for low tide.

https://www.cannonbeach.org/events-and-festivals/annual-events/fat-bike-festival

April 18, 2026 | Hugo, Minnesota

A "last call" for regional spring riding hosted by Rocket Racing. Liberty Classic Academy, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

https://www.bikemn.org/events/fat-happy-spring-thaw-2026/

Reddit user u/fatbikeamerica is currently documenting a massive, self-powered solo bikepacking trek across the lower 48 states. A grassroots reminder of what a fat bike can do under its own power over long distance.

https://www.reddit.com/user/fatbikeamerica/

Thanks for being here. More fat-bike goodness coming your way next Thursday - new gear, some riding, and whatever the trails throw at us this week.

What are you riding right now, or what's on the wish list? Hit reply - I read every one.

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Greg

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