Fatbike Meetup in January
The Methow Fatbike Meetup, three days of events for fat biking enthusiasts, is scheduled for Jan. 14-16, 2022.
The event is sponsored by Methow Cycle & Sport, with activities at the Winthrop Town Trailhead, the town ball field and at the pump track adjacent to the ball field. Appropriate trail and parking passes will be required for the use of Methow Trails facilities.
Activities will include:
• On Friday, Jan. 14, and Saturday, Jan. 15, night rides from the Winthrop Town Trailhead. Begin gathering at 4:30 p.m. for a 5:30 p.m. departure. Methow Trails fat bike trail pass required.
• On Saturday, Jan. 15, a ride at Pearrygin Lake State Park to explore up to 20 miles of trails, starting at 10 a.m. Sno-Park permit required at the park. There will also be a “Fat and Happy Hour” gathering from 4-8 p.m. at Methow Cycle & Sport, and competitive activities on the pump track and ball field.
• On Sunday, Jan. 16, meet at the Pearrygin Lake State Park west campground for a ride along area trails, starting at 10 a.m. Sno-Park or Discover Pass permit required for parking.
For information, visit www.methowcyclesport.com, or call 996-3645.
First Day Hikes
Make it a memorable start to 2022 with a “First Day Hike” at either Pearrygin Lake State Park or Alta Lake State Park on Jan. 1. The hikes are free and you don’t need a Discover Pass to park, but a Sno-Park permit may be required.
• Pearrygin Lake offers a fat bike ride or snowshoe hike of 2 to 4 miles. Start at the Upper Rex Derr Trailhead at 10 a.m. for the hike or 10:30 a.m. for the bike ride. Prefer to go on foot? Bring your snowshoes, and head out along the same trail ahead of the bikers. A daily or seasonal Sno-Park Permit is required for each vehicle entering Pearrygin Lake Sno-Park. For information, contact organizer Bryan Alexander at bryan.alexander@parks.wa.gov or call 996-2370.
• Alta Lake offers a 1-mile hike over moderate terrain starting at the state park office at 10 a.m. Following the hike there will be a discussion the Carlton Complex Fire in 2014 and how it changed much of the geography of the area. For kids, there will be an activity about camping etiquette in the campgrounds. For information, contact organizer Joe Giampietri at joseph.giampietri@parks.wa.gov or call (509) 923-2473.
COVID testing update
In response to the current surge in COVID cases, including spread of the coronavirus associated with athletic contests earlier this month, the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has announced updates to its requirements for competitors. All of Liberty Bell High School’s winter sports athletes, as well as coaches and support personnel, will be required to test three times per week, regardless of vaccination status, according to Activities Director Michael Wilbur.
Snowshoe with Eric
Methow At Home offers a free snowshoe outing, open to all, with former forest ranger Eric Burr, on Jan. 12 starting at 9 a.m. from the Mazama Store. Register at methowathome.clubexpress.com.
