Turkey trots aren’t the only option to move en masse Thanksgiving Day.

The Turkey Day Fatbike Ride is set for the holiday morning through the flood plain forest of the Minnesota River Bottoms on Nov. 24.

“I didn’t have anything planned [in the morning] and thought, ‘What the heck. Why not plan a ride?’ I have been on others, and they were always a lot of fun,” said organizer and cycling blogger Chris Chavie.

The fat tire ride happens from 8 to 11 a.m., said Chavie, who has been scouting the area. Flooding and weather have created conditions have demanded some bushwhacking. The ride is casual and self-supported, meaning riders are responsible for themselves.Riders should meet at the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge parking lot in Bloomington.

Another ride by fat bike during the holiday period is the Pie Burner Thanksgiving Weekend Fatbike Ride on Nov. 26 in Hibbing, Minn. In its fourth year, the ride starts at 9 a.m. at Palmers Tavern. The ride fee is a donation to Toys for Tots.

Search for both events by name on Facebook for more details. Or go to Chavie’s popular Minnesota cycling blog online at mnbiketrailnavigator.blogspot.com.

Here is a recent post by Chavie ot the Facebook page:

Barring a major snow melt between now and Thursday morning making the trail susceptible to damage, we will start at the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge Parking Lot. I'm waiting to see how the rest of this storm pans out for the final route disclosure. Stay tuned, I will post an update with final details sometime tomorrow. Please remember that you are on your own and to plan accordingly for the weather, trail conditions and bring the water, tools and food you need to get you back to the start.

There will be no sweeper to make sure you are on course, so if you are unfamiliar with the MN River Bottoms, please ride with a friend that knows the trails. I will give a directional course but more advanced riders may follow the bushwhacking sections off the main trail. Please ride within your skill level and stick to the main trail if you are uncomfortable with the more advanced sections off the beaten path.

And, again you are responsible for you. No one will bail you out in the event of a mechanical, bring the things you need to get you back to the start. If you want support, bring a friend to ride with that will help you.

Bob Timmons